Light brown spots can often be found in the face, neck, shoulders back, chest, hands, and legs. These spots are also known as liver spots, age spots, or solar lentigines. The spots on skin get their color from a natural skin pigment called melanin. Although they are not flattering to one’s appearance, they are harmless and often appear after the age of 40. People who have light skin color and those who get lots of sun exposure or regularly use tanning beds are more likely to have them. Here are some home remedies to reduce brown spots on your skin.

What Causes Light Brown Spots on Skin?

1.   Sun Damage

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation penetrates the skin and causes damage to the protein in the cells, retaining pigment. With the pass of time, pigment and damaged protein in skin cells accumulate, thus forming the brown spots on skin. Sun damage spots are usually found on the cheeks where UV rays often strike. These flat spots are larger than freckles, and are often irregularly shaped but not thickened.

2.   Age

These brown spots arise from skin cells that grow irregularly as you age. These spots are darker in color and thick. They usually locate on your cheeks, temples, forearms, and area with prolonged/frequent sunlight exposure.

3.   Hormone 

Hormonal fluctuations can cause light brown spots on skin. These are also known as melasma or chloasma. They usually appear when a woman is pregnant, using oral contraceptives, in menopause, or having irregular periods. They are more likely to affect Latinos, Asians, and Caucasians with Russian, Jewish, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern origin. The skin discoloration may be dark yellow to light brown and occurs as large patches on the cheeks, forehead, or around the lips.

4.   Freckles

These are numerous small spots often found in the cheeks and around the eyes. They may occur in childhood, your teenage years, or early adulthood. Freckles may darken in summer and become lighter in winter.

5.   Cancer

Sometimes, the light brown spots can be signs of skin cancer. The three most common ones are melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Common symptoms of skin cancer include irregular shape/color, bigger than one centimeter spots, and irregularly thickened spots. The diagnosis of skin cancer is confirmed with a skin biopsy.

How to Get Rid of Light Brown Spots on Skin Naturally

Try the following natural remedies to remove the brown spots. However, if the spots indicate cancer or other conditions, go to see the doctor immediately.

1.   Lemon Juice

Benefits

Lemon juice lightens brown spots on the face as well as the dark skin of the neck or underarm. Lemon has citric acid that helps to safely remove dead skin cells and allows regeneration of lighter skin.

Ingredients:

• 3 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

Directions:

• Add lemon juice to turmeric powder. Mix well to form a paste.
• Apply on brown spots. Allow to dry completely for about 30 minutes. Wash off with water.
• Apply every day until brown spots are reduced.
• For better results, add fresh parsley to the mixture and apply on spots.

2.   Aloe Vera

Benefits

Aloe vera is a skin-friendly herb because it helps cure many skin conditions and relieves discomfort. It has moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties that keep your skin well-hydrated and young. It is one of the best remedies for light brown spots on skin due to sun damage and aging.

Ingredients:

• Aloe vera leaf

Directions:

• Take a knife and cut out a leaf from an aloe vera plant.
• Squeeze out its gel using your fingers.
• Apply the gel on the spots. Leave on for about 30 minutes, until it gets dried on your skin.
• Wash off with water. Do this twice daily for a month or more until your brown spots lighten up.

3.   Buttermilk

Benefits

Buttermilk contains lactic acid which helps exfoliate skin cells, thus reducing pigmented areas, removing blemishes, and making your skin lighter in color.

Ingredients:

• 4 teaspoons buttermilk
• 2 teaspoons tomato juice

Directions:

• Mix buttermilk with tomato juice in a bowl.
• Apply on brown spots. Leave it on for a few minutes. Wash off with water.
• Apply once or twice daily for a few weeks.

4.   Sandalwood

Benefits

Sandalwood has anti-aging and antiseptic properties that help reduce hyperpigmentation, thus clearing the skin and removing brown spots. It also helps lighten scars and has a soothing effect on your skin.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons sandalwood powder
• 2 tablespoons rose water
• 1 teaspoon glycerin
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Cold water

Directions:

• Mix all ingredients in a small bowl. Stir well to make a paste.
• Apply on the brown spots. Leave on for few minutes and let dry completely.
• Use cold water to wash off. Pat your skin dry with a towel.
• For best results, apply a few times per week till brown spots disappear completely.

5.   Yogurt

Benefits

Yogurt has lactic acid and has mild bleaching effect on the skin. Brown spots may disappear after a long period of use. 

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoon ground oatmeal
• 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
• Cold water

Directions:

• In a bowl, stir all ingredients to create a paste.
• Apply the paste on the skin with brown spots. Leave on for 30 to 35 minutes.
• Rinse off with cold water. Pat dry. Apply some skin moisturizer.
• Do this process daily for one week, then twice a week for 2 to 3 months.

6.   Apple Cider Vinegar

Benefits

Apple cider vinegar is a popular home remedy that is effective for many skin conditions. It helps fade light brown spots on skin and clears dirt from your skin, thus helping to brighten skin up. Furthermore, it balances the pH of your skin and makes it feel young and fresh.

Ingredients:

• Apple cider vinegar
• Honey
• Water

 Directions:

• Dilute apple cider vinegar with an equal amount of water.
• Add honey and stir well.
• Apply on brown spots and leave on for a few minutes. Rinse with water.
• Apply once daily until your spots improve.
• You can also apply apple cider vinegar without dilution, although it may sting a little.

7.   Onion Juice

Benefits

Another effective and easy home remedy for brown spots on skin is onion juice. It is acidic in nature and has bleaching property, which helps fade brown spots. It also has anti-inflammatory property.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon onion juice
• 2 tablespoons honey

Directions:

• Pour onion juice and honey into a bowl.
• Apply on the brown spots on the skin.
• Allow to stay for about 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with water.
• Apply once or twice daily until the spots on your skin disappear.
• You can also apply a slice of onion directly on the brown spot area. Rub it over the brown spots for few minutes. Do this 2 to 3 times a day to fade the brown spots.