They’re difficult to prevent and even more difficult to treat.  Dark spots on the skin  tend to appear on exposed areas, such as the  face ,  hands  , or chest. What are they, and are there any  natural remedies  that can actually help? They can be small scars, such as the mark left by a pimple that took a while to heal, or hyperpigmentation, or increased melanin levels, typical signs of aging.

What are dark spots on the skin?

Dark spots on the skin can be small scars, such as the mark left by a  pimple  that has taken a long time to heal, or hyperpigmentation, or thickening of melanin, a typical sign of aging. These areas form when the pigment that determines skin color is overproduced.

In reality, they can be divided into two other categories: some dark marks are the result of  post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation , appearing as dark or pink marks, or a change in skin texture, resulting in depressed or raised scars.  Pigmented scars  are caused by a lesion in the pigment-forming layer of the epidermis, while  structural scars  are caused by actual tears in the dermis.

Other times they are the result of prolonged exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays , which stimulate the production of melanin as a defense mechanism of the skin, or of  hormonal changes  , such as those that occur during  pregnancy  or with the use of oral contraceptives.

How to lighten them with natural remedies

There are some  natural remedies  that can be really helpful.

Turmeric

Turmeric   can inhibit melanin production, which causes dark spots due to hyperpigmentation. Create a mask using one part turmeric and one part honey. If desired, you can enhance the lightening process with a few drops of lemon juice, as long as your skin isn’t overly sensitive and the citrus fruit doesn’t come into contact with any wounds, such as pimples .

Almond oil

Another skin-strengthening ingredient is sweet almond oil . The presence of vitamin E and niacin helps fight hyperpigmentation and improve skin tone. Since it’s generally considered non-comedogenic (meaning it won’t clog pores), you can add it to your nighttime routine as a makeup remover or moisturizer.

Tomato

This time, the treatment isn’t topical.  Tomatoes  are good for the skin because they’re rich in lycopene, which also protects the skin from the sun. Eat delicious tomato and olive oil salads every day, especially before going to the beach.

Papaya

Papaya  contains fruit acids known as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), widely used in cosmetics because they act as chemical exfoliants. AHAs are used for dry skin, wrinkle prevention, and improve skin by removing the upper layers where dead cells accumulate. This  fruit is also very effective at boosting collagen production. Mash up a little papaya and apply it to blemishes.

Aloe vera

Aloe can be ingested in the form of aloe vera drinks or applied to the skin as a  moisturizer or soothing cream by breaking open the plant leaf and dabbing the sticky substance onto the scar. Don’t have an aloe plant handy? Aloe vera gel is available practically everywhere, even at the supermarket.

Potatoes

Potatoes  have a lightening effect. You can make a mask by grating a raw potato and mixing it with a tablespoon of honey. Apply it to dark spots and leave it on for 15 minutes  .

Yogurt

Yogurt appears to be very useful for lightening dark spots, thanks to the exfoliating properties of lactic acid, an AHA. This acid is gentler on the skin than other chemical exfoliants and helps correct pH imbalances, improving tone and texture, and reducing redness.  You  can apply yogurt directly to clean skin and leave it on for about ten minutes.

Buttermilk

Buttermilk , a type of butter cream, has properties similar to yogurt. Mix 4 teaspoons of buttermilk with 2  teaspoons of tomato juice and apply the mixture to your skin for 15 minutes before rinsing with warm water.

Lemon juice

Lemon juice is   a fairly common ingredient that can significantly lighten your spots in about two weeks. Be careful, though, as it can make you photosensitive. How do you use it? Pour it on a cotton ball and rub it on the dark spot for a few minutes. Lemons can also be combined with a teaspoon of yogurt or oil to counteract acidity.

Oatmeal

Grind 10 grams of  oat flakes  and add 1-2 teaspoons of lemon juice to form a paste. Rub the mixture into your skin, creating a gentle scrub. The amino acids in  oatmeal are known to have a skin-brightening effect , as is the  vitamin E it is rich in.