Homemade Skin Recipes for Age Spots & Discoloration

Age spots and discoloration do not come from growing old, they occur because of prolonged sun exposure. Also known as liver spots, your dermatologist can remove them using surgery, microdermabrasion and chemical peels. If you are seeking a gentler and cheaper treatment for age spots and discoloration, try these homemade skin recipes.

Homemade Skin Recipes for Age Spots & Discoloration: Lemon Juice
This folk remedy really works according to Jerome A. Litt, M.D., assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. You can use fresh lemon juice to make a homemade skin recipe to lighten age spots and discoloration. Lemons have acids that facilitates exfoliation. This acid is mild but strong enough to remove the upper dermal layer. Over time, usually from 2 to 8 weeks, the age spots and discoloration will fade. Twice daily, apply fresh lemon juice with a cotton ball over the affected area.

Homemade Skin Recipes for Age Spots & Discoloration: Red Onions
Dr. Litt also recommends using red onions as a homemade skin recipe for age spots and discoloration. They also contain acids that facilitate exfoliation. Lemons smell better but some people may find them irritating to the skin. If your skin is intolerant to the lemon juice, apply fresh onion juice using the above directions. To make onion juice pulverize the onion in a blender. Do not use yellow or white onions for this skin recipe.

Homemade Skin Recipes for Age Spots & Discoloration: Castor Oil
Often age spots and discoloration are accompanied by a change in the skin's texture as well. The skin texture can become rough and slightly raised. Try castor oil as a homemade skin recipe to treat this. Apply the castor oil twice daily using a wiping motion with a cotton ball. For an intense treatment affix the piece of cotton to the area overnight using an adhesive strip or medical tape.

Homemade Skin Recipes for Age Spots & Discoloration: Lactic Acid
Lactic acid is a substance that is produced by your body during the metabolic process. It is also found in sour milk products like buttermilk. Lactic acid is used in some over the counter creams designed to treat age spots and discoloration and you can use it in homemade skin recipes. According to Michael Ramsey, M.D., clinical instructor of dermatology at Baylor College, lactic acid facilitates the lightening of age spots and discolorations. This is not due to a bleaching effect but rather because it has an exfoliating effect on your skin. After you wash your skin, splash your face with buttermilk, let it sit for 20-30 seconds and then rinse. You can do this several times a week.