Dark spots, also known as hyperpigmentation, are a common skin condition that can affect people of all skin tones. They appear as patches of darkened skin that can vary in size, shape and color. While harmless, many people seek to get rid of dark spots for cosmetic reasons. There are many natural methods that can help lighten and reduce the appearance of dark spots over time. However, removing dark spots completely takes patience and consistency.
What causes dark spots?
Dark spots have many potential causes including:
- Sun exposure – Exposure to UV light can trigger excess melanin production, resulting in hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
- Hormonal changes – Fluctuations in hormones during pregnancy, puberty or with birth control can lead to dark spots.
- Aging – As skin ages, melanin concentrates in certain areas leading to age spots or liver spots.
- Genetics – Some people are just prone to developing dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
- Skin injuries – Dark spots may form after wounds, burns, acne or rashes as part of the skin’s healing process.
- Medications – Certain medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can cause pigmentation.
Identifying and addressing the underlying cause of your dark spots may help lighten their appearance faster.
How long do dark spots take to go away naturally?
There is no definitive answer for how long it takes to completely remove dark spots naturally. Several factors impact the time it takes to fade dark spots including:
- Size of the dark spot – Larger spots take longer to fade than smaller spots.
- Depth of the dark spot – Surface spots fade faster than deep spots.
- Cause of the spot – Melasma due to hormonal fluctuations may be more stubborn.
- Skin type – Dark spots on drier skin types may take longer to fade.
- Age of skin – Older skin has slower cell turnover so spots take longer to fade.
- Consistency using treatments – Consistent daily treatment yields faster results.
On average, with consistent natural treatment, most people see the following dark spot fading timelines:
| Dark spot size | Time to fade spots |
|---|---|
| Small | 4-6 weeks |
| Medium | 2-3 months |
| Large | 3-4 months |
However, deep melasma spots or age spots on older skin may take 6 months or longer to fully fade away.
Natural remedies to lighten dark spots
Here are some of the top natural remedies that can help lighten and remove dark spots over time:
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that inhibits melanin production and helps fade pigmentation. Look for serums containing L-ascorbic acid which penetrate skin deeply to target dark spots. Apply vitamin C serum daily and you may see results in 2-3 months.
Alpha arbutin
Alpha arbutin is a natural skin brightener derived from the bearberry plant. It works by suppressing melanin formation. Using a serum with alpha arbutin twice daily helps reduce pigment associated with dark spots. Effects are visible in 4-6 weeks of regular use.
Licorice extract
Licorice extract contains glabridin which helps disrupt melanin synthesis and reduces dark spot pigmentation. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. Apply products with licorice extract twice a day and expect to see dark spots fade in 4-8 weeks.
Niacinamide
Also known as vitamin B3, niacinamide is a potent dark spot lightener. It interrupts melanosome transfer to keratinocytes to reduce melanin formation. Using niacinamide serums and creams helps brighten skin and fade dark spots over 6-8 weeks.
Azelaic acid
Azelaic acid reduces pigment production by inhibiting tyrosinase enzyme activity. It also helps cells slough off faster to fade dark spots quicker. Apply azelaic acid serum or cream twice daily. Results are visible after consistent use for 2-3 months.
Arbutin
Arbutin is derived from the bearberry plant and works as a mild inhibitor of melanin synthesis. It needs to convert to hydroquinone to work so results take longer – around 3-4 months with regular twice daily use.
Kojic acid
Kojic acid prevents melanin formation by inhibiting tyrosinase enzyme activity. It helps reduce overproduction of melanin. Use kojic acid creams or serums daily for 2-3 months to see gradual fading of dark spots.
Vitamin B3
Vitamin B3, or niacinamide, is a skin lightening agent that may reduce melanin transfer and help fade age spots. Applying niacinamide daily can help reduce hyperpigmentation and results are visible after 6-8 weeks of consistent use.
Glycolic acid
Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates the skin’s surface to help fade dark spots faster. It also helps enhance penetration of other lightening ingredients. Apply glycolic acid creams daily and follow with SPF protection during the daytime.
Lemon juice
Lemon juice contains citric acid and vitamin C which helps lighten pigmentation on the skin’s surface over time with daily topical application. Avoid sun exposure when using lemon juice as it may cause photosensitivity.
Green tea extract
Green tea is rich in antioxidants called catechins that may help reduce excess melanin formation. Try creams or serums containing green tea extract and apply to spots twice daily for a natural lightening effect.
Natural oils and creams for dark spots
Applying certain natural oils and creams to your dark spots may also help lighten them faster. Some options to try include:
- Aloe vera – Soothes skin and fades pigmentation.
- Coconut oil – Softens skin to help fade spots.
- Almond oil – Promotes new skin cell growth.
- Onion extract – Contains quercetin that reduces melanin.
- Papaya – Exfoliates and evens out skin tone.
- Turmeric – Anti-inflammatory properties help heal skin.
- Yogurt – Lactic acid exfoliates and brightens.
- Buttermilk – Lightens and tightens skin.
- Apple cider vinegar – Removes dead skin cells.
Massage these oils or creams into your dark spots daily. You may see gradual lightening and fading in 4-6 weeks.
Home remedies for dark spots
There are also some easy home remedies using common kitchen ingredients that can help lighten dark spots. These include:
Lemon juice
Citric acid in lemon helps break down pigment when applied topically. Dip a cotton ball in lemon juice and dab on spots 2-3 times a day. Avoid sun exposure for a few hours after applying.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid that helps even skin tone and fade age spots. Use a cotton pad to apply diluted apple cider vinegar on the affected area daily.
Aloe vera
Pure aloe vera gel soothes inflammation and helps clear pigmentation. Apply fresh aloe gel on clean skin daily. Store unused portion in the fridge.
Oatmeal
Grind dry oatmeal to a powder then mix with water or yogurt to make a paste. Apply on face for 15 minutes then rinse. The enzymes help exfoliate skin.
Buttermilk
Lactic acid in buttermilk evens skin tone and exfoliates to fade dark spots. Apply buttermilk on face with a cotton ball. Rinse after 15-20 minutes.
Baking soda
Make a paste with baking soda and water and gently rub on dark spots using light, circular motions. Rinse after 1-2 minutes. Repeat 2-3 times a week.
Honey
Raw honey has antioxidants that help reduce pigmentation. Apply a thin layer on clean skin. Leave on for 30 minutes then rinse off.
How to prevent dark spots from returning
While natural treatments can help fade dark spots over time, you also need to take steps to prevent the pigmentation from recurring. Try these prevention tips:
- Use sunscreen daily – UVA/UVB protection prevents sun damage that leads to spots.
- Wear protective clothing and hats.
- Avoid sun exposure when possible – Seek shade between 10am-2pm.
- Use hydroquinone creams – By prescription to prevent melanin production.
- Try retinoids – Retinol or retinoic acid speeds up skin cell turnover.
- Exfoliate regularly – Removes unhealthy skin layers so spots don’t resurface.
- Use vitamin C and antioxidants – Inhibit melanin synthesis.
- See a dermatologist – For stubborn, recurring dark spots.
When to see a dermatologist
Most dark spots can be managed at home using the natural remedies described above. However, you may want to see a board-certified dermatologist if you experience:
- Rapidly worsening dark spots
- Dark spots along with other worrisome symptoms
- Dark spots that do not respond to over-the-counter treatments
- Genetic or hereditary dark spots
- Dark spots affecting large areas of skin
- Facial dark spots that cause distress
A dermatologist can properly diagnose your type of hyperpigmentation and provide advanced in-office treatments like laser therapy, chemical peels or cryotherapy to remove dark spots much faster without risking complications.
Medical procedures for dark spots
If at-home remedies are ineffective at fading your dark spots, a dermatologist may recommend professional treatments like:
Laser therapy
Lasers targeted at pigment like Q-switched ruby lasers break up excess melanin quickly. Multiple sessions are usually needed for optimal results.
Chemical peels
Chemical peels with glycolic acid or trichloroacetic acid peel away outer skin layers to minimize dark spots. Light peels are done in a dermatologist’s office but deeper peels require sedation.
Microdermabrasion
This procedure uses a handheld device that sprays microcrystals to exfoliate the skin’s surface. It is a painless process that reveals brighter and more even toned skin.
Cryotherapy
Liquid nitrogen is used to freeze and destroy pigmented skin cells. The skin blisters and eventually peels off revealing new skin without the dark spot.
Dermabrasion
Similar to microdermabrasion but more aggressive, dermabrasion sands away the top layers of skin to reduce dark spots. Local anesthesia is used to numb the skin first.
Conclusion
Removing dark spots naturally takes time and consistency. On average, using natural lightening treatments daily can fade dark spots in 4-12 weeks depending on their causes and your skin type. Preventing new dark spots from forming is key and may require diligent sun protection and avoiding triggers where possible. See a board-certified dermatologist promptly if your dark spots are severe, spreading or impacting your quality of life. With patience and the right skincare regimen, it is possible to gradually diminish the appearance of dark spots and achieve a clearer, more even complexion.