Every time you stand in front of the mirror, you try to hide those dark spots under foundation and concealer, but it can take a long time to get a nice even complexion.

Wondering what exactly are those black and brown patches or dark spots on your skin? They are nothing but hyperpigmentation, often the result of long-term exposure to the sun, a hormonal imbalance or sleep deprivation.

Advertisements

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, this condition occurs when your skin produces an excess of melanin (the pigment that gives your skin color) in certain spots, making it hyperpigmented. These spots can be black or brown and vary in shape and size.

intro use turmeric for dark spots
The antioxidant in turmeric can help you get rid of dark spots

Dark spots often occur in people who get sunburns but fail to tan. Due to this, melanin gets deposited around damaged cells because of the thin skin or sun exposure. It can also be a result of bruising, which leaves the blood pigment behind.

These spots are usually harmless and don’t cause any discomfort. Identifying them on your skin is easy because they appear on the parts of your skin that are overexposed to the sun like the back of your hands, top of your feet, face, upper back, and shoulders.

The size of the spots usually ranges from the size of a freckle to about one-half inch. These spots sometimes group and form a more noticeable patch.

Advertisements

The appearance of dark spots on your face may be embarrassing and can make you a bit self-conscious. The only solution is to lighten or eliminate them.

6 Ways of Using Turmeric For Dark Spots

You can get rid of these annoying dark spots by using turmeric, an ingredient that is readily available in your kitchen or local grocery store.

Turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful antioxidant that delays the aging process and the development of dark spots by restricting the overproduction of melanin.

Plus, turmeric has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that not only heal your skin but also give you glowing and blemish-free skin.

Continue reading to learn how to use turmeric for dark spots. Here are six methods that demonstrate how to use turmeric for skin benefits.

Note: Since turmeric can cause redness and irritation on your skin, do a patch test on your inner arm before applying it on your dark spots.
If you have sensitive skin, we recommend you to do a patch test for any remedies using lemon. 

Method 1: Turmeric, Lemon & Milk

Described below is a simple remedy straight out of your kitchen that may help you get rid of dark spots. All you need to do is mix turmeric, lemon juice, and milk to form a paste.

Advertisements

Turmeric has antioxidants that, when used with other ingredients like lemon and milk, may lighten dark spots and blemishes on your skin.

Both lemon and milk act as exfoliating agents as lemon is a rich source of vitamin C, and milk has lactic acid. They help in removal of pigmented cells to further lighten your dark spots.

Things you’ll need:

things you'll need to use turmeric with milk for dark spots

Advertisements
  • Turmeric powder (antioxidant) – 1 tablespoon
  • Lemon juice (exfoliates the skin) – 1 tablespoon
  • Milk (reduces pigmentation) – 1 tablespoon

Step 1. Combine turmeric powder, lemon juice, and milk

Combine all ingredients to use turmeric for dark spots
Put turmeric, lemon juice, and milk in a mixing bowl
  • Put 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder in a bowl.
  • Add 1 tablespoon each of lemon juice and milk to make a paste.

Step 2. Mix all the ingredients and apply the blend to dark spots

Mix well and apply to use turmeric for dark spots
Mix thoroughly and apply the mixture to your affected skin
  • Mix all the ingredients using a spoon to make a smooth paste.  
  • Apply this paste on your dark spots.
  • Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Rinse it off with lukewarm water and pat dry your skin.
  • Finish by applying a moisturizer.

Apply this paste daily to your dark spots to get spot-free skin in 2 weeks.

Method 2: Turmeric, Honey & Lemon (for Oily Skin)

Turmeric, lemon, and honey are three natural skin-brightening ingredients that will help lighten your dark spots.

The curcumin in turmeric has antioxidants that delay the process of pigmentation. Lemon is a rich source of vitamin C and citric acid that help exfoliate your skin, while honey counters the drying effect of lemon juice. Honey also adds moisture to your skin.

This face pack is good for oily skin, as it removes excess oil from your pores and keeps it hydrated.

Things you’ll need:

things you'll need to use turmeric for dark spots on oily skin

Advertisements
  • Turmeric powder (antibacterial) – 2 teaspoons
  • Honey (acts as a humectant) – 1 tablespoon
  • Lemon juice (exfoliating agent) – ½ teaspoon

Step 1. Combine turmeric powder, lemon juice, and honey

Combine turmeric, honey and lemon juice to use turmeric for dark spots
Take turmeric powder, honey and lemon juice in a bowl
  • Put 2 teaspoons of turmeric powder in a bowl.
  • Add ½ teaspoon of lemon juice.
  • Also, add 1 tablespoon of honey to it.

Step 2. Mix well to form a paste and apply on dark spots

Mix well and apply to use turmeric for dark spots
Blend well to create a paste and apply to your dark spots
  • Mix all the ingredients to make a smooth and even paste.
  • Apply this paste on your dark spots or patches.
  • Leave it on your skin for 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Wash it off with lukewarm water and pat dry your skin.

You can apply this paste once a day for 2 to 3 weeks to use turmeric for dark spots.

Method 3: Turmeric, Honey & Olive Oil (for Dry Skin)

Using a paste comprising turmeric powder, honey, and olive oil may treat your dark spots and give you blemish-free skin.

Turmeric powder helps inhibit pigmentation, which prevents or lessens the formation of dark spots and patches.

Olive oil contains vitamins and minerals needed for the regeneration of skin cells. Plus, olive oil acts as a cleanser that removes dirt and pollutants from your pores and prevents hyperpigmentation.

If you have dry skin, using honey with olive oil and turmeric powder will moisturize your skin. Plus, it has mild bleaching properties that help fade dark spots.

Things you’ll need:

things you'll need to use turmeric for dark spots on dry skin

  • Turmeric powder (inhibits pigmentation) – 1 tablespoon
  • Honey (moisturizing and bleaching properties) – 1 tablespoon
  • Olive oil (antioxidant) – 1 tablespoon

Step 1. Combine turmeric powder, honey, and olive oil

Combine the ingredients to use turmeric for dark spots
Combine the moisturizing ingredients with turmeric powder
  • Put 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder in a bowl.
  • Add 1 tablespoon of honey to it.
  • Also, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

Step 2. Blend all the ingredients and apply daily

Mix well and apply to use turmeric for dark spots
Mix well and apply to your dark patches
  • Mix all the ingredients using a spoon or spatula to make a smooth paste.
  • Apply this paste on your dark spots or patches.
  • Leave it on your skin for 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Wash it off with lukewarm water and pat dry your skin.

Apply this paste on your dark spots daily for 2 weeks to get moisturized, blemish-free skin.

Method 4: Turmeric, Yogurt & Olive Oil

Turmeric powder, yogurt, and olive oil are three powerful ingredients that can help you get rid of dark spots.

The antioxidants in turmeric delay the aging process. Yogurt is a rich source of lactic acid and zinc that exfoliates your skin and also provides moisture to it.

Yogurt also contains vitamins B12 and B2, which help lighten dark spots and encourage cell growth. The olive oil cleanses your pores and moisturizes your skin.

Things you’ll need: 

Things you'll need to use turmeric and yogurt for dark spots

Advertisements
  • Turmeric powder (antioxidant properties) – 1 teaspoon
  • Yogurt (enhances skin whitening) – 1½ tablespoons
  • Olive oil (exfoliating agent) – 1 teaspoon

Step 1. Combine turmeric powder, yogurt, and olive oil

Combine all ingredients to use turmeric for dark spots
Add yogurt and olive oil to turmeric powder
  • Put 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder in a bowl.
  • Add 1½ tablespoons of yogurt.
  • Also, add 1 teaspoon of olive to it.

Step 2. Mix well and apply to affected skin 3 times daily

Mix well and apply to use turmeric for dark spots
Blend well and apply daily to your dark spots
  • Mix all the ingredients well to make a paste.
  • Ensure the olive oil is mixed in thoroughly.
  • Apply this paste on your dark spots and patches.
  • Massage the affected areas in circular motions for 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Wash it off with water and pat dry your skin.

Apply this paste 3 times a week for 2 to 3 weeks to use turmeric for dark spots.

Method 5: Turmeric, Sandalwood & Milk

If you’re suffering from dark spots or hyperpigmentation, turmeric, sandalwood, and milk may help you get rid of them.

Turmeric and milk together cleanse your skin, while adding moisture as well.

Sandalwood has anti-aging properties that help prevent and lighten age spots, wrinkles, and blemishes. Plus, it has anti-tanning, skin-softening, and antimicrobial properties that also benefit your skin.

Things you’ll need:

Things you'll need to use sandalwood and turmeric for dark spots

  • Turmeric powder (antioxidant) – 1 teaspoon
  • Sandalwood powder (anti-aging properties) – 2 tablespoons
  • Milk (cleansing agent) – 3 tablespoons

Step 1. Combine turmeric powder, sandalwood powder, and milk

Combine all ingredients to use turmeric for dark spots
Add sandalwood powder and milk to turmeric powder
  • Put 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder in a bowl.
  • Add 2 tablespoons of sandalwood powder to it.
  • Also, add 3 tablespoons of milk. Preferably use whole milk.

Step 2. Mix all the ingredients and apply daily to your dark spots

Mix well and apply to use turmeric for dark spots
Form a smooth paste and apply to your dark spots
  • Mix all the ingredients using a spoon to form a smooth paste.
  • Apply this paste on your dark spots and patches.
  • Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing it to dry naturally.
  • Wash it off with water and pat dry your skin.

Use this paste daily for 2 to 3 weeks on your dark spots and acne scars to reveal glowing skin.

Method 6: Turmeric, Clay & Honey

The turmeric and other ingredients in this face pack help even out the discoloration of your skin due to hyperpigmentation.

Using Fuller’s earth clay helps absorb excess oil from your pores, while honey adds moisture to your skin. The natural astringent rose water also has an anti-inflammatory property, which not only cleanses your skin but also softens it.

The antioxidants in honey and turmeric help delay the aging process and formation of dark spots and patches.

Things you’ll need:

things you'll need to use clay with turmeric for dark spots

  • Turmeric powder (antioxidant) – 1 teaspoon
  • Fuller’s earth clay (detoxifying and anti-inflammatory properties) – 2 tablespoons
  • Honey (acts as a humectant) – 1 tablespoon
  • Rosewater (astringent) – 2 tablespoons

 Step 1. Combine turmeric powder, clay, honey, and rosewater

mix all the ingredients to use turmeric for dark spots
Add clay, rosewater, and honey to turmeric powder
  • Put 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder in a bowl.
  • Add 2 tablespoons of Fuller’s earth clay to it.
  • Also, add 1 tablespoon of honey and 2 tablespoons of rose water.

Step 2. Mix well to make a paste and apply to the affected skin

Blend well and apply to use turmeric for dark spots
Blend thoroughly to get a clump-free paste and apply to the affected skin
  • Use a spoon or spatula to mix all the ingredients.
  • Add more rose water if the paste is too thick.
  • Apply this paste on your dark spots and patches.
  • Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing it to dry naturally.
  • Wash it off with water and pat dry your skin.

Use this face pack once every 4 or 5 days for a month to get rid of annoying dark spots.

Additional Tips

  • To use turmeric for dark spots, make sure you use an old towel to dry your face. Turmeric’s bright yellow color can stain it.
  • If you accidentally got a stain on your clothing, check our remedies to remove the turmeric stain from clothes.
  • Wondering how to remove turmeric stains from your skin and nails? Prepare a sugar scrub using 1 tablespoon each of sugar and water. Rub this until the stain comes off.
  • If you use lemon juice on your face, make sure you don’t go out in the sun soon after, since the ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun can cause adverse effects on your skin.
Advertisements