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Sun spots or liver spots are caused by the UV rays of the sun. Prolonged exposure to the sunlight without a sunscreen on causes such spots to occur. This is common with light skinned people. As light skin have less melanin and excess production of melanin in concentrated areas cause darkening or smudges that appear as spots on the skin. Exposed areas like face, neck, arms and shoulder are more prone to such spotting. Although these spots are harmless, they tend to age the skin a bit faster. Other than sun damage, no one wants to look older than they really are. Perfumed colognes often aggravate sun damage to the skin. Anumita suggests home remedies to reduce and remove sun spots, in the regular column, exclusively for Different Truths.
A little more of dots, of concealer, on the cheeks and nose. A dab of face powder and the face will be flawless! This is the makeup routine many of us follow. Quite a few of us have to follow these routines on a regular basis. We conceal the tiny dots or smudges on our face which were not there few years ago.
These are called sun spots or liver spots. These are caused by the UV rays of the sun. Prolonged exposure to the sunlight without a sunscreen on causes such spots to occur. This is common with light skinned people. As light skin have less melanin and excess production of melanin in concentrated areas cause darkening or smudges that appear as spots on the skin.
Exposed areas like face, neck, arms and shoulder are more prone to such spotting. Although these spots are harmless, they tend to age the skin a bit faster. Other than sun damage, no one wants to look older than they really are. Perfumed colognes often aggravate sun damage to the skin.
Here are few common preventive measures, which might be followed so that one does not get such spots 
to appear on the skin. It is best to wear a sunscreen, which is at least SPF 20. Those who have sensitive skin or skin which get easily burned need to bump up to SPF 50. The usual moisturisers and makeup cosmetics do not have the required amount of SPF to help block the harmful rays of the sun. Wear light covered cotton clothing over arms when under direct sunlight for a prolonged period of time. Other that, big floppy hat, umbrella or any kind of cover works to the skin’s advantage. Keep the skin moisture enough, as dry skin often burn faster.
If the preventive measures slip the mind and one ends up with spots, it is not the end of the world. There are some cosmetic procedures and creams that help in minimising these dark spots. Home remedies are often the best, as these are non-chemical and can be made at home, economically.
Some time-tested home remedies for removing or reducing sun spots are:
1. Lemon Juice: Lemon juice is the best natural bleaching agent. It is advisable not to apply it directly on the skin. Squeeze a teaspoon of lemon juice and soak a cotton ball in it. Dab the cotton ball on the dark spots. Let it stay for 15 minutes and then wash it off. As lemon juice is mildly acidic, do not go out in the sun immediately after application. Repeat this twice or thrice a day. If you have a dry skin, moisturise your skin sufficiently, as lemon juice tends to dry the skin more. Those with sensitive skin can mix the lemon juice with few drops of honey and apply it. If the lemon juice application causes a burning sensation, you can use an alternative mixture of lemon juice and sugar and use it as a scrub to clean your face.
2. Watermelon: Watermelon consists of Vitamin A, B and C. Rub a thin slice of watermelon on the face and keep it on for 10 minutes. Wash it off with lukewarm water. This is not a fast process, but it does help the skin and slowly lightens the sun spots.
3. Parsley Mask: Make a mask of finely chopped, a handful of parsley. Mix in 2 tablespoons of yoghurt and few drops of lemon juice. Apply it over the affected area. Leave it on for 10 minutes and then wash it off.
4. Aloe Vera: Aloe has natural healing characteristics, and helps repair sun damage to the skin. The gel directly squeezed from the plant can be applied on the face and neck area. It fades the existing sun spots 
and prevents others from forming. If natural Aloe is not available, a good natural cream infused with rich aloe would be good too.
5. Milk or Buttermilk: Milk contains lactic acid, which helps to lighten the skin. Apply milk or buttermilk to the spots and let it stay on the skin for 15 minutes and then wash it off. This will help lighten the dark spots on the skin.
All the above are home remedies, which reduces dark spots. Usually, home remedies take a little more time than a chemical peel or other forms of cosmetic remedies, but they are safe and do not have much side effects.
Try some of these natural home remedies and let your inner beauty shine through a spot-free complexion.
©Anumita Chatterjee Roy
Photo from the internet.
