As a person’s age progresses, their skin also starts to show signs of aging. One of the most obvious signs of aging is brown spots, also known as age spots. Apart from age, excessive exposure to the sun can also accelerate the aging process of the skin and lead to the formation of age spots. Exposure to sun leads to increased production of melanocytes cells. This increases the amount of melanin in the skin and causes age spots.

Most of the time age spots are quite harmless. However, in some instances, age spots can be indicative of skin cancer such as melanoma. This makes it essential to have a skin examination done during annual health checkups. Although age spots are mostly harmless, they can affect a person’s appearance. Home-based treatments can be used for lightening and age spot removal. Some of the best age spot removers are available in your kitchen.

• Lemon
  The use of lemon juice is one of the most effective and best age spot removal techniques. Lemon contains citric acid which is a natural bleaching agent. It exfoliates the skin and reduces age spots. Squeeze the juice of half a fresh lemon and dab it using a clean cotton ball over the age spots. The juice should be left on the skin for about 30 minutes. Clean it off if there is any itching or slight burning sensation. Make sure there are no cuts or wounds on the skin before the application of the lemon juice. Do not step outside until the lemon juice dries off the skin. Avoid using bottled lemon juice, as it is not an effective age spot remover due to the presence of chemicals.
• Apple cider vinegar
  Apple cider vinegar is one of the most useful home remedies for a lot of ailments and health issues. This includes problems of the skin as well. The presence of alpha hydroxy acids in apple cider vinegar helps to reduce and lighten the appearance of age spots, especially caused by the sun. Take a few drops of organic apple cider vinegar and mix it with olive oil. If you have sensitive skin, dilute little water in the solution. Apply this to the skin every day. There might be a little bit of stinging and redness in the beginning. Leave the solution to dry for about 20 minutes, and then wash it off.
• Onion juice
  Onion juice is another alternative to lemon juice as an effective age spot removal remedy. The sulfur in onion acts as an antiseptic and the acids help in exfoliation of the skin. Take a fresh onion and cut it into slices. Rub a slice over the skin for 2-3 times every day. You can also make a juice of onion. Mix one tablespoon of onion juice with two tablespoons of honey. Apply the mixture to the skin and leave it on the skin for 15 minutes. Wash it off completely. Repeat this routine 1-2 times daily.
• Papaya
  Papaya is not only one of the best age spot removal remedies, but also a great toner for the skin. It contains hydroxy acids and enzymes that clear skin blemishes, age spots, and acne. These also are good exfoliators for the skin. The application of papaya skin makes the skin look clear and clean. Slice a skin of fresh green papaya. Place the fleshy part of papaya skin on the age spots. Leave it in for 15-20 minutes. Another way is to make a pulp of papaya chunks. Make a mask of this pulp and apply on the age spots. Leave it on for 15 minutes. Rinse off the mask and clean it off your skin thoroughly. This mask can be used daily.
• Essential oils
  Essential oils are one more natural remedy that is effective in dealing with a lot of health ailments, right from arthritis to age spot removal. Essential oils based on sandalwood is one of the best age removers. Mix sandalwood oil with two drops of lemon, glycerin, rosewater, and olive oil or almond oil. Apply this to the skin and let it stay for 20 minutes. Wash it off thoroughly. Before the application of this solution, test it on a small patch of your skin to check for allergic reactions. Do not use sandalwood oil directly on the skin. Mixing it with a carrier oil is necessary to avoid any bad reactions on the skin.
• Aloe vera
  Aloe vera has been used as an effective remedy for a hoard of skin ailments. It is used to treat sunburns, mosquito bites, skin irritations, and stinging nettles. The application of aloe vera makes the skin smoother and cleaner. The natural gel from an aloe vera plant can be directly applied to the skin. Leave the gel on the skin for about 30 minutes and then wash it off gently. You can also buy the gel from a store and use it for age spot removal.