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Q. You recently fielded a question about age spots. In the back of my mind, I remember a comment made by a guest on a TV talk show. He suggested lightening age spots by applying crushed garbanzo beans (chickpeas) to them. I don't remember if anything else was added to the bean paste or how long it was left on.
I haven't tried this method personally, but I tried a different remedy. I was told to put vinegar on the spots daily and over time the spots become pale. I ran out of vinegar before they faded and haven't tried it again. I put the vinegar in a shallow container and dipped the backs of my hands in it daily. This made my hands very soft and smooth, with no more roughed up cuticles and hangnails. It also strengthened my nails, which tend to tear easily.
A. We tried unsuccessfully to find some research on topical garbanzo paste to lighten age spots. There are testimonials about this folk remedy online. The recipe calls for mashing canned chickpeas with a little water and applying the paste to age spots. The paste is to be left on until it dries; then it is supposed to be washed off. Keep in mind, though, that there is no scientific support for this approach.
On another note, we have heard from other readers that a mixture of half vinegar and half Listerine can soften calloused feet and fight nail fungus simultaneously.
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Many brands of canned chickpeas contain sulfites (usually sodium bisulfite). Sulfites are used as a preservative, to prevent browning, as a bleaching agent, and in skin lightening creams (among other things). Perhaps it is the sulfites in the chickpeas that lighten the skin.
If soaking the spots in vinegar worked so well, why not add some to the chickpeas for a double whammy????!!!
others use lemon juice twice a day -over the spots.
Applying Aloe Vera gel to age spots is an effective way reduce their appearance and gentle enough for all skin types. Aloe contains a concentrated mix of compounds that nourish skin and promote cellular regeneration. For people with dry or sensitive skin, Aloe is a moisturizing alternative to peels and acidic topical treatments.