Home Remedies to Get Rid of Dark Skin on Your Neck

Many people suffer the embarrassment of having dark skin patches around their neck. This is a fairly common skin pigmentation disorder known as acanthosis nigricans. It is not an infection and is not contagious.

Aging and sun exposure are the main causes of dark discoloration on the neck. Other causes are diabetes, genetics, polycystic ovary syndrome, poor hygiene, and sudden weight loss or weight gain.

There are many natural remedies to reduce the discoloration of skin around the neck.

1. Almonds

Almonds contain vitamins that are essential for skin health. Almonds also have properties that can nourish the skin and remove discoloration. You can use almonds in different ways to treat dark skin on your neck.

• For a simple remedy, make a thick paste of half a teaspoon of powdered almonds, and one teaspoon each of milk powder and honey. Apply the paste on the sides and back of the neck, leave it on for half an hour and then wash it off with water. Do this two to four times a week.
• Heat almond oil and massage your neck with it. Do this once a month to improve blood circulation in the neck area. The oil also acts as a moisturizer and will help make your skin glow.
• Soak four or five almonds in water overnight. In the morning, grind the almonds into a paste. Apply the paste on the neck area and gently scrub for a few minutes. Wash it off with cold water.

2. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a kind of natural skin lightener and also moisturizes the skin. It can lighten skin color to a great extent and reduce various skin spots. Aloe vera is also rich in antioxidants and various other compounds that help repair and produce new skin cells.

1. Extract pure aloe vera gel from the leaf.
2. Apply it directly on the neck and gently massage it. Leave it on for about 20 minutes.
3. Wash it off with water.
4. Repeat this once daily for fast results.

3. Walnuts

Walnuts contain vitamins and zinc that nourish the skin. They also help keep the skin hydrated, which is highly essential for healthy skin. To treat dark skin on the neck, a scrub made of walnuts and yogurt is very effective.

1. Mix crushed walnuts in yogurt to make a thick paste.
2. Apply the paste on the dark portion of your neck. Gently scrub for a few minutes and then allow it to dry.
3. Wash it off using cold water or rose water.

If done on regular basis, about twice a week, this remedy will rejuvenate your neck skin and reduce any dark appearance.

4. Cucumber

Cucumber can also be used to improve the appearance of your neck area. Cucumber has soothing properties that help repair skin cells, remove dead skin cells and add glow to the skin.

• Apply grated cucumber or cucumber juice all over your neck and gently scrub for about 10 minutes. Wash it off with rose water or cold water. Do this daily to get rid of dark spots on your neck fast.
• Another option is to mix equal amounts of cucumber juice and lemon juice and apply it on your neck using cotton balls. Leave it on for 10 minutes and then wash it off with cold water. Do this daily.

5. Lemon Juice

Lemon has citric acid, which is a natural bleaching agent. Also, the vitamin C present in lemon helps remove dead cells and lighten skin tone. Hence, lemon can be used to effectively lighten the dark complexion of your neck area.

• Apply lemon juice to the dark skin using a cotton ball. If you have sensitive skin, dilute the lemon juice with water. Leave it on for 20 minutes and then wash it off with cold water. Make sure not to expose your neck to direct sunlight after applying lemon juice.
• Another option is to mix equal parts of lemon juice and rose water. Apply this mixture around the neck area before going to bed. Do this daily for about a month to see visible results.

6. Oats

Oats work as a great skin scrubber and help exfoliate the skin. This is quite effective in reducing the dark complexion that appears around the neck area.

• Take two teaspoons of coarsely ground oats and add a little tomato puree to it to get a thick paste. Apply the mixture on your neck and leave it on for about 20 minutes. Then scrub your neck gently. Finally, wash your neck with cold water and apply some moisturizer. Do this two or three times a week for quick results.
• Mix powdered oats with milk and honey. Apply the mixture on the dark area of the neck. Allow it to sit for 20 to 30 minutes and then wash it off with lukewarm water. Do this twice a week