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dark patches on skin home remedies
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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #13490
5 days ago
17

dark patches on skin home remedies - #13490

Atharv

I am really worried about these dark patches on my skin that have been showing up for a while now. I first noticed them on my arms and face, like, a few months ago, and I thought maybe it was just a reaction to the sun or something, but they haven’t gone away. At first, they were kinda small but now they seem to be spreading a bit. I’ve tried a couple of creams from the drugstore, but they don't seem to work at all, and I’m not sure if I should keep using them or what?? I read somewhere about dark patches on skin home remedies, and I’m wondering if those would even help? Like, I heard aloe vera or lemon juice are supposed to be good for dark patches on skin home remedies, but is that really true? Should I just give up on over-the-counter stuff and go for these home remedies instead? I mean, are they even safe? Do I need to mix them or use them separately? There’s just so much info out there. Has anyone had success with dark patches on skin home remedies? I’m definitely open to trying anything that might work besides going to a dermatologist at this point. I'm just really confused and worried they’ll get worse!

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Doctors’ responses

You’re right to be cautious about the dark patches on your skin, and it’s wise to consider the best options available based on their persistence and possible causes. Before jumping into home remedies, it’s important to pinpoint potential origins — like sun exposure, hormonal changes, or a condition known as melasma. Dark patches are sometimes harmless but persisting, spreading, or changing ones should generally be checked out by a dermatologist. If you’re looking to try home remedies while you’re weighing options with OTC treatments, there are a few that could be safe and functional if applied with care. Aloe vera is recognized for its soothing, moisturizing properties and may help improve the skin’s appearance due to its active compounds like aloesin, which can help lessen pigmentation. To use it, apply fresh aloe vera gel directly to the patches and leave it on for about 20 minutes before rinsing it off. As for lemon juice, it’s cited for lightening skin, thanks to its citric acid content, but be cautious — it can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and, possibly, cause irritation if used undiluted. If you opt for lemon juice, use it diluted with water and test a small patch of skin first to ensure there’s no adverse reaction. Other options might be topical green tea or apple cider vinegar, lightly diluted, as some small studies have suggested benefits in pigmentation lightening. Keep in mind these remedies tend to have limited evidence regarding their effectiveness specifically against all types of dark patches. While exploring these, protect your skin by using sunscreen daily, as UV exposure can worsen hyperpigmentation. Given the patches are spreading and not responding to OTC products, it wouldn’t hurt to pursue professional guidance to rule out underlying skin conditions or other health issues. A dermatologist can provide a more tailored approach and prescribe treatments, like topical retinoids or chemical peels, that have more support from scientific studies.

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