All-Natural Treatments for Age Spots

Age spots are those brown blotches that look a bit like freckles that we can on our skin as we get older. Age spots are caused by the sun, which causes the skin to produce melanin. Over time, the increased melanin along with our skin's increased inability to protect us from harmful UV rays will cause the dark spots on the skin. Of course, you can lessen and even avoid the development of age spots by limiting the amount of time you spend in the sun, using sunscreen, exercising, eating a variety of fruits and vegetables, and taking antioxidant supplements; i.e., vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and selenium. However, if you have already developed age spots, there are some all-natural ways to soften their appearance.

Lemon Juice and Buttermilk
Early settlers in my home state of Tennessee would combine fresh lemon and buttermilk to make a mask to apply to age spots. Both lemon juice and buttermilk act as mild bleaching agents, which also means that they can be used separately. (I just use straight lemon juice.) Simply apply to skin. Wait about 15-20 minutes and rinse. Apply a lotion to prevent dryness.

Aloe Vera
We all are familiar with aloe vera as a treatment for burns. It can also be used to diminish the appearance of age spots. To make a great after-sun moisturizer, melt 1 tablespoon of beeswax with 6 tablespoons of almond oil in a double boiler or bain marie. Dissolve ¼ teaspoon borax in 3 tablespoons distilled or mineral water in a second bowl. Pour 2 tablespoons of aloe vera juice into a third bowl. Slowly mix the borax and water into the aloe vera juice and then pour this slowly into the melted beeswax. Beat constantly until it starts to cool. Stir in the contents of 1 capsule each of vitamins A and E. Beat until cold and store in sealed glass jars. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Eggs and Epsom Salts
In northern Italy, a traditional treatment used to lighten age spots and freckles is made using eggs and Epsom salts. Simply beat two whole eggs. Blend in a tablespoon of heavy cream and a teaspoon of Epsom salts. Use a cotton swab to apply this mixture to your age spots. Leave on the skin for about 10 minutes and then rinse. Apply a lotion to prevent dryness.

All of these all-natural remedies must be used on a regular basis, because it does take time to lighten age spots. They may or may not totally eliminate the age spots; however, they will lighten them and help to make them less noticeable. As with any herbal treatment, you should test a small patch of skin for any allergic reactions before using.

References:

Caroline Foley, Jill Nice, and Marcus A. Webb. New Herb Bible. NY, NY: Viking Studio, 2002 p. 113.

Dian Dincin Buchman, Ph.D. Ancient Healing Secrets. Avenel, NJ: Crescent Books, 1996, pp. 6-9.