Those flat brown spots that start showing up on your hands, neck, and face as you get older, often called age spots or liver spots, are actually due to sun damage over the years, not aging itself. They’re more common in people with fair skin and those who frequently use tanning beds or spend a lot of time in the sun. While age spots are harmless, they can make you look older, prompting many to seek ways to remove them.

There are several medical treatments available, but they often come with side effects, complications, and high costs. These treatments include laser therapy, dermabrasion, chemical peels, and cryosurgery. Instead, you might want to try some home remedies that are inexpensive and free from side effects.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar: With natural alpha hydroxy acids, apple cider vinegar is a great skin exfoliator. Apply a little on the affected areas before bed and leave it overnight. To avoid dryness, mix in some olive oil. Repeat daily, and you should see results in three to four weeks. For an added boost, mix grated horseradish with the vinegar and let it sit for two weeks before using.

2. Buttermilk: The lactic acid in buttermilk helps rejuvenate the skin and reduce age spots. Apply buttermilk with a cotton ball on the spots and leave it for 15 minutes before rinsing. If you have acne-prone skin, add a few drops of lime juice. Repeat daily until the spots fade.

3. Lemons: Lemons are effective for lightening age spots due to their citric acid content. Rub a lemon slice on the spots and leave the juice on for 15 minutes before rinsing. Avoid sun exposure immediately after applying lemon juice to prevent further darkening.

4. Onions: Onions contain sulfur compounds and acids that exfoliate the skin. Rub onion slices on the spots two to three times daily, leaving it on for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing. For better results, mix onion juice with honey.

5. Dandelions: The sap from dandelion stems can help eliminate dead skin cells and rejuvenate the skin. Apply the sap to the spots twice a day and rinse after a few minutes.

6. Papaya: Papaya has alpha hydroxy acids and enzymes that exfoliate the skin and reduce age spots. Apply a slice of green papaya or its pulp to the spots for 20 minutes daily.

7. Aloe Vera: Known for its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties, aloe vera can help with age spots. Apply the gel from an aloe vera leaf to the spots and let it soak in. Repeat twice daily.

8. Yogurt: Yogurt contains lactic acid and mild bleaching properties. Mix yogurt with ground oatmeal and lime juice to form a paste. Apply it to the spots for 30 minutes before rinsing. Repeat daily for a week, then twice weekly for two to three months.

9. Sandalwood Essential Oil: Sandalwood oil has anti-aging properties. Dilute a few drops in a carrier oil and massage onto the spots. Alternatively, mix sandalwood powder with lemon juice, glycerin, and rosewater to make a paste and apply it to the spots.

10. Red Currants: Rich in antioxidants, red currants can help diminish age spots. Mash unripe red currants with honey to form a paste, apply it to the spots for 30 minutes, then rinse. Follow up with a mix of lemon juice and rosewater.

11. Chickpeas: Use cooked chickpeas blended with tahini and water to make a thick paste. Apply this mask to the spots and let it dry for 30 minutes before rinsing.

12. Tomatoes: The enzymes and lycopene in tomatoes help lighten age spots. Rub tomato slices or apply tomato juice to the spots for 20 minutes before rinsing. Mixing with honey can enhance the effect.

13. Castor Oil: Known for healing skin, castor oil can be massaged into the spots twice daily. For dry skin, add olive or coconut oil.

14. Potatoes: Potato juice, combined with lemon juice and honey, can help remove age spots. Grate a potato, squeeze out the juice, mix with lemon juice and honey, and apply to the spots for 20 minutes before rinsing.

These home remedies are simple, cost-effective ways to reduce the appearance of age spots without the risks associated with medical treatments.