Many irritants, dust, and outdoor pollution tend to settle in between the creases of your neck, which later hardens, leading to the blackness you see. Simply soaping or scrubbing will not work because moisturizing is equally important. To prevent fine lines and blemishes from destroying your look, resort to natural concoctions and packs that will ensure that your neck maintains its glow and its complexion stays at par with your face. It is time to say goodbye to dark neck and its aging skin. Scroll down to discover some key natural ingredients that can help you get a healthy, fresh, and bright neck. Keep reading for more info!
What Causes A Dark Neck?
The foremost reason for a dark neck is poor hygiene. Other factors that contribute to this are:
Exposure to the sun for long periods Environmental pollutants Chemicals in cosmetics or skin care products Obesity and/or diabetes Autoimmune disorders i.e. Lichen planus pigmentosus Fungal infections (Tinea versicolor)
Dr. Anna Chacon, a double board-certified dermatologist and a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, says, “When a person has persistently high insulin levels, they may develop hyperpigmented patches on the neck, particularly on the back of the neck.” Eczema or fungal infections cause skin darkening. A hormonal condition known as Acanthosis Nigricans can also cause darkening of the skin around the neck and other parts of the body (1). For these conditions, diagnosis from the doctor is required. If differential diagnosis confirms that the pigmentation is not due to autoimmune, fungal, or hormonal causes, and it is due to sun exposure and lack of hygiene, the remedies given below can help to lighten the dark skin on your neck.
How To Get Rid Of A Dark Neck
Home Remedies For Dark Neck
Dr. Chacon says, “You may simplify things by exfoliating your face and neck in the shower at the same time. Brown sugar, a little splash of lemon, and a spoonful of honey make a quick and easy DIY scrub. Gently massage into your skin to remove any dead skin cells, then completely rinse off.”
1. Aloe Vera Gel For Dark Neck
An aloe leaf Repeat this every day for quick results. Aloesin, a flavonoid found in aloe vera, helps lighten the skin by inhibiting the activity of the enzyme that causes pigmentation of the skin (2). Aloe vera also keeps the skin hydrated and nourished as it contains essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals (3).
2. Apple Cider Vinegar For Dark Neck
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 4 tablespoons water Cotton ball
Repeat this every alternate day. ACV balances the pH of the skin, giving it a natural glow. It also removes the dead skin cells that have accumulated on the skin and make it look dark and dull. This exfoliating action is because of the malic acid found in ACV (4). Do not forget to moisturize your skin after using this remedy as apple cider vinegar can slightly dehydrate the skin.
3. Almond Oil For Dark Neck
A few drops of almond oil or coconut oil 1-2 drops tea tree oil (optional)
Do this daily. Almond oil is rich in vitamin E, which smoothens and rejuvenates the skin. It is also a mild bleaching agent with its sclerosant properties that help in improving the complexion and skin tone (5). Tea tree oil improves blood circulation and heals any scars or blemishes that may be present (6).
4. Baking Soda For Dark Neck
2-3 tablespoons baking soda Water
Repeat this every day for a week or so, and you will start noticing results. This pack helps to easily remove the dull and dead layer of skin from your neck. Baking soda is also known to promote circulation, and this nourishes your skin from within (7).
5. Olive Oil And Lemon Juice For Dark Neck
Lemon juice Olive oil
Do this daily for a month or so to see visible skin lightening results. Lemon has natural bleaching properties. It brightens the complexion and also shrinks pores (8). Olive oil conditions and hydrates the skin and makes it soft (9).
6. Potato Juice For Dark Neck
1 small potato Do this once or twice every day. The bleaching properties of potato juice lighten and brighten the skin on your neck. The dark patches and spots will start fading away soon with this remedy (10).
7. Oatmeal Scrub For Dark Neck
1/4 cup oats 1 tablespoon tomato juice Rose water or olive oil
This process can be followed twice or thrice a week to achieve faster results. It is essential to remove the dead cells that have already formed due to improper maintenance. Scrub them away with the magical skincare ingredient – oats. Oats cleanse and moisturize the skin at the same time. They help you get rid of the dryness that may be responsible for the darkening of the skin on your neck (11). Make sure not to grind the oats to a fine powder as the exfoliating properties might be lost.
8. Ubtan For Dark Neck
2 tablespoons besan (chickpea flour) A pinch of turmeric 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice Rose water or plain yogurt
Apply this pack twice a week. This ubtan (or skin care pack) is often used by brides to lighten and brighten their complexion before their wedding day. You can use this regularly to reduce pigmentation on your neck and keep the skin glowing. The flour in this mix exfoliates the skin, absorbs impurities, and tightens pores (12).
9. Vitamin E Oil For Dark Neck
3-4 vitamin E capsules Repeat this every night before going to bed. Vitamin E inhibits the enzyme tyrosinase, hence exerting a depigmenting effect on the skin. It also keeps the skin hydrated as it is a humectant (13).
10. Yogurt For Dark Neck
1-2 tablespoons yogurt 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Repeat this once every day. Yogurt contains natural enzymes that work in conjunction with the acids present in lemon juice to lighten the dark skin on the neck. It also contains healthy fats that nourish the skin and make it smooth (14).
11. Turmeric For Dark Neck
1-2 tablespoons plain yogurt 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
Do this every day for quick results. Turmeric brightens the skin tone and also repairs damaged skin cells with its healing properties (15, 16).
12. Shea Butter For Dark Neck
Shea butter or cocoa butter Do this every night before going to bed. Both shea butter and cocoa butter are very hydrating and nourishing for the skin. They contain high amounts of healthy fatty acids that keep the skin soft and supple. These butters also even out the skin tone, especially where you have dark patches, as they contain vitamin E and vitamin A that help in depigmentation (17, 18). So, these were the home remedies to get rid of a dark neck. They can help you to even out the skin tone and make your neck match the beauty of your face. Apart from using these remedies, certain changes can be made in your daily skin care and hygiene routines so that you can keep this issue at bay. Here are the tips.
Tips To Follow
Make sure you wash your neck every time you wash your face. Like you keep your facial skin hydrated and protected from the sun, the skin on your neck also deserves some love. Always apply moisturizer and a sunscreen with a good amount of SPF to the neck as well. Warm up almond oil (or any other carrier oil) and massage your neck once in a month for better blood circulation and glow. Last, but not the least, do not wear street-bought chains or ornaments made of allergic metals on your neck as they can cause skin darkening.
Is dark neck genetic? According to Dr. Chacon, “When it comes to dark neck concerns, genetics may play a factor. This might be a genetic trait handed down from parents to children.” Does PCOS cause a dark neck? “Individuals with PCOS have higher levels of insulin in their blood. Sometimes, it can cause dark patches of the skin on the back of the neck,” says Dr. Chacon. How can I lighten my neck overnight? If the dark neck is due to sun exposure or inadequate hygiene, home remedies like baking soda, apple cider vinegar, and an oil massage may help lighten it overnight. How do I get rid of a dark neck in 20 minutes? A dark neck caused due to accumulation of dirt and grime may be cleansed and moisturized to improve its appearance in 20 minutes. However, if the darkening has other reasons, makeup is the most effective (though temporary) way to lighten it. Does a dark neck lighten after weight loss? Dark patches on the neck caused by acanthosis nigricans may fade with weight loss, as obesity is linked to this condition. However, not all cases of neck darkening may resolve after weight loss.
