How To Remove Brown Spots From Your Face?

January 18, 2017 at 7:00 PM

Have you ever wondered how to get rid of brown spots (sometimes also called age spots or blemishes) on face with medical and natural treatments? In this detailed and evidence based article you will learn about causes, medical remedies and natural treatment options for brown spots.

Contents

  1. What are brown spots?
  2. What causes brown spots?
    1. Skin conditions such as melasma
    2. Liver disease
    3. Addison’s disease
    4. Hemochromatosis
    5. Pituitary tumors
  3. How to get rid of brown spots on face?
  4. Medical treatment options
    1. Prescription medicines
    2. Medical procedures
  5. Home remedies for brown spots on face
    1. Lemon juice
    2. Chickpea or gram flour
    3. Aloe vera
    4. Horseradish
    5. Buttermilk
    6. Sandalwood
    7. Red currant
    8. Yogurt
    9. Apple cider vinegar
    10. Castor oil
    11. Onion juice
    12. Papaya
    13. Some other home remedies
  6. Things to remember

What are brown spots?

A brown spot refers to an area of increased pigmentation (hyperpigmentation) on the skin that usually occurs in middle-aged females. These areas are the result of piling up of skin pigment called melanin.

These spots are mostly present on the face, cheeks or forehead. They are frequently called age spots as they naturally appear when you grow older.

However some brown spots may be an indication of serious skin conditions, such as skin cancer and you should therefore always consult a dermatologist to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.

This article features a detailed look at causes and treatment options (both medical ones as well as home remedies) for brown spots.

What causes brown spots?

Brown spots can be caused by a number of different factors.

Overview of causes of brown spots on face

Overview of causes of brown spots on face

Some of these include:

Skin conditions such as melasma

Melasma is one of the major causes of brown patches on the face. Melasma develops due to the stimulation of melanin secreting cells (melanocytes) by factors like hormones, mainly progesterone (1). That’s why; it is common in females, especially pregnant females. It usually affects the cheeks, forehead, or the portion between your mouth and nose.

Liver disease

Patients suffering from hepatic disorders frequently have brown spots appear on their face. Again, it is due to the hormonal imbalance that follows liver disease (2).

Addison’s disease

The presence of brown spots could indicate that you are suffering from Addison’s disease. This disorder results from the inability of adrenal glands to secrete enough aldosterone and cortisol hormones. One of the side effects of this hormonal imbalance is excessive melanin production, leading to brown spots (3).

Hemochromatosis

Stemming from excessive absorption of iron, this disorder disturbs the normal functions of important organs such as heart, liver, and pancreas. It is a hereditary disorder passed from one generation to the next. Patients suffering from this disease may have brown spots on their face (4).

Pituitary tumors

Pituitary tumors are abnormal masses or growths that appear in the pituitary glands. They can have a negative impact on the production of hormones and thus impair many body functions. This disease may be the cause of brown spots and blemishes (5).

How to get rid of brown spots on face?

The treatments for facial brown spots range from medical treatments to natural methods. But one thing that you should always keep in mind is that the brown spots on your face are almost always due to some underlying medical condition. So unless you treat that condition from within, you can’t expect to permanently get rid of these spots.

For that purpose, you should always consult a physician to get yourself checked. It is important because these spots may due to simple hormonal changes and may even point towards something more sinister.

However, there is still much hope!

The available cosmetic procedures like laser and even natural methods can help a great deal in making these spots less prominent, if not eliminate them completely.

Everyone is different so everyone would not get the same result from the same treatment. Also, you may need to undergo a treatment or a procedure for longer than others to get rid of these spots.

With these points in mind, let’s get to the available medical and home remedies for facial brown spots.

Medical treatment options

Here is an overview of medicines and procedures for treatment of brown spots and blemishes:

Prescription medicines

Prescription medicines used for treatment of brown spots include bleaching creams, sunscreens and creams and ointment (6, 7).

  • Bleaching creams with hydroquinone: Your dermatologist may recommend using bleach creams with hydroquinone to treat the brown spots so that they gradually fade away. It usually takes several months to wait for brown spots to fade using a bleaching cream. 
  • Sunscreens: You should wear a sunscreen every time you step outside when you are receiving treatment for brown spots.
  • Creams and ointments: Your dermatologist may also recommend you a cream or an ointment containing vitamin A (Retin-A) or other antioxidants. These creams help fight oxidative damage due to sunrays or due to the buildup of toxins in your body and may therefore help fight brown spots.

Medical procedures

Talk to your dermatologist or plastic surgeon regarding the best medical procedure for your skin type. Medical procedures for brown spots include (8, 9, 10):

  • Laser therapy: you probably know, that laser therapy is a common method for scar removal. However it can also be an effective method to get rid of brown spots as it may help destroy skin cells producing excessive melanin. 
  • Chemical peels: Your dermatologist may recommend you chemical peels. Chemical peels work to remove the outer layers of skin, allowing new skin to appear in its place.
  • Dermabrasion: This procedure involves sanding off the outer layers of the skin so that new skin can appear in its place.
  • Cryosurgery: It is a procedure that involves freezing the melanin producing cells with liquid nitrogen. It results in visible reduction of brown spots.

Home remedies for brown spots on face

There are several home remedies that may help you lighten up, if not eliminate, brown spots. 

However these remedies are not backed up by scientific research and their effects are purely anectodal.

Some of these treatment options helped some people get rid of brown spots on face but you should not expect miracles and should only use these remedies with prior consent of your dermatologist.

Here are some of the most popular natural treatments for brown spots with detailed instructions on how to make the remedy and use it.

Lemon juice

Lemon juice is a great remedy that naturally lightens the brown spots on the face due to its bleaching property. Citric acid in lemon works wonders on the skin by safely removing the dead skin cells and brings out the fresh new layers of the skin below and eventually makes it lighter by restoring radiance of your skin.

However, here are a few words of caution for you:

  • Be careful not to go out in the sun after applying lemon juice on the skin as it might make your skin darker than before.
  • Individuals with sensitive skin should be especially careful while using it as it may cause irritation and redness.
  • If you have a sensitive skin, you can apply lemon juice by diluting it in rose water to prevent any irritation.

Here is a picture summarizing 5 best ways to use lemon juice as a brown spot remedy.

Lemon juice as a remedy for brown spots on your face

Lemon juice as a remedy for brown spots on your face

And here is a detailed description of each remedy, with instructions:

Method #1- Plain lemon juice

You will require:

  • A fresh lemon
  • A knife

Directions:

  • Take a fresh lemon and cut it to slices.
  • Rub the slices over the brown spots on your face.
  • Leave it on for about ten-fifteen minutes and then wash it off with water.
  • Dry your skin with a clean towel.
  • Store any remaining slices in the fridge for later use
  • If you have any difficulty in applying the lemon slices directly to your face, you can apply the lemon juice using a cotton ball instead.
  • You should repeat this procedure once a day. You would be able to see results in a month or so with regular use of this method.

Method #2 - Lemon juice and sugar mask

In this remedy, lemon juice will bleach your skin and the sugar granules will exfoliate it to make the brown spots disappear. It will also brighten your skin complexion.

You will require:

  • Lime juice
  • Sugar

Directions:

  • Take 3 teaspoons of lemon juice and 2 teaspoons of sugar and mix them well together.
  • Apply this mixture on the spots on your face.
  • Rub it on gently for five minutes and leave it on for about half an hour.
  • Then wash it off with water and dry your face with a towel.
  • Apply this mixture once a day to clear the brown spots.

Method #3 - Lemon juice and turmeric paste

You will require:

  • Two teaspoons of lemon juice
  • One teaspoon of turmeric powder

Directions:

  • Take two teaspoons of lemon juice and combine it with one teaspoon of turmeric powder.
  • Mix it well till it forms a paste and then apply this mixture on brown spots on your face.
  • Allow the mixture to dry completely for half an hour and then wash it off with water.
  • Repeat this process every day until the brown spots disappear from your face.
  • For a more effective outcome, you can also add fresh parsley paste to this mixture and then apply it on the spots.

Method #4 - Lemon and tomato juice paste

You will require:

  • Four teaspoons of lemon juice
  • Two tomatoes

Directions:

  • Take two tomatoes and extract their juice using a grinder.
  • Combine the tomato juice with four teaspoons of lemon juice.
  • Combine these juices in a bowel and apply this paste onto your face.
  • Leave it on for about half an hour and then rinse it off with water. Dry your face with a clean towel.
  • Keep in mind that use of lemon juice will not yield any magic results in a week for getting rid of the brown spots. You have to use this for at least two months to get good results and to lighten your skin tone.

Method #5 - Potato and honey and lemon paste

You will require:

  • Two teaspoons of lemon juice
  • One teaspoon of honey
  • Milk, enough to turn the mixture into a dense paste
  • One mashed potatoes

Directions:

  • Take one mashed potatoe, two teaspoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, some milk and one teaspoon of honey.
  • Combine these ingredients to prepare a face mask and apply this on the areas where the brown spots have appeared.
  • Leave the mask on for a few minutes till it gets dry and then rinse it off with water.
  • This remedy helps to diminish or remove the dark or brown or age spots on your face if applied regularly.

Chickpea or gram flour

Chickpea or gram flour is an excellent remedy for the removal of brown spots from the face.

You will need:

  • Two teaspoons of gram flour
  • Lemon juice extracted from half a wedge of lemon
  • One teaspoon of tomato juice
  • Two pinches turmeric powder
  • Some rose water
  • A teaspoon of milk or curd
  • A few drops of almond or castor oil

Directions:

  • Cut a lemon into slices, take half a slice and extract the juice from it.
  • Now add some rose water into a bowl and dip the lemon slice in it.
  • Then take two teaspoons of gram flour, a teaspoon of milk or curd, lime juice, a teaspoon of tomato juice and two pinches of turmeric powder into a bowl and mix it well till you get a paste.
  • Apply this paste on the affected area of your face with brown spots.
  • Leave it on for about 20 minutes or till it dries naturally.
  • After it dries, take a few drops of castor or almond oil onto your fingers.
  • Start scrubbing your face gently with your fingers to remove the paste but don’t apply force on it.
  • Continue this scrubbing process for about 3 – 6 minutes.
  • Now take the lemon rind dipped in rose water.
  • Rub the area with brown spots with lemon rind and after removing the paste, rinse your face with water.
  • Follow this remedy twice a day for ten days till you get a glowing skin complexion with no brown spots.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera is a great natural way for curing skin conditions.

Some of the many benefits of Aloe vera include:

  • It has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that help to keep your skin fresh, hydrated and young.
  • Its regenerative and healing properties make it an excellent remedy for brown spots on the face as it replaces dead skin cells with new ones.
  • It would be very easy for you if you have an aloe vera plant at home or in your garden. Even if you don’t have aloe vera in at home, you can easily get the aloe vera paste from the market.

Here is a picture and detailed instructions on how to make an aloe vera based remedy for brown spots on your face.

How to use aloe vera as a brown spot cure?

How to use aloe vera as a brown spot cure?

You will need:

  • Aloe vera leaves
  • A knife

Directions:

  • Take an aloe vera leaf. Make a cut on it with a knife and squeeze out the gel with your fingers.
  • Dab this gel over the brown spots on your face.
  • It will feel sticky once it dries but don’t worry at keep it on for about half an hour.
  • Wash it off with clean water.
  • Use this remedy twice daily for three to four weeks.

Horseradish

Horseradish is another effective skin remedy that gives you a spotless skin. 

Here are some methods how to use horseradish for your skin spots:

Method #1 - Horseradish and apple cider vinegar exfoliant

In this method, horseradish is paired with vinegar to exfoliate the skin. It gradually lightens the brown spots.

You will need:

  • Some pieces of horseradish
  • Half a cup of apple cider vinegar
  • A bottle or a glass container

Directions:

  • Take a 5-6 inch long piece of horseradish and grate it finely.
  • Take half a cup of apple cider vinegar and add the grated horseradish to the apple cider vinegar.
  • Stir it well and store it in a container for two weeks without disturbing it.
  • Take it out after two weeks and shake it to mix it well. Strain this concoction into any storage container that has a lid on it.
  • Apply some of the horseradish-vinegar on the brown spots and store the rest of the vinegar in your fridge.
  • Continue applying this remedy thrice a week until the brown spots disappear completely.
  • This combination is not suitable for all skin types. If you experience any irritation or stinging, discontinue its use immediately.

Method #2 - Horseradish paste

You will need:

  • Horseradish
  • Some water

Directions

  • Take a piece of horseradish and grind it. Add water to it to prepare a paste.
  • Apply this on the brown spots directly and leave it on for about half an hour.
  • Wash it off with water and repeat this process every day till you get rid of the brown spots.

Buttermilk

Lactic acid in buttermilk helps to exfoliate the skin (especially pigmented areas of the skin) and removes brown spots. It lightens the skin tone and gives it a fresher look. In Ayurvedic medicine, buttermilk holds utmost importance as it keeps the body cool when you drink it.

There are many ways how you may use buttermilk to deal with brown spots on your face.

Some of the best ones include:

Method # 1- Plain buttermilk

You will require:

  • A small bowl of buttermilk
  • Some clean cotton

Directions:

  • Take a small bowl of buttermilk and some cotton
  • Dip the cotton into the buttermilk and squeeze out the excess buttermilk.
  • Dab this ball over the brown spots on your face and leave it on for ten to fifteen minutes. After that, wash it off with water.
  • If your skin is oily or has acne, then you are advised to add some lemon juice to the buttermilk before applying it on your face.
  • Repeat this remedy regularly until the brown spots disappear.
  • You can also drink buttermilk daily to acquire its numerous benefits for health and skin.
  • For an immediate effect, wash your face with buttermilk to get rid of brown spots.

Method #2 - Buttermilk and tomato juice rinse

You will need:

  • Four teaspoons of buttermilk
  • Two teaspoons of tomato juice

Directions:

  • Take four teaspoons of buttermilk and two teaspoons tomato juice into a small bowl.
  • Combine these ingredients, apply the mixture on your face and leave it on for twenty to thirty minutes.
  • Wash it off with water and apply twice daily regularly to get best results.

Sandalwood

Sandalwood has potent anti-microbial and anti-aging properties that help to treat the hyperpigmentation of the skin and helps to maintain a clear complexion by removing the brown spots on the face.

3 ways to use sandalwood as a home remedy for brown spots

3 ways to use sandalwood as a home remedy for brown spots

You may use it in the following ways:

Method #1 - Sandalwood paste

You will need:

  • Two tablespoons of sandalwood powder
  • Two tablespoons of rosewater
  • A teaspoon of glycerin
  • Cold water
  • A small bowl

Directions:

  • Add all these ingredients to a bowl.
  • Mix them together well to prepare a paste and apply this paste as a face pack over the brown spots.
  • Leave it on for fifteen minutes till it dries completely and naturally.
  • Then wash it off with cold water and pat dry your skin with a clean towel.
  • For best results, apply this face pack twice a week regularly for removal of brown spots from the face.

Method #2 - Sandalwood exfoliant

You will need:

  • Two tablespoons of sandalwood powder
  • A tablespoon of orange juice
  • A teaspoon of lemon juice
  • Two capsules of vitamin E
  • A bowl

Directions:

  • Take sandalwood powder, lemon juice, orange juice and vitamin E in a bowl. Mix these ingredients well together to prepare a paste.
  • Apply this over the brown spots on your face.
  • Leave it on for thirty-forty minutes and then wash it off.
  • Repeat the same remedy few times a week to get rid of brown spots completely.

Method #3 - Sandalwood and olive oil mix

You will require:

  • A few drops of sandalwood oil
  • A tablespoon of olive oil or almond oil
  • A small bowl

Directions:

  • Take a small bowl and pour a few drops of sandalwood and a tablespoon of olive oil or almond oil in it
  • Mix it and apply it over the affected area before going to bed at night
  • Massage this mixture on your skin gently for few minutes and then leave it on over the night.
  • Wash it off the next morning
  • Repeat this remedy regularly before you go to bed for a few weeks to get rid of the brown spots on your face.

Red currant

High levels of anti-oxidants in red currants make it an ideal remedy for brown spots.

Their topical application helps the skin in fighting against brown spots, sunspots and age spots in two ways.

  • First of all, it amps up the skin’s innate healing ability to recover from the brown spots.
  • The second one is that it shields the skin against harmful UV rays and other free radicals in the sunlight that may worsen the problem of brown spots.

You may use red currant in the following ways:

Method #1 - Red currant paste

You will require:

  • A quarter cup of unripe red currants
  • A tablespoon of honey
  • Warm water
  • Some rosewater
  • Lemon juice
  • Water

Directions:

  • Take a quarter cup of unripe red currants and mash them with a spoon to prepare a paste.
  • Add a tablespoon of honey to this paste and mix them well.
  • Apply this mixture on the brown spots on your face.
  • Leave it on for about half an hour and then wash it off.
  • Then apply some lemon juice diluted in rose water or plain water.
  • Repeat this process regularly to get rid of brown spots.

Method #2 - Currant rinse

You will need:

  • Currant juice
  • Parsley juice
  • Lemon juice
  • Orange juice

Directions:

  • Take equal quantities of all these juices mentioned above.
  • Mix them together well and apply them on the brown spots.
  • Wait for about fifteen minutes and wash this juice mixture off with water.
  • Repeat this process daily for a month.

Yogurt

Lactic acid in yogurt has gentle bleaching properties which makes your complexion lighter by many tones and provides relief from the brown spots. Make a yogurt face pack and use this for better and effective results.

Besides eating yogurt daily, here is how you can use yogurt in treatment of brown blemishes:

Method #1 - Yogurt and oatmeal mix

You will need:

  • A tablespoon of plain yogurt
  • Two tablespoons of ground oatmeal
  • A teaspoon of fresh lime juice
  • A small bowl
  • Cold water

Directions:

  • Put some oatmeal, yogurt and freshly squeezed lemon juice in a small bowl.
  • Mix all these ingredients to prepare a paste.
  • Then apply this paste over the brown spots on your face.
  • Leave it on for half an hour and then wash it off with water.
  • Pat your face dry with a towel and apply some moisturizer if needed.
  • Follow this remedy for once a week and then two times a week for a couple of months to get best results of lightening the brown spots on your face.

Method #2 - Plain yogurt mask

You will require:

  • Plain yogurt
  • Some cold water

Directions:

  • Take a bowl of plain yogurt.
  • Apply it directly over the brown spots on your face.
  • Leave it on for about half an hour and allow it to dry on its own.
  • Then wash it off with cold water.
  • Repeat this process regularly.
  • Continue the use of this plain, unsweetened yogurt on the brown spots affected area of your face before going to bed at night. Leave it on overnight and rinse it off the next morning to achieve complete relief from the brown spots on your face.

Method #3 - Yogurt and lime mix

You will need:

  • Organic yogurt
  • A bowl
  • Some lime juice

Directions:

  • Take a small bowl.
  • Add some plain, unsweetened yogurt and lime juice to it.
  • Mix these ingredients together and apply the mixture on the spots by rubbing it gently with your fingers.
  • Leave it on for about 20 – 30 minutes before rinsing your face with water.
  • Repeat this process regularly every day till you gets best results and the brown spots on your face vanish completely.

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar or ACV is a brilliant home remedy that holds therapeutic power for treating many skin and health disorders. Brown spots can also be treated with this wonderful remedy.

Apple cider vinegar will dry out the brown spots and make them fade away faster and it also clears dirt, dead skin cells and other impurities from your skin to brighten it up.

How to use apple cider vinegar to deal with brown spots on your face?

How to use apple cider vinegar to deal with brown spots on your face?

It regulates the pH level of skin to clear the brown spots and makes your skin appear radiant, fresh and young.

Some ways to use ACV are as follows:

Method #1 - Apple cider vinegar and honey paste

You will require:

  • Two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar
  • One teaspoon of honey
  • Two teaspoons of water

Directions:

  • Take two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar.
  • Dilute it in an equal amount of water.
  • Add some honey and mix well
  • Apply this mixture on the area of your face affected by brown spots and leave it on for a few minutes.
  • Wash it off with water and repeat this process once every day and continue doing this till you achieve positive results and the brown spots disappear.
  • Never use apple cider vinegar on your skin without first diluting it. You may burn your skin.

Method #2 - Apple cider vinegar and orange juice mix

You will require:

  • Half a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar
  • Two to five tablespoons of orange juice
  • A bowl
  • Some clean cotton

Directions:

  • Take a small bowl and pour some apple cider vinegar in it and a few tablespoons of orange juice.
  • Mix the ingredients together and apply this mixture on the brown spots affected part of the face by using a cotton ball.
  • Leave it on for a few minutes until the mixture dries completely.
  • Wash it off with water and then repeat the same process regularly every day to make the brown spots disappear completely.

Castor oil

Castor oil contains potent anti-inflammatory and healing properties that can be effectively used to treat brown spots that appear on the face.

This remedy comprises vitamin E, olive oil, coconut oil or almond oil along with the castor oil.

You will require:

  • Two to three teaspoons of castor oil
  • Some clean cotton

Directions:

  • Take two to three teaspoons of castor oil and dip a cotton ball in it.
  • Dab this cotton ball on the area of skin affected by brown spots.
  • Massage it gently for a few minutes and leave it on for a few hours.
  • Now wash it off with water and repeat this process twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening till the brown spots fade away and leave your skin tone even.

Onion juice

Onions are another affordable and easily available home remedy to cure the brown or age spots on the skin.

Some of the skin friendly properties of onion juice include:

  • Onion juice has an acidic nature and bleaching property that helps in removing brown spots.
  • It stops the excessive secretion of collagen which leads to scar formation on the skin.
  • It also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Method #1 - Onion juice and honey paste

You will need:

  • A tablespoon of onion juice
  • Two tablespoons of honey
  • A small bowl

Directions:

  • Pour a tablespoon of onion juice and two spoons of honey into a small bowl.
  • Mix them well and apply this mixture on the brown spots on your face.
  • Leave it on for about 15 – 20 minutes before washing it off.
  • Then wash the area meticulously or else its strong smell will not go away from your face.
  • Repeat this process one to two times a day and apply this regularly to get rapid relief from the brown spots on the skin.
  • Alternatively, you can take a couple of onions, cut them into the slices, and rub the slices over the affected area to get rid of the brown spots on your face.
  • Garlic juice can also be used instead of onion juice.

Method #2 - Onion juice and apple cider vinegar mix

You will require:

  • A medium sized onion
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • A clean cotton ball

Directions:

  • Take an onion, chop it into pieces and wrap the onion pieces in cheesecloth or any other clean cloth.
  • Squeeze them to extract the juice and then mix one part of onion juice with one part of apple cider vinegar in a bowl.
  • Now dip a cotton ball in this solution and apply it directly on the brown spots on your face.
  • Leave it on for about half an hour or till it dries completely and then wash it off.
  • Follow this remedy daily for about 6 – 9 weeks to lighten the brown spots.

Papaya

Papaya contains many enzymes like alpha hydroxy acids and papain that help to exfoliate the skin and remove the age spots, pimples, skin blemishes, freckles and various other skin problems. It gives you a clear and brighter skin without any spots or wrinkles on it.

You will require:

  • A papaya
  • Lukewarm water

Directions:

  • Take a fresh papaya, grate it and take two tablespoons of this grated papaya.
  • Apply it on the brown spots on your face.
  • Leave it on for about half an hour and then wash it off with lukewarm water.
  • Repeat the same process two times daily till the brown spots fade away from your skin.
  • You can also use the papaya peel to rub on the brown spots for added results.
  • Keep in mind that some people are allergic to papaya so you are advised to perform a skin patch test before initiating or following this remedy to determine yourself whether you’re allergic or not.

Some other home remedies

Here are some other home remedies and tips to get rid of brown spots.

  • Milk-yellow mustard paste: Take some milk and ground yellow mustard and mix them to prepare a thin paste. Now dab this paste on the brown spots on your face and other brown spots affected parts of the skin before going to bed and wash it off the next morning.
  • Pineapple juice: Take some pineapple juice and apply this directly on the affected area with the help of a cotton ball. Follow this remedy this every day till the brown spots are cleared from your face.
  • Strawberries and apricot paste: Take strawberries and apricots and blend them together to obtain the paste. Apply this paste over your brown spots and rinse it off after ten minutes.

Things to remember

Removing brown spots from your face may be a tedious job.

You should always see a doctor before attempting to use any remedies (both pharmaceuticals and/or home treatments).

Proper medical examination of your brown spots is necessary to exclude serious underlying conditions (such as skin cancer).

If you decide to use any of the home remedies above do not expect miracles and do not try all procedures at once.

Select one or two options, try them and if it works keep using it.

In addition to the above mentioned brown spot remedies, keep these important points in mind, too:

  • Stay hydrated: Drink lots of water; like eight to ten glasses throughout the day to keep your body and skin well hydrated and to flush out the toxins that cause spots and blemishes on the skin.
  • Eat healthy: Eat a balanced and healthy diet to obtain all types of vitamins and nutrients that will help nourish the skin cells and remove the brown spots.
  • Remove makeup: Make sure to remove your makeup before applying any of these home remedies. So you should clean your face well with a make-up remover to draw out the oils and impurities that might impede or react with the ingredients used in these remedies.
  • Avoid trigger foods: Add foods or drinks to your diet that are rich in anti-oxidants like ginkgo, green tea, wine, dark chocolate, fava beans, soy, apricots, strawberries and other citrus fruits.
  • Use hydrogen peroxide: Regularly apply 3% hydrogen peroxide solution on the brown spots by using a cotton ball once a day till you notice an improvement but remember that it may dry out the skin so apply moisturizer according to your skin type.
  • Use a sunscreen: Always apply sunscreen lotion with at least SPF 15 to 30 to prevent the appearance of sun spots and other spots on the face and also to shield the skin from harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun.
  • De-stress: Try to adopt a stress-free lifestyle and reduce your stress by doing exercise, meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, therapies, etc. as mental stress is also a major cause for the appearance of brown spots on the face. Stress makes your skin age faster and makes you appear older than your actual age.
  • Known when to consult a dermatologist: If medical treatments or home therapies don’t work, consult a dermatologist and get the brown spots examined to see whether you might be suffering from a more serious condition.
  • You may try hydroquinone: Hydroquinone is a popular pharmacological treatment option for brown spots owing to its bleaching properties. It can significantly reduce the appearance of brown spots. It can be bought in concentrations up to 2% over-the-counter but higher concentrations require a doctor’s prescription. It has potential carcinogenic properties and should be used with extreme care.
  • Retin–A is another option: Retin-A is a great anti-aging skin care ointment which is used to treat fine lines and wrinkles. It improves the skin's appearance and elasticity and combats discoloration and sun damage, including brown spots. It is a vitamin A derivative which is available in the form of a cream or gel, in a variety of concentrations. It can only be purchased by prescription, so you will your doctor’s prescription before you start using it. It helps to remove brown spots by exfoliating the skin and by removing the superficial hyper pigmented layer.
  • Stay positive: Keep a positive attitude towards treatment and avoid mental stress. 
Share this article
Written by: Michal Vilímovský (EN)
Education: Physician
Article resources:

See numbered references within the article.

Image resources:

Adobe Stock

Published: January 18, 2017 at 7:00 PM
Last updated: January 22, 2017 at 1:45 PM
Next scheduled update: January 22, 2019 at 1:45 PM
Our site uses cookies to provide services, personalize ads and analyze traffic. By using this site you agree. More info