Natural Remedies to Reduce Dark Spots on Your Neck

Dark spots on the neck aren't a serious health problem but are definitely a cosmetic concern and can distress some people.
Natural Remedies to Reduce Dark Spots on Your Neck
Maricela Jiménez López

Reviewed and approved by the doctor Maricela Jiménez López.

Last update: 09 October, 2022

In order to fight dark spots on the neck, it’s important to understand they’re a cosmetic problem that can arise for various reasons: lack of hydration, direct and continuous exposure to the sun, hormonal imbalances, among others. It’s also associated with a condition known as acanthosis nigricans.

While it’s true you should visit a dermatologist to solve it with a personalized treatment, according to the type of skin, some home remedies are usually recommended.

Generally speaking, it’s considered that by applying these remedies with some regularity, you can remove dead cells from the dark spots on the neck, thus reducing the darkening.

Below we’ll discuss these natural remedies for removing dark spots on the neck related to acanthosis nigricans. Check them out!

Natural remedies to reduce dark spots on your neck

1. Plain yogurt, lemon, and sugar

The lactic acid contained in yogurt binds with citric acid from the lemon to form a complete treatment for dark spots on your neck and other areas of the body, such as elbows and knees, for example.

Both products benefit from the exfoliating effects of sugar, removing dead skin cells and revealing healthier skin.

Ingredients

  • The juice from 1/2 lemon
  • 5 tbsp. of plain yogurt
  • 2 tbsp. of granulated sugar

Preparation

  • Pour the yogurt into a bowl and mix in the juice from half a lemon and the sugar
  • Then, make sure you have a gritty paste
  • Finally, you can proceed to apply it

Mode of application

  • Firstly, rub this treatment over your neck using a gentle circular massage
  • Then, leave it on for 15 minutes and rinse
  • Finally, repeat this two to three times a week for the best results

Note: only use this treatment at night because exposure to the sun could have unwanted side effects.

A bowl of natural yogurt.

Check out this article: Easy Homemade Yogurt

2. Tomato and apple cider vinegar

A natural mask made with tomatoes and apple cider vinegar can help fight dark spots on your neck.

Ingredients

Preparation

  • Mash the ripe tomato and mix in the apple cider vinegar

Mode of application

  • Firstly, apply this mask to the skin of your neck
  • Then, leave it on for 30 minutes
  • Rinse with cold water and repeat its application at least three times a week

3. Aspirin and coconut oil

A jar of coconut oil.

An exfoliating cream made with aspirin and organic coconut oil will help minimize dark spots and improve them in every way.

Ingredients

Preparation

  • Mix the baking soda with the coconut oil until you have a homogeneous paste.

Mode of application

  • Firstly, apply the product all over the skin of the neck, focusing on the blemished areas
  • Then, leave it on for 30 minutes and rinse
  • Finally, repeat its use two to three times a week

4. Reduce dark spots with oatmeal and olive oil

The mixture of oatmeal and olive oil gives you a natural exfoliant with calming properties, which is ideal to reduce the irritations you may have on the skin of your dry neck.

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp. of oatmeal flour
  • 2 tbsp. of olive oil

Preparation

  • Mix the ingredients together in a bowl

Mode of application

  • Firstly, apply this product to your skin and leave it on for 30 minutes
  • Rinse while using a circular massage to remove any dead skin cells

See also: Seven amazing benefits of coconut oil

5. Onion and lemon

Some onions which help fight dark spots.

Some people believe the following blend can provide an exfoliating scrub with lightening properties, suitable for dark spots on the neck. Because of its lemon content, this home treatment should only be used at night and rinsed thoroughly the next day. It’s also advisable to protect your skin by applying sunscreen when leaving the house.

Ingredients

  • The juice of 1/2 onion
  • The juice of 1 lemon
  • Optional: oatmeal flour

Preparation

  • Firstly, extract the juice from the onion
  • Then, mix in the lemon juice

Mode of application

  • In the evening, rub this treatment on any spots on your neck and let it act for 30 minutes
  • Rinse

Note: Apply a little of the mixture to the forearm and observe how it reacts before applying it on a large area of skin as the neck. You may apply it to the entire neck area as long as there’s no irritation, itching, and other bad reactions.

See your doctor if you’re worried about dark spots

It’s always best to consult a dermatologist and follow their instructions to reduce dark spots on your neck or any other area or simply want to know how to take the best care of your skin,

Keep in mind that some remedies may be counterproductive for your skin type, so you shouldn’t apply them without first consulting a professional.


All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.


  • Healthline.com 6 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Lemons [Online] Available at: www.healthline.com/nutrition/6-lemon-health-benefits
  • Healthline.com 11 Proven Benefits of Olive Oil [Online] Available at: www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-proven-benefits-of-olive-oil
  • Raigón MD, Navarro Calveras L. Estimación de modelos para evaluar la pungencia en cebolla. Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica y del Medio Natural. Universitat Politècnica de Valencia (2012).

This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.