Brown spots or liver spots on the skin may be a sign of aging—or exposure to harsh elements. Certain areas of the skin are triggered to produce excess melanin after unprotected exposure to the sun's rays. Beauticians and aestheticians use many products to help lighten the skin and remove age spots. One common home remedy is lemon juice. In most cases, using lemon juice for facials is safe.
Cleanse your face thoroughly with a gentle cleanser and warm water. Remove all makeup and rinse with clean water.
Exfoliate to remove dead skin cells and oils that clog pores. Gently blot the skin dry with a soft towel and moisturize. You should exfoliate on a regular basis.
Chop 1 cup fresh parsley and make tea by placing in a pot with 2 cups water and boil for 15 minutes. Strain the parsley from the infusion and add 5 to 10 drops fresh lemon juice, suggests Beauty Tips and Makeup Tips. Allow the liquid to cool and apply it to any dark spots on your face with a cotton ball. Allow it to remain in place for at least 30 minutes before rinsing.
Pour the remaining liquid into a spray bottle and refrigerate. Spray on your face daily to reduce discoloration of age spots.
Apply straight lemon juice to brown spots, which may lighten them over time, suggests Home Remedies Web. Allow the lemon juice to dry and remain on your face for at least several hours or overnight.
Add lemon juice to hummus to make a mask for age spots. Use prepared hummus or make your own by mashing 1 cup garbonzo beans with 1/2 cup tahini in a food processor until smooth. Add 2 to 3 tbsp. fresh lemon juice and mix well. Smooth the mixture over the entire face and allow it to remain for 30 minutes, then rinse off. Repeat the application daily until brown spots are lightened.
Tip
Do not use bottled lemon juice because it may contain other chemicals that may damage the skin. In addition, the amount of citric acid present may have weakened during the time it remained in the bottle.
Warning
Do not go outdoors in direct sunlight with lemon juice on the face as it may enhance the skin's sensitivity and cause unwanted burning. If you experience side effects, stop using it and seek medical advice.
References
Writer Bio
Jean Bardot is a freelance writer and natural health practitioner. She started writing in 1994 and has contributed articles to publications such as "Similimum" and the "IFH Journal." She has a Bachelor of Science in public health from the University of North Carolina and a Master of Science in holistic nutrition from Clayton College of Natural Health.