Flawless skin is very desirable but can be equally hard to achieve. Our lifestyle, eating habits and exposure to sun and pollution can lead to numerous skin problems. One of them is dark spots.
Dark spots, medically known as hyperpigmentation, result from an overproduction of melanin in your skin. The overproduction can be caused by exposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, aging, skin diseases, acne, excessive use of cosmetics, certain mineral or vitamin deficiencies, a hormonal imbalance, and even stress.
Genetics can also play a major role, as dark spots can run in the family.
Although there are countless reasons why those unsightly skin patches occur, their remediation can be quite simple and you probably already have what you need – lemons.
Lemons works like a natural bleaching agent that can do wonders for your skin. The citric acid found in lemons is believed to oxidize the melanin pigments in the skin and also reduces its excess production.
Citric acid also helps exfoliate the skin for healthy skin turnover and works to rid your skin of acne. Plus, lemons are rich in vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant and helps reverse free-radical damage in your skin.
Contents
- Natural Ways to Manage Dark Spots with Lemon
- Method 1: Plain Lemon Juice
- Method 2: Lemon & Water or Rose Water
- Method 3: Lemon & Honey
- Method 4: Lemon & Turmeric
- Method 5: Lemon & Tomato
- Method 6: Lemon & Oatmeal
- Method 7: Lemon & Yogurt
- Method 8: Lemon & Aloe Vera Gel
- Method 9: Lemon & Coconut Oil
- Method 10: Lemon & Olive Oil
- Method 11: Lemon & Apple Cider Vinegar
- Method 12: Lemon & Baking Soda
- Method 13: Lemon & Cucumber
- Additional Tips
Natural Ways to Manage Dark Spots with Lemon
The juice of this citrus fruit can be applied directly or mixed with other skin-healing ingredients to get rid of dark spots and improve your skin tone naturally.
We bring to you some lemon-based combinations that can help you get rid of the dark spots without even stepping out of your home.
These remedies are easy to follow and cost next to nothing in comparison to the pricey skin treatments in the market or prescribed by a dermatologist.
You’ll get the best results if you use fresh lemon juice. Check out these 13 ways to remove dark spots with lemon juice.
Method 1: Plain Lemon Juice
The easiest way to use lemon to eliminate dark spots is to apply the juice directly on your spots. If your skin is fairly tough, there is no need to dilute this natural wonder with any other ingredient.
Preferably, use this remedy at bedtime so that you can leave it on your skin and let it work its magic overnight.
Single-Step Treatment: Apply fresh lemon juice daily on the dark spots
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice into a small bowl.
- Use a cotton swab to apply the juice on your dark spots.
- Leave it on overnight.
- The next morning, wash your face with a mild face wash.
- Apply a light moisturizer, or a sunscreen if you’ll be going outside.
You can refrigerate the remaining lemon juice for up to 5 days.
Repeat this remedy once daily until your dark spots are visibly reduced. It can take 1 to 2 months to see improvement, depending on the severity of your hyperpigmentation.
Method 2: Lemon & Water or Rose Water
If you have sensitive skin, it’s a good idea to dilute the lemon juice with some rose water (or plain water) before applying it to your skin.
The rose water also works as an anti-inflammatory to reduce skin irritation as well as cleansing your skin.
Things you’ll need:
- Lemon juice (breaks melanin) – 1 tablespoon
- Rosewater (reduces skin irritation) – 1 tablespoon
Single-Step Treatment: Mix rose water and lemon juice & apply it daily
- Mix 1 tablespoon each of fresh lemon juice and rose water.
- Use a cotton swab to dab the solution on your dark spots.
- Leave it on for 6 to 8 hours. Preferably do this at bedtime.
- Then, wash your face with a face wash and pat it dry.
- Follow with a light moisturizer.
Use this remedy once daily for 1 to 2 months to get rid of your dark spots.
Method 3: Lemon & Honey
Another great way to remove dark spots with lemon juice is by combining it with honey. This blend is especially effective for treating acne and acne-related scars and spots.
The lemon works to balance the natural oils of your skin and also diminish melanin production. Honey helps hydrate your skin to make it more soft and supple.
Plus, it forms an antibacterial layer on your skin to reduce breakouts.
Things you’ll need:
- Lemon juice (reduces oiliness) – 1 teaspoon
- Honey (hydrates skin) – 1 tablespoon
Step 1. Mix lemon juice and honey
- Add 1 tablespoon of honey to 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice.
- Mix the two well.
Step 2. Apply the blend on the spots daily
- Use a cotton swab to apply the blend on your spots.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes, then rinse it off with water.
Repeat once daily for 2 to 3 months to reduce dark spots and get glowing skin.
Method 4: Lemon & Turmeric
Lemon, in combination with turmeric, can help fade dark spots and also give you lighter skin. Turmeric contains an active compound called curcumin that helps fight hyperpigmentation by reversing free-radical damage.
Both lemon and turmeric also form an antibacterial layer on the skin to help prevent acne breakouts.
This remedy also uses whole milk that acts as a cleanser to dissolve dead skin cells accumulated on the surface of your skin.
Things you’ll need:
- Lemon juice (fights pigmentation) – ½ tablespoon
- Turmeric powder (lightens skin) – 1 tablespoon
- Whole milk (natural cleanser) – 1 tablespoon
Step 1. Combine lemon juice, whole milk, and turmeric powder
- Put 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder in a bowl.
- Add ½ a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to it.
- Add 1 tablespoon of whole milk as well.
Step 2. Mix well & apply it to the affected areas 2 or 3 times a week
- Use a spoon to mix all the ingredients into a smooth paste.
- Apply a thick layer of this paste on your dark spots.
- Let it sit for 10 minutes, then rinse your face with tepid water.
- Follow with an oil-free moisturizer.
Use this remedy 2 or 3 times a week for 2 to 3 months to reduce dark spots and improve your complexion overall.
Method 5: Lemon & Tomato
If you spend too much time out in the sun, then this remedy is for you. Lemon and tomato juice form an excellent antioxidant pack for your dark spots.
Tomatoes contain beta-carotene and lycopene, both powerful antioxidants that can help reverse free-radical damage.
Tomatoes also protect your skin from the harsh UV sun rays, thereby reducing the chance of hyperpigmentation in the first place.
Things you’ll need:
- Lemon juice (fights free radicals) – 2 tablespoons
- Tomato juice (protects against UV rays) – 2 tablespoons
Step 1. Combine tomato juice and lemon juice
- Pour 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice into a bowl.
- Add 2 tablespoons of tomato juice.
Step 2. Mix well & apply the blend daily
- Mix the two ingredients to get a uniform solution.
- Use a cotton swab to apply the blend to your dark spots.
- Let it work on your skin for 10 minutes.
- Rinse it off with plain water and pat your skin dry.
- Apply a mild oil-free moisturizer.
Use daily to treat your dark spots and protect your skin from further damage.
Method 6: Lemon & Oatmeal
Lemon can also be combined with oatmeal to slough off dead skin cells, revealing a new layer of skin and thus reducing dark spots. The saponins found in the oatmeal act as a natural skin cleanser.
Both ingredients help exfoliate the top layer of your skin, while lemon additionally works as a natural skin lightening agent.
Things you’ll need:
- Lemon juice (bleaching agent) – 2 tablespoons
- Ground oatmeal (exfoliant) – 2 tablespoons
Single-Step Treatment: Mix oatmeal and lemon juice & apply it daily on the spots
- Mix 2 tablespoons each of ground oatmeal and fresh lemon juice in a container.
- Let the mixture sit for 2 to 3 minutes. This allows the oatmeal to soak up the lemon juice and soften up.
- Pick up some of the soaked oatmeal on a cotton swab and apply it on your dark spots.
- Leave it on for 30 minutes.
- Massage the blend gently into the spots, then rinse it off with water.
Use this remedy once daily to treat your dark spots and enjoy smoother skin.
Method 7: Lemon & Yogurt
Lemon and yogurt can come together to form a natural cleansing pack for your hyperpigmented skin.
Both lemon and yogurt contain enzymes that dissolve dead skin cells to reveal fresh and blemish-free skin. The citric acid in lemon and lactic acid in yogurt also help lighten the skin naturally.
Both lemon and yogurt are also excellent antibacterial agents that act to prevent microbial growth on the skin.
Things you’ll need:
- Lemon juice (cleanses and lightens skin) – 1 tablespoon
- Plain yogurt (cleanses and lightens skin) – 2 tablespoons
Step 1. Combine yogurt and lemon juice
- Pour 1 tablespoon of lemon juice into a bowl.
- Add 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt.
Step 2. Mix well & apply the blend to your dark spots daily
- Mix the ingredients well to get a uniform paste.
- Apply the paste to your dark spots using a cotton swab.
- Leave it on for 10 minutes, then rinse it off with plain water.
- Follow with a light moisturizer.
You can refrigerate the remaining paste for up to 1 week.
Repeat once daily to see visible improvement in just a few days. Continued use for 2 to 3 months should get rid of dark spots completely.
Method 8: Lemon & Aloe Vera Gel
Another incredibly simple way to remove dark spots with lemon juice is by combining it with aloe vera gel. While lemon juice reduces melanin and lightens skin tone, aloe vera helps repair skin damage.
It boosts the production of fibroblast cells in the skin to replace damaged skin with fresh skin cells. Aloe vera also hydrates the skin and reduces sun damage.
If you need help, you can learn how to make your own aloe vera gel.
Things you’ll need:
- Lemon juice (lightens skin) – 1 tablespoon
- Aloe vera gel (repairs skin damage) – 1 tablespoon
Single-Step Method: Mix lemon juice and aloe vera gel and apply daily
- Put 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel in a bowl.
- Add 1 tablespoon of freshly extracted lemon juice to it.
- Mix the two ingredients together completely.
- Use a cotton swab to apply the blend to your dark spots.
- Leave it on for 10 minutes, then rinse it off with plain water.
- Apply a light oil-free moisturizer.
Repeat once every day for a couple of months to get rid of dark spots for good.
Method 9: Lemon & Coconut Oil
Lemon, along with coconut oil, can help reduce and even prevent dark spots. While the lemon works as a natural bleach, the fatty acids in coconut oil replenish the skin and improve its texture.
Additionally, the antioxidants found in coconut oil fight free-radical damage and also form a protective layer on the skin.
Things you’ll need:
- Lemon juice (lightens skin) – 1 tablespoon
- Extra-virgin coconut oil (repairs skin damage) – 1 tablespoon
Step 1. Combine lemon juice and coconut oil
- Pour 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice into a bowl.
- Add 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin coconut oil.
Step 2. Mix well & apply the blend daily to the dark spots
- Mix the two ingredients together completely.
- Using a cotton swab, apply the mix to your dark spots.
- Leave it on for 20 to 25 minutes, then rinse it off with warm water.
Repeat once daily until your dark spots fade away.
Method 10: Lemon & Olive Oil
Similar to the previous method, lemon can also be combined with olive oil to get rid of dark spots.
Olive oil is rich in omega-9 fatty acids that help deeply moisturize the skin and aid its recovery, while the lemon lightens the spots.
Things you’ll need:
- Lemon juice (lightens skin) – 1 tablespoon
- Extra-virgin olive oil (moisturizes skin) – 1 tablespoon
Step 1. Mix lemon juice and olive oil
- Combine 1 tablespoon each of lemon juice and olive oil in a bowl. Use extra-virgin olive oil, as it contains the least impurities and is most readily absorbed.
- Blend the two together thoroughly.
Step 2. Apply the blend twice daily on the dark spots
- Use a cotton swab to dab the liquid on your dark spots.
- Leave it on for 15 minutes, then rinse it off with plain water.
Repeat twice daily to help get rid of your dark spots completely.
Method 11: Lemon & Apple Cider Vinegar
There is no limit to the things apple cider vinegar can do. Even for dark spots, a concoction of lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and some water can give great results.
The acids in both lemon juice and apple cider vinegar fight the hyperpigmentation, exfoliate the skin and also lighten your complexion. Plus, the apple cider vinegar balances your skin’s pH and protect against breakouts.
Since both ingredients are acidic, they can be harsh on your skin so dilute them with water before applying it on to dark spots.
Things you’ll need:
- Lemon juice (lightens skin) – ½ teaspoon
- Apple cider vinegar (exfoliates skin) – ½ teaspoon
- Water – 1 tablespoon
Step 1. Combine lemon juice and apple cider vinegar
- Pour ½ a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice into a container.
- Add ½ a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to it. Opt for an organic and unfiltered variety, as it is the least processed and contains the essential enzymes.
Step 2. Dilute with water & apply the solution 3 or 4 times weekly
- Add 1 tablespoon of water to dilute the ingredients.
- Mix all ingredients well.
- Apply the blend to your dark spots using a cotton swab.
- Leave it on for 10 minutes, then rinse it off with plain water.
Repeat 3 or 4 times a week to help get rid of dark spots.
Method 12: Lemon & Baking Soda
Lemon juice can be combined with baking soda to form an exfoliating mask for dark spots. The abrasive texture of baking soda will help slough off dead skin cells to reveal a fresh layer of skin, while the lemon will help lighten the spots.
The baking soda will also help kill any bacteria that may be causing breakouts and normalize the pH of your skin. In fact, you can also use baking soda for acne breakouts.
Things you’ll need:
- Lemon wedge (lightens skin) – 1
- Baking soda (exfoliates skin) – 1 teaspoon
Single-Step Treatment: Apply a lemon juice and baking soda paste on the spots daily
- Put 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a small bowl.
- Squeeze out the juice from a lemon wedge over the baking soda. You want just enough juice to form a thick paste. If needed, add more juice.
- Mix well and apply the paste on your dark spots.
- Leave it on for 3 to 4 minutes, then rinse it off with water.
Repeat once daily until dark spots are no longer visible.
Method 13: Lemon & Cucumber
A blend of lemon, cucumber, and honey can give your skin a much-needed refreshing boost and also lighten it in the process.
Along with lightening hyperpigmentation, the lemon cleanses the skin’s top layer, helping clear away dead skin cells.
The cucumber contains essential minerals and vitamins that hydrate the skin and help to make it supple. It also has mild lightening properties — the honey locks in moisture and forms an antibacterial layer on the freshly revealed skin.
Things you’ll need:
- Lemon juice (lightens and cleanses skin) – 1 teaspoon
- Cucumber juice (hydrates skin) – 1 tablespoon
- Honey (locks in moisture) – ½ teaspoon
Step 1. Mix lemon juice, cucumber juice, and honey
- Pour 1 tablespoon of fresh cucumber juice into a container.
- Add 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice.
- Add ½ teaspoon of honey as well.
- Mix them well.
Step 2. Apply the blend twice daily on your dark spots
- Apply the blend to your dark spots using a cotton swab.
- Let it sit for 10 minutes, then rinse it off with water.
Apply this blend twice daily to get substantial results in just a few weeks.
Additional Tips
- Remove any makeup and wash your face before hitting the bed.
- Exfoliate your skin weekly to maintain healthy and clean skin.
- Avoid using a harsh face wash to clean your face. In fact, you can make your own face wash that is skin-friendly.
- Drink plenty of water every day and include fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet. This will supply your body with essential minerals and vitamins and will also impart a natural glow to your face.
- If you’re taking medications for a health or skin condition, consult your doctor before using any of the lemon-based remedies to be sure they won’t interfere with your treatment.
- Lemon can make your skin photosensitive. Avoid going out in the sun for 6 to 8 hours after using any of these remedies.
- To protect your skin from UV damage, always wear sunscreen when out in the sun. You can even make your own sunscreen.