Top 10 Home Remedies to Get Rid of Dark Neck

Dark skin around the neck can be due to a disorder called as Acanthosis nigricans. Acanthosis nigricans is a skin condition, characterized by areas of dark, velvety hyperpigmentation of the skin (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
An approach to acanthosis nigricans

Go to source). It is usually found in body folds and creases in the posterior and lateral folds of the neck, the armpits, navel, forehead, and other areas. It is usually associated with diabetes and insulin resistance, but rarely can it be a sign of internal malignancy.

Acanthosis nigricans is conventionally divided into benign and malignant forms.

Benign: This may be related to obesity, hereditary and endocrine forms of Acanthosis nigricans.

Malignant: This may include forms that are linked to tumor products and insulin like activity or tumor necrosis factor.

There is no specific treatment available for this condition. Treating any underlying conditions could probably restore the normal color and texture of affected areas of skin.

What Causes Dark Neck?

It may be sometimes congenital, a person being born with such a condition. It usually occurs in people who are obese, have diabetes or a tendency towards diabetes. Children who develop this may be at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Rarely, acanthosis nigricans can indicate cancerous tumor in an internal organ like stomach or liver.

Other possible causes include (2^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Acanthosis Nigricans

Go to source):

• Deficiency of hormones from adrenal gland (Addison's disease)
• Growth hormone therapy
• Obesity
• Endocrine dysfunction
• Autoimmune disorders
• Hypothyroidism
• Use of oral contraceptives
• Certain types of cancer

Disclaimer: The home remedies suggested here are not a substitute for treatment by doctors. It is highly advisable to seek an expert’s opinion. All the remedies listed here may not be suitable for everyone. It is recommended to check for allergies or do a patch test before using the remedy.

Home Remedies to Get Rid of Dark Neck

There are several natural ways or home remedies to treat dark necks as below:

1. Almonds

Almonds contain vitamins, which are essential for skin health. It also has properties of skin nourishment and removes discoloration. According to a study, almond oil has emollient and sclerosant properties, which can improve the complexion and skin tone (3^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils

Go to source).

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Make a thick paste of half a teaspoon of powdered almonds and one teaspoon of milk powder with a few drops of almond oil and honey. Apply this paste on sides and back of the neck. Leave it for half an hour and then wash it off with water. Repeat this four times a week.

2. Walnuts

Walnuts contain vitamins and minerals that nourish the skin. It also contains properties that moisturize the skin, essential for healthy skin.

Crush the walnuts and mix in yogurt to make a thick paste. Apply this paste on the dark portions of the neck. Gently scrub this paste for few minutes and allow it to dry. Use cold or rose water to wash off the paste.

3. Aloe Vera

It is a natural skin lightener with moisturizing effect on skin. It is also rich in antioxidants and many other compounds that help repair and produce new skin cells. According to a study, the extracts of aloe vera help in skin lightening (4^✔ ✔Trusted Source
On the novel action of melanolysis by a leaf extract of Aloe vera and its active ingredient aloin, potent skin depigmenting agents

Go to source). Extract pure aloe vera gel from the leaf and apply directly on the neck. Massage gently and leave it for about 20 minutes. Wash it away with water. Repeat the process once daily for faster results.

4. Soybean

Soybean has anti-aging and pigment reducing properties, which may help in lightening dark skin. According to a published article, the soybean extracts help in reducing hyperpigmentation (5^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Are Natural Ingredients Effective in the Management of Hyperpigmentation? A Systematic Review

Go to source). Take 3 tablespoons of soy flour and to this, add a little soy milk and turn it into a thick paste. Now, apply this paste to the neck and allow it to dry. Wash it off with lukewarm water.

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5. Baking Soda

It is a natural skin exfoliant and cleanses the skin by slowly removing dark, discolored patches. Baking soda with water may help in reducing hyper-pigmentation around the neck. To form a thick paste, mix three parts of baking soda with one part of water. Apply this paste to the neck and allow it to dry. Wash it off after a few minutes. This process can be done twice a week.

6. Cucumber

This has soothing properties that help repair skin cells and remove dead skin cells, thereby adding a glow to the skin (6^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Phytochemical and therapeutic potential of cucumber

Go to source). According to a study, the leaves of cucumber have skin lightening properties (7^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Inhibitory effect of Cucumis sativus on melanin production in melanoma B16 cells by downregulation of tyrosinase expression

Go to source). If you can get cucumber leaves, then you can use the leaves instead of cucumber. Mix equal amounts of cucumber and lemon juice. Apply it on the neck by using cotton balls. Leave this for 10 minutes and then wash it with cold water. Do this process for a few months till satisfactory results are obtained.

7. Fruit Masks

Fruit masks are made with bananas, apples, oranges, papaya, avocados, etc. Fruits are rich in natural minerals, vitamins, enzymes that can make the skin healthier.

To prepare this, a ripe banana and olive oil is needed. Mash the banana with your hands to a pulp-like consistency. Add olive oil to it and mix well. Apply this mask on the neck and leave it for 15 minutes. Wash this off with water.

This combination of banana and olive oil, rich in antioxidants will make fine lines disappear from the neck, giving a healthy glowing skin.

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8. Yogurt

It is a good cleanser for the skin. The acid present in yogurt helps to lighten the dark skin. In combination with lime juice, the bleaching effect is enhanced and dark skin is whitened fast. Adding lemon is however optional and only plain yogurt can also be applied on neck. Leave it on for 15 minutes, before washing with water.

Yogurt and turmeric

Apply the pack of yogurt and turmeric on the neck and leave it for 15 minutes. Wash it away with lukewarm water. Do this twice or thrice a week. Yogurt tightens the skin and diminishes the fine lines on the neck, making it to look brighter and better..

9. Rice Starch

According to a study, rice water can be used as an anti-aging ingredient in skin care routine (8^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Rice Water: A Traditional Ingredient with Anti-Aging Efficacy

Go to source). To make this take one cup of rice and two cups of water. Bring water to boil and add rice to it. When rice is cooked, put off the flame. Use a strainer to separate the rice and water. Allow this water to cool down. Till the rice starch is warm enough to handle, rub this on the neck gently scrubbing on the affected region. Do this massage for about 10 minutes before bath..

10. Milk Cream

Cream of milk is a natural cleanser with moisturizing properties. Milk cream can be used alone or combined with variety of ingredients.

• Mix gram flour with fresh cream and rub neck gently. This combination is useful for exfoliating the neck and to moisturize it. Leave it to dry and then wash it off with warm water.
• Add a pinch of turmeric to cream and rub this on the neck. This is a useful remedy for glowing skin and getting rid of a dark neck.