Age spots, also known as liver spots, are those flat brown spots that start appearing on your hands, neck, and face as you get older. Contrary to popular belief, they aren’t caused by aging but by sun damage accumulated over the years. 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 aren’t harmful, they can make you look older, which is why many people seek ways to remove them.

There are various medical treatments available for age spots, but they often come with potential side effects, complications, and high costs. These treatments include laser therapy, which destroys the cells that produce melanin; dermabrasion, which sands off the skin’s outer layers; chemical peels that burn the outer layer of the skin; and cryosurgery, which freezes age spots with liquid nitrogen.

Instead of these costly procedures, you might want to try some home remedies that are known to reduce the appearance of age spots. These remedies are inexpensive and have fewer side effects.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar: This contains alpha hydroxy acids, which make it a great skin exfoliator. Dab a little onto the affected areas before bed and leave it on overnight. To prevent dryness, mix in some olive oil. Repeat daily, and you should see a difference in three to four weeks. For an extra boost, add grated horseradish to the vinegar, let it sit for two weeks, then apply it to the spots.

2. Buttermilk: Rich in lactic acid, buttermilk helps rejuvenate the skin and diminish age spots. Apply buttermilk with a cotton ball to the spots, let it sit for 15 minutes, then rinse. For acne-prone skin, add a few drops of lime juice. Repeat daily.

3. Lemons: Lemons contain citric acid, which helps remove dead skin cells. Rub a lemon slice on the spots, let the juice sit for 15 minutes, then rinse. Avoid sun exposure immediately after application.

4. Onions: Onions have sulfur compounds and acids that help exfoliate the skin. Rub onion slices on the spots two to three times daily, or mix onion juice with honey for better results.

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

6. Papaya: Papaya contains alpha hydroxy acids and enzymes that exfoliate the skin. Apply a thin slice of 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 be applied directly from the plant or as juice. Let it soak in for at least 30 minutes before rinsing.

8. Yogurt: With lactic acid and mild bleaching properties, yogurt can lighten the skin. Mix yogurt with ground oatmeal and lime juice to form a paste, apply it to the spots, and rinse after 30 minutes.

9. Sandalwood Essential Oil: This oil contains anti-aging compounds. Dilute it in a carrier oil and massage it onto the spots. For a paste, mix sandalwood powder with lemon juice, glycerin, and rosewater.

10. Red Currants: Packed with antioxidants, red currants can help diminish age spots. Mash them into a paste, mix with honey, and apply to the spots. Rinse after 30 minutes.

11. Chickpeas: Blend cooked chickpeas with tahini and water to form a thick paste. Apply to the spots and let it dry for 30 minutes before rinsing.

12. Tomatoes: High in lycopene and bleaching properties, tomatoes can lighten the skin. Apply tomato slices or juice to the spots for 20 minutes daily.

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

14. Potatoes: The acidic juice of potatoes has bleaching properties. Mix potato juice with lemon juice and honey, apply to the spots, and rinse after 20 minutes.