Are you noticing dark spots on your skin that seem to be getting worse? Sunspots are a common skin concern, but not something you have to settle for living with.
One possible solution is apple cider vinegar – but does apple cider vinegar get rid of sun spots?
I’ll share all of the potential benefits of applying apple cider vinegar to treat sunspots and help you decide whether it’s right for you. Can you actually get rid of age spots?
What Are Sun Spots, and How Do They Form?
Sun spots, also known as brown spots or age spots, are flat, discolored areas on your skin that result from excessive sun exposure.
These spots are a type of hyperpigmentation, which occurs when your skin produces more pigment, causing some areas to become darker than others.
The more your skin is exposed to the sun’s harmful rays, the higher the chances of developing these pesky spots.
As you spend more time outdoors, your skin cells are constantly exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
This radiation can damage the DNA within the cells, potentially leading to the overproduction of melanin, the pigment responsible for the color of your skin.
When melanin accumulates, it forms darkened patches on your skin—these are the sun spots.
Sun spots commonly appear on your face, hands, and other areas that receive frequent sun exposure.
While sunspots are harmless and not cancerous, they can be aesthetically displeasing for some people.
It’s also worth noting that certain factors, such as age and genetics, might make you more susceptible to these brown spots.
It’s essential to monitor the spots on your skin, especially if they increase in size or change in appearance.
Sun spots form as a result of sun damage and hyperpigmentation. They are typically harmless, but can impact your appearance.
Keeping track of any changes and having regular skin evaluations can help ensure your skin remains healthy and radiant.
What Is Apple Cider Vinegar, and How Does It Help The Skin?
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a fantastic natural product derived from crushed apples, yeast, and sugar that has numerous benefits for your skin.
But how exactly does it work to improve your complexion and help with those pesky sunspots?
ACV contains lactic acid and alpha hydroxy acids (AHA’s), which are known to help exfoliate your skin gently.
With exfoliation, you’re allowing new, healthy skin to come to the surface, while also reducing the appearance of uneven skin pigmentation.
This is what can make it an effective solution to lighten age spots, dark spots, and other skin blemishes caused by sun exposure.
Here’s a quick breakdown of how ACV works for your skin:
- Lactic Acid: This AHA helps to exfoliate the skin and promote cell turnover. The result is a smoother and more even complexion, as it sloughs away dead skin cells.
- Alpha Hydroxy Acids: These acids can further enhance exfoliation, leaving your skin soft and giving it a brighter appearance overall.
To make the most of these benefits, you can create a simple and effective skin toner by combining one part apple cider vinegar with two parts purified water.
Applied to the skin, this mixture can help reduce the appearance of dark spots on your face, and other imperfections over time.
While ACV is a great natural skincare solution, it’s essential to use it in moderation and with caution, as overusing it might cause irritation or dryness.
Always perform a patch test before applying it to more extensive areas, and always dilute ACV with water to ensure it’s gentle on your skin.
Does Apple Cider Vinegar Get Rid Of Sun Spots?
You might be wondering if apple cider vinegar can help reduce the appearance of sunspots or age spots.
Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which has been shown to help lighten skin pigmentation.
This makes it a potential natural remedy to reduce age spots and improve the overall appearance of your skin.
To get started, simply combine equal parts apple cider vinegar and water in a container. This diluted mixture is important to protect your skin from potential irritation or burns from the apple cider vinegar.
Now, apply the solution to your dark spots or sun spots using a cotton ball, and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing off with warm water.
Remember to be consistent and patient – it might take a few weeks to see noticeable results.
As well as using apple cider vinegar and water for spot treatment, incorporating other natural remedies such as green tea can boost your chances of lightening sunspots.
Green tea is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect your skin from environmental stressors and reduce the appearance of age spots.
How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar to Treat Sun Spots
Thanks to its high content of alpha hydroxy acids and acetic acid, apple cider vinegar can help lighten skin pigmentation and enhance the overall appearance of your skin.
If you want to remove age spots or sun spots (also called liver spots), mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water in a bowl.
This dilution will ensure that the apple cider vinegar does not irritate your skin.
Next, soak a cotton ball in the mixture and gently apply it to the affected areas with dark spots. Leave it on your skin for about 10 to 15 minutes, giving the apple cider vinegar enough time to work its magic.
After the time has elapsed, rinse your face thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove the apple cider vinegar solution.
Make sure all traces of the solution are washed off, as leaving it on your skin could lead to irritation.
Repeat this process once or twice a day for optimum results. Keep in mind that consistency is key, and you might not see immediate results.
Are There Any Risks or Side Effects of Using Apple Cider Vinegar for Sun Spots?
ACV might cause skin irritations or allergic reactions. As everyone’s skin is different, you might experience itching, redness, or burning sensations after applying apple cider vinegar to your dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
It is crucial to perform a patch test on a small area of your skin before applying it to a larger area or your face.
Another concern is that the acidic nature of ACV can damage your tooth enamel.
Although you might not intentionally apply it to your teeth, accidental contact could lead to enamel erosion.
To protect your teeth, always rinse your mouth with water if there’s any accidental contact.
While ACV is thought to have some benefits for your skin, it’s not a replacement for a professional opinion.
Dermatologists are experts in skin health, and consulting one should always be a priority if you’re trying out a new remedy or concerned about a skin issue.
They can help determine the underlying cause of sunspots and recommend the most effective treatments tailored to your needs.
As well as the side effects mentioned above, excessive consumption of ACV can lead to other issues such as:
- Delayed stomach emptying
- Tooth decay
- Indigestion
- Low blood sugar
Which Other Natural Remedies Are Effective For Fading Sun Spots?
There are several natural remedies you can try to help fade your sun spots / age spots / liver spots.
The great thing about these alternatives is that they’re easy to find and cost-effective, to minimize your age spots naturally.
- Lemon juice: With its rich Vitamin C and mild acid content, lemon juice is known to lighten dark spots, helping them fade away. Just squeeze half a fresh lemon, apply the juice directly on your sunspots, and leave it on your skin for 10 to 15 minutes. Do this daily until your sunspots start to fade.
- Aloe vera: Aloe vera contains aloesin and aloin, compounds that have been found to be effective in fading sunspots. Simply apply aloe vera gel directly to your sun spots on a daily basis.
- Ellagic acid: Found in pomegranates, cherries, and strawberries, ellagic acid is an antioxidant that may help reduce dark spots on the face by interfering with tyrosinase, an enzyme needed for melanin production. Try a topical pomegranate skin treatment to enjoy its benefits.
- Chemical peels: While not exactly a natural remedy, chemical peels can be helpful in fading sunspots. Acid solutions applied to the skin cause it to peel away, allowing new skin to grow. This process, however, may cause a burning sensation that lasts for a few minutes.
Summary
Apple cider vinegar has been used as a treatment for sunspots for many years and can be an effective way to reduce dark spots and even out your skin tone.
It contains lactic acid and alpha hydroxy acids, which are known to help gently exfoliate the skin and reduce the appearance of uneven pigmentation.
By combining one part ACV with two parts purified water, you can make a simple yet powerful toner that may lighten age spots over time.
Always remember to test it on a small area of your skin before applying more extensively, and avoid drinking ACV due to its potential side effects.