10 Useful Home Remedies That’ll Get Rid of a Dark Neck

The neck is a part of the body that doesn’t receive much care or effort. As a result, we might observe some darkening or dulling of the region with time. Usually skin darkening, or hyperpigmentation, is caused by factors like-

• Lack of hygiene
• Pollution
• Prolonged exposure to sunlight
• Toxic chemicals present in cosmetic products

Keeping this in mind, we have some useful natural remedies for you to follow-

 

Here are 10 Useful Home Remedies That’ll Get Rid of a Dark Neck

1. Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera gel is extremely rich in antioxidants. It consists of a pigment called aloin that lightens your skin and brings a glow to your face. It also hydrates the skin.

• Cut open an aloe vera leaf to reveal the gel inside.
• Rub the cut portion of the leaf over the darkened area of the neck. Leave for 20 minutes.
• Gently rinse your neck with cold water.
• Store the gel in the refrigerator for further use.

Note: The gel can even be left on overnight and washed off in the morning.

On an average, it will take around 3 months for this treatment to start working and showing results.

 

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is an excellent source of acetic acid, which is known to be effective at lightening skin. Vitamin C tones your skin and brings about a slight glow to your face. It also clears the debris and bacteria off of your face.

• Before application, make sure to dilute the apple cider vinegar with equal parts of water.
• Leave it on for 2-3 minutes, then wash off with cool water.
• The process can be repeated once or twice, every day.

The treatment takes about 4-6 weeks to start showing results.

 

3. Milk

Milk, buttermilk, sour milk, soy milk are all excellent sources of lactic acid. Lactic acid is an excellent natural exfoliator. It weakens the bonds between old skin cells and hence speeds up cell turnover. It is used to cure hyperpigmentation and can even get rid of a few of those wrinkles by softening them.

• Soak a piece of cotton or cloth in the milk and dab it over your neck.
• Leave for 30 minutes then wash off.
• The process can be repeated once or twice a day, every day.

You should be able to observe some changes by the end of 2 months.

 

4. Baking Soda

Baking soda is perfect for getting rid of dead skin cells. It’s mildly abrasive, hence excellent as an exfoliator. It doesn’t have any direct skin lightening effect, however, it unclogs pores, removes dirt from skin and helps bring about a clean, bright look to your skin. It also helps clear acne and prevents breakouts.

• Mix 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda with water to form a smooth paste.
• Add oatmeal if needed in order to add texture to the paste.
• Apply over the darkened area of the neck and leave for a few minutes until it dries up.
• Gently scrub off the hardened paste by massaging with your fingers.
• Rinse with warm water.
• This process can be repeated once every day.

Note: It is advisable to moisturize after using baking soda.

Changes shall be visible in approximately a month or two.

 

5. Potato Juice

Potato juice has natural bleaching properties due to the presence of an enzyme called catecholase. Potato juice works like a charm on dark spots, blemishes and sun tans. It consists of various skin whitening agents like vitamin C, potassium etc. which help rejuvenate dull skin. Its skin tightening properties can also help you avoid premature wrinkling.

• Grate a small potato, then extract the juice from it.
• Apply the juice on your neck with a cotton ball and leave for until it dries completely.
• Rinse with warm water.
• This process can be repeated twice every day.

It would take a couple of months before any significant changes start to show.

 

6. Turmeric and Gram Flour

In Ayurveda, turmeric is considered to be one of the most important natural skin lightening agents. It has antioxidants, essential oils and anti-inflammatory components which work together to heal your skin and provide a glow. It also has anti-fungal properties which help get rid of fungal infections festering on skin.

Gram powder or besan is an excellent exfoliator and scrub which is readily available in most households. It helps lighten skin by removing tan. The zinc present in it helps treat acne too. It also absorbs excess oil from the skin and provides moisture to dry skin.

• Mix the gram powder and turmeric with a little bit of water to form a paste.
• Apply the paste to the affected area and leave it until it dries.
• Gently scrub off the hardened paste with your fingers.
• Rinse your neck with warm water. Moisturize well.
• This process can be repeated around 3 times a week.

You shall observe results after about a month of continuous application.

 

7. Cucumber and lemon juice

Cucumbers are very good for our skin. They sooth skin irritation, help prevent acne and also have skin repairing properties. They act as excellent hydrators and their high antioxidant levels help reduce inflammation of the skin.

Lemon juice is a rich source of vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant. Its high pH value gives it astringent qualities which helps it reduce oiliness of the skin. It also helps increase the collagen of our skin, which reduces fine lines and makes our skin smooth.

• Grate the cucumbers and extract the juice from it. Squeeze the lemons and do the same.
• Mix the two juices in equal ratios and apply it on the neck with a cotton ball.
• Leave for 20 minutes then gently rinse with water.
• This process can be repeated once daily.

It shall take time for any visible results to show. You shall observe a slight fading of the hyperpigmentation by the end of 2 months.

 

8. Walnuts and yogurt

Walnuts are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants (like vitamin E) and phytosterol, which help in keeping our skin healthy. The vitamin B-5 present in it helps clear dark spots and tans.

The lactic acid present in yogurt has a mild bleaching effect which is useful in getting rid of hyperpigmentation. Lactic acid also inhibits the effect of the enzyme tyrosinase, which is responsible for the production of melanin- the skin pigment that causes darkening. It acts as a cleanser and helps get rid of skin blemishes. Its exfoliating properties help get rid of dead skin cells and stimulates cell turnover.

• Crush the walnuts until a fine powder is created. Mix it with a small amount of yogurt and form a thick paste.
• Apply on the neck and leave it until it dries.
• Gently scrub off the dried paste with your fingers.
• Rinse with water, then moisturize well.
• Repeat this procedure once daily.

After repeated application, you shall see the effects of this remedy after a couple of weeks.

 

9. Shea Butter

Shea butter is an excellent hydrating agent which provides nourishment to our skin. It helps restore skin elasticity and reduces stretch marks. The fatty acids present in it (examples: lineoleic, oleic, palmitic) keep our skin healthy and soft. Vitamins E and A present in the butter helps in skin depigmentation.

• Apply shea butter on the affected area of the neck and massage it gently into the skin.
• Keep massaging for a couple minutes.
• Leave it on and do not rinse it off.
• Follow this remedy on a daily basis.
• Apply the shea butter before going to bed at night.

Note: You may use cocoa butter in place of shea butter if an alternative is required.

 

10. Papaya and Honey

Papaya is a fruit with natural skin whitening properties; the enzyme papain present in it promotes cell renewal and cell turnover, which reduces darkening of the skin.

Honey has anti-inflammatory properties which help sooth skin irritation. It consists of enzymes, amino acids and vitamins which are very effective in treating skin issues like acne, psoriasis etc. It is also a great source of hydration and helps keep one’s skin moisturized.

• Take pieces of freshly cut papaya and mash them until you get a smooth paste.
• Add a spoonful of honey to the paste and mix it.
• Apply the mixture onto your neck and leave it there for about 20 minutes.
• Wash the area gently with warm water, then rinse with cold water.
• Repeat this process once daily.

Note: Do not throw away the peel of the papaya since that contains the highest level of papain. Try and extract the juice of the peel or add it to the blender so that it becomes a smooth paste.

 

While these natural remedies aren’t quick to take effect, they are handy and economical in nature. Try out the above remedies and be consistent in their use and you will surely witness results.