How to Get Rid of Dark Spots on the Face Naturally

Uneven skin tone is not usually a cause for concern but can be annoying. If you're striving for perfectly even skin, you may be wondering what these dark spots on your skin actually are, why they're there, and what you can do to reduce the look of dark spots on your skin in a natural way.

We've been doing some research and we've found answers to all of your dark spot related questions, including some natural options for the treatment of dark spots on your face. So, before you book your laser treatment or block of chemical peels, take a look below and see if you can find a natural way to fade those dark spots on your face.

What are dark spots on the face?

Before we look at treating them, let's find out what dark spots actually are.

Dark spots on your face generally don't need any treatment, though if you are concerned about them you should get them checked out anyway. Dark spots, sun spots, or age spots are not symptoms of skin cancer.

Dark spots are caused by an overproduction of melanin in certain areas of your skin. Melanin is what gives our skin, hair and eyes colour and is found in different levels in different people's bodies.

To find out more about what causes this hyperpigmentation, or those dark spots, keep reading!

What causes uneven skin tone?

The causes of hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, or dark spots, can vary. Below we have listed a few common causes of dark spots on your face.

• Some medications, including those used during chemotherapy
• Pregnancy hormones
• Endocrine diseases, like Addison's Disease
• Melasma
• Insulin resistance
• Skin irritation or trauma

There are plenty of reasons for dark spots on your face and most are harmless. If you are concerned that your dark spots are symptoms of a more serious illness, be sure to speak with a health professional.

How to fade dark spots and even out skin tone naturally

Fading dark spots on your face can be done through procedures like laser treatment and chemical peels, but if you're looking for a less scary and more natural option, we've got you covered. Below we've gathered a few of the top natural remedies for fading the dark spots on your face. Check them out now.

Serums, creams, and moisturisers that contain vitamin C

The topical application of vitamin C has been shown to impede melanin production, helping to fade the appearance of dark spots on your skin. Vitamin C is a naturally occurring antioxidant and can help your skin to glow. Look out for natural skincare products that contain vitamin C.

We love this Acure Brightening Vitamin C Mist to help your skin feel dewy and healthy, and this Eco Modern Essential Vitamin C Serum for smoother skin and a more even tone.

Reducing sun exposure and wearing SPF daily

Everyone should be wearing SPF daily, even in winter, even when indoors. Protecting yourself from the UV rays the sun emits can help to stop the overproduction of melanin, helping to even out the tone of your skin and reduce the look of dark spots.

When choosing an SPF, always look for factors 30 and above to ensure it's giving adequate protection. You can layer your sunscreen on top of your daily face cream or you can wear it as sunscreen alone.

For facial sunscreen, we love this Ocean Australia Face Sunscreen SPF 50.

As well as wearing sunscreen, you should aim to reduce sun exposure if you're trying to fade the dark spots on your face as limiting the UV rays that penetrate the skin can limit the melanin production in your skin.

Use face cream containing pomegranate extract

As a naturally occurring and antioxidant-rich compound, pomegranate extract is great for your skin. Containing vitamin C and other skin-friendly compounds, pomegranate extract can help to even out your skin and reduce the look of dark spots.

Pomegranate may also enhance protection against UV rays, though not enough that you should skip SPF!

Our favourite pomegranate-containing products are this Weleda Firming Face Serum with anti-aging and firming benefits, and this Dr Organic Pomegranate Anti-Aging Cream which brightens and rejuvenates the skin.

Use natural chemical exfoliants

Both AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) and BHAs (beta-hydroxy acids) occur naturally in nature. Using chemical exfoliant containing products can help to smooth skin and may aid the reduction of the appearance of dark spots on the face.

AHAs are more suited to the reduction of the appearance of dark spots, though regular exfoliation may be successful anyway. AHAs are water-soluble acids made from sugary fruits. The most common AHAs are lactic acid and glycolic acid. They work to peel away the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin to help a new, more evenly-pigmented layer shine through.

Lactic acid and glycolic acid are both naturally occurring compounds and so, looking out for natural products containing these AHAs could be a great way to reduce the appearance of dark marks on your face.

We love this Acure Resurfacing Inter-Gly-Lactic Shimmer Serum and this Resurfacing Overnight Glycolic Treatment, also from Acure.

If you have sensitive skin, it could be worth looking out for products suited to this skin type to ensure the AHAs don't cause irritation. Remember to only exfoliate 1 - 3 times a week to give your skin a break in between.

Apple cider vinegar

As a substance rich in vitamin C, apple cider vinegar is a fantastic natural remedy for dark patches on your face. Combine equal parts ACV and water and use as you would a toner.

Always do a patch test before using ACV on the skin and if you find your skin becomes irritated, stop using immediately. Try adding more water if you have sensitive skin.

Using aloe vera and aloe vera containing products

It is thought that aloe vera works to destroy melanin cells that cause dark spots which is why aloe vera has been used as an aid for darker patches on the face for years. It has also been found to prevent further melanin production.

You can buy aloe vera gel from most health food stores and some drug stores. You could also use the aloe vera present in your own aloe vera plant, though you should ensure you follow proper instructions for its preparation!

To use aloe vera on uneven skin, simply apply a thin layer of aloe vera gel over the afflicted area to begin the treatment.

You can use aloe vera gel, or aloe vera containing products. We love this Dr Organic Creamy Face with Aloe Vera and this Acure Seriously Soothing Day Cream.

Use products that contain green tea extract

Green tea is known for its high number of antioxidants. It’s what makes it a great tea to drink, and it’s also what makes it great for getting rid of sunspots!

Green tea can be applied topically to the skin, though it needs to cool before you use it! Simply brew a bag of your best green tea, let it cool and then mist over the face for a DIY natural remedy to dark spots.

If you're looking for an already-made product though, fret not - green tea extract is really common in skincare products because of its rejuvenating properties. We love this KiwiHerb Skin Restore Cream with green tea extract which helps to even out skin tone. We also love to pamper ourselves with this Summer Salt Body Dream Cream Mask Green with green tea and cucumber for a refreshing and evening mask.

Other treatment options

If you find that the natural remedies we have suggested just don't work for you and you're still desperate to even out your skin tone, you could speak with a dermatologist who can recommend professional treatments for dark patches on the face.

Final thoughts

Getting rid of dark spots on your face may feel like an uphill battle but there are lots of natural remedies you can try to fade them out and lighten dark spots. Skin discolouration is easily treated with topical treatments and skin lightening products.

Always use natural remedies with caution and if you have any adverse effects then stop using the treatment immediately. Other treatment options exist and you can speak with a dermatologist about these options if you feel it necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get rid of dark spots on my face fast?

There are lots of ways you can remove dark spots on your face quickly, though some treatments may need longer to work. Using products rich in antioxidants, like vitamin C, are incredibly useful in lightening dark spots. Using vitamin C serums, or creams enhanced with vitamin C can help to even out skin tone. Additionally, green tea extract, or a green tea mist, can be useful has it has a high antioxidant content. You could also use diluted apple cider vinegar to reduce the look of dark sun spots and remove dead skin cells.

How can I remove dark spots at home permanently?

The best way to remove dark spots on your skin includes using antioxidant-rich compounds, like green tea, ACV, and topical vitamin C products, or using AHAs to remove dead skin cells. These products can halt melanin production, which causes dark spots. To prevent dark spots returning, you need to ensure you're wearing sunscreen every day to protect your skin from the sun's rays and sun damage. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen to cover both UVA and UVB rays. You could also try sun protective clothing and reducing your sun exposure.

How can I remove spots from my face naturally in two days?

Dark spots on your face are caused by hyperpigmentation which is the result of overproduction of melanin in the skin. Removing dark spots means halting melanin production and treating these dark spots. It may not be possible to totally remove dark spots in two days, but you could have some success fading them by using vitamin C products, antioxidant-rich extracts, like green tea, and AHAs.

Do lemons clear dark spots?

Lemon, like apple cider vinegar, is loaded with vitamin C. This makes it an effective at-home remedy for dark spots. You can try using targetted treatment by applying the lemon water to just the affected areas or you could use all over the face. Remember to dilute the lemon water and do not use if it stings. For those with sensitive skin, you may need to use a weak solution.