You may be able to treat hyperpigmentation with certain home remedies. However, some medical conditions that can cause hyperpigmentation need to be treated by a doctor.

Hyperpigmentation is a term describing a darkening of your natural skin tone. This can affect patches of your skin or your entire body. Age spots, also called liver spots, are a common type of hyperpigmentation.

Though hyperpigmentation is not always related to a medical condition that requires treatment, some people may choose to try to lighten these areas.

A note on home remedy safety

Some hyperpigmentation may be due to a particular medical condition that requires treatment. If you have persistent hyperpigmentation or pigmentation as a result of a medical condition, it’s a good idea to see a doctor to find out the underlying cause.

If you do try home remedies, be sure to speak with your doctor and do a small patch test first.

Also, avoid using on sensitive skin. Extra caution may also be needed if you have a condition known as melasma (or chloasma), which can occur during pregnancy.

While many of these home remedies have only anecdotal evidence, they are typically safe for most people and may be worth trying if you want to reduce your skin pigmentation naturally.

It’s important to note before using any home remedies that irritation may worsen hyperpigmentation, especially for those with darker skin tones, so caution is advised.

Aloe vera contains aloin and aloesin, a natural depigmenting compound that some people say can lighten skin and help treat hyperpigmentation.

To use:

  1. Apply pure aloe vera gel to pigmented areas before bedtime.
  2. Rinse using warm water the next morning.
  3. Repeat daily until your skin pigmentation evens out.

Always carry out a patch test first to make sure you do not have a reaction to the plant.

Red onion extract is an ingredient in some commercially available skin- and scar-lightening creams. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the dried skin of red onions may effectively lighten skin. An older 2011 article suggests its potential for use in reducing hyperpigmentation.

Look for creams for hyperpigmentation that contain Allium cepa and use as directed, making sure to test a small area first before using on larger areas.

Some people believe green tea extract may have a depigmenting effect when applied to skin. A 2018 study also suggests this effect.

You can purchase green tea extract and apply it as directed (diluted). Creams containing green tea extract can also be found.

Some websites suggest applying green tea bags to dark spots for a lightening effect. However, make sure you carry out a patch test first as some people are sensitive to tea/tannins.

If you’d like to give it a try, follow these steps:

  1. Steep a green tea bag in boiled water for 3 to 5 minutes.
  2. Remove the tea bag from the water and let it cool — you don’t want to burn your skin.
  3. Rub the tea bag over your dark patches.
  4. Repeat twice a day.

Some people claim that black tea water can help lighten dark spots when applied to the skin daily. An older 2015 article suggests black tea works better than white or green tea.

To try your own version of this hyperpigmentation treatment at home:

  1. Add a tablespoon of fresh black tea leaves to a cup of boiling distilled water.
  2. Steep for 2 hours and strain to remove the leaves.
  3. Let the tea cool.
  4. Soak a cotton ball in the tea water and apply to areas of hyperpigmentation, twice a day.

Carry out a test patch first before using on larger areas of skin.

Licorice extract contains active ingredients, such as glabridin, that may lighten hyperpigmentation caused by melasma and sun exposure.

Topical creams containing licorice extract are available over the counter.

Use as directed on the packaging and discontinue use if you see any signs of irritation. If you buy online, make sure to check the manufacturing information to ensure it’s a legitimate product containing expected ingredients.

Milk, buttermilk, and even sour milk can potentially lighten skin discoloration due various compounds they contain, such as lactic acid. Other compounds involved may include fucosyllactose and casein hydrolysate.

Lactic acid forms when bacteria break down lactose, and — as you might suspect — it makes milk slightly acidic. In fact, lactic acid is what’s known as an alpha-hydroxy acid — compounds that are often used in cosmetic products to rejuvenate the skin. This is thought to be due to their exfoliating effect.

Additionally, AHAs reduce melanin in the skin, causing hyperpigmentation to lighten. Though milk contains lower levels of lactic acid than cosmetic products, some effect may still be seen.

To use any of these to treat pigmentation:

  • Soak a cotton ball in the milk.
  • Rub it over darkened skin patches twice a day.
  • Repeat daily for up to a few weeks or months.

Hyperpigmentation is usually a cosmetic concern rather than a medical one. However, several home remedies may help lighten dark patches of pigmentation. Though research is lacking, some natural remedies may be worth trying if your skin hyperpigmentation bothers you.

Speak to your doctor if you’re concerned about your skin pigmentation or suspect that your skin discoloration is caused by an underlying medical condition or medication.