Your healthy and bright facial features should be complemented by a glowing neck, too. Therefore, you must invest in homemade and natural remedies as an alternative to your commercially bought products to get rid of a dark neck that is ruining your makeup look.
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!
In This Article
What Causes A Dark Neck?
Image: IStock
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 pigmentosusi XA pigmentary condition characterized by itchy, bluish, or blackish patches appearing in skin folds.
- Fungal infections (Tinea versicolori XA common fungal infection that causes small and discolored patches on the face, neck, back, or chest. )
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
- Aloe Vera Gel
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Almond Oil
- Baking Soda
- Olive Oil And Lemon Juice
- Potato Juice
- Oatmeal Scrub
- Ubtan
- Vitamin E Oil
- Yogurt
- Turmeric
- Shea Butter
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
You Will Need
An aloe leaf
What You Have To Do
- Cut open the leaf and extract the gel.
- Scrub your neck for a few minutes with this gel. Leave it on for 10 minutes.
- Rinse with water.
How Often You Should Do This
Repeat this every day for quick results.
Why This Works
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).
Fun Fact It is claimed that Egyptian queens Nefertiti and Cleopatra – who were acclaimed for their beauty – included aloe vera in their skin care regimens.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar For Dark Neck
You Will Need
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 4 tablespoons water
- Cotton ball
What You Have To Do
- Dilute ACV with water and apply this solution with a cotton ball on the neck.
- Leave it on for 10 minutes and then rinse with water.
How Often You Should Do This
Repeat this every alternate day.
Why This Works
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).
Caution
Do not forget to moisturize your skin after using this remedy as apple cider vinegar can slightly dehydrate the skin.
Related: How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar For Acne & Things To Consider
3. Almond Oil For Dark Neck
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
- A few drops of almond oil or coconut oil
- 1-2 drops tea tree oil (optional)
What You Have To Do
- Clean your neck with soap and water. Pat it dry.
- Now, massage your neck with almond oil or coconut oil. If you have tea tree oil lying around the house, add it to the carrier oil for better results.
- Keep massaging in circular motions for 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse with lukewarm water. You can also use a cotton ball to wipe off the oil.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this daily.
Why This Works
Almond oil is rich in vitamin E, which smoothens and rejuvenates the skin. It is also a mild bleaching agent with its sclerosanti XAn injection drug used to damage the cells lining the vein walls in order to correct the blood flow and treat varicose veins. 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
You Will Need
- 2-3 tablespoons baking soda
- Water
What You Have To Do
- Add enough water to the baking soda to get a smooth paste.
- Apply this paste on the neck and let it dry.
- Once it has dried, scrub it off using wet fingers. Rinse the area with clean water.
- Pat dry and moisturize.
How Often You Should Do This
Repeat this every day for a week or so, and you will start noticing results.
Why This Works
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).
Related: 20 Beauty Benefits Of Baking Soda You Must Know!
5. Olive Oil And Lemon Juice For Dark Neck
You Will Need
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
What You Have To Do
- Mix equal parts of lemon juice and olive oil.
- Apply this serum on your neck before going to bed.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this daily for a month or so to see visible skin lightening results.
Why This Works
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).
Related: 22 Impressive Benefits Of Olive Oil, How To Select, & Caution
6. Potato Juice For Dark Neck
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
1 small potato
What You Have To Do
- Grate the potato and squeeze well to extract the juice.
- Apply it on the neck and let it dry for 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse with lukewarm water.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this once or twice every day.
Why This Works
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
You Will Need
- 1/4 cup oats
- 1 tablespoon tomato juice
- Rose water or olive oil
What You Have To Do
- Grind the oats until you get a coarse powder.
- Add the tomato juice and rose water to get a thick paste.
- Apply this mixture evenly on your neck and leave it on for about 20 minutes.
- After that, wet your fingertips and start scrubbing your neck gently.
- Wash with cold water and pat dry.
How Often You Should Do This
This process can be followed twice or thrice a week to achieve faster results.
Why This Works
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).
Caution
Make sure not to grind the oats to a fine powder as the exfoliating properties might be lost.
Trivia The first use of oats in skin care dates back to 2000 BC in Egypt. Anecdotal reports suggest that people of ancient Egypt used oats to treat eczema and other skin conditions.
8. Ubtan For Dark Neck
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
- 2 tablespoons besan (chickpea flour)
- A pinch of turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- Rose water or plain yogurt
What You Have To Do
- Mix all the ingredients to get a paste of medium consistency.
- Spread this paste evenly on the neck and leave it on until it dries or for 15 minutes.
- Rinse with lukewarm water.
How Often You Should Do This
Apply this pack twice a week.
Why This Works
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).
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9. Vitamin E Oil For Dark Neck
You Will Need
3-4 vitamin E capsules
What You Have To Do
- Pierce the capsules carefully and transfer the oil present inside to a bowl.
- Apply this on the neck and massage it in thoroughly for a few minutes.
- Leave it on overnight.
How Often You Should Do This
Repeat this every night before going to bed.
Why This Works
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
You Will Need
- 1-2 tablespoons yogurt
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
What You Have To Do
- Mix the two and apply the mixture on the neck.
- Leave the yogurt pack on for 20 minutes.
- Rinse with water.
How Often You Should Do This
Repeat this once every day.
Why This Works
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
You Will Need
- 1-2 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
What You Have To Do
- Add turmeric powder to yogurt and mix well.
- Apply this paste on your neck and let it sit for 15 minutes.
- Rinse with lukewarm water.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this every day for quick results.
Why This Works
Turmeric brightens the skin tone and also repairs damaged skin cells with its healing properties (15, 16).
12. Shea Butter For Dark Neck
Image: Shutterstock
You Will Need
Shea butter or cocoa butter
What You Have To Do
- Apply some organic shea butter or cocoa butter on a clean neck.
- Massage for 3-4 minutes.
- Do not rinse it off.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this every night before going to bed.
Why This Works
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.
Infographic: Medical Treatments For Dark Neck
A dark neck is a condition where your neck is noticeably darker than the surrounding skin. There are many reasons for this condition, like hormonal disorders, obesity, and fungal infections. However, you can always seek medical intervention to get rid of it. Check out the infographic below to learn about medical treatments that may help reduce pigmentation.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
Save the high-quality PDF version on your device now.
Download Infographic
Constant exposure to environmental pollutants, overuse of cosmetic products with harsh chemicals, and lifestyle diseases may lead to a dull and dark neck. Other than poor hygiene, it may also be a sign of an underlying medical condition such as eczema, fungal infections, or an autoimmune disease. Using home remedies for dark neck using easily available natural ingredients such as aloe vera, honey, or yogurt may remove dead skin and moisturize your skin. Be sure to wash your neck regularly, moisturize it, and massage your neck to give you a glowing and smooth neck.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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Vd. Naveen Sharma, BAMS, Ayurveda Specialist
Dr. Naveen Sharma is a renowned Ayurveda specialist with an experience of 10 years. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in Ayurveda, Medicine and Surgery(B. A. M. S) from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, in 2007. He has a professional membership with AYUSH. Dr. Sharma’s specialties include cancer, liver disorders, autoimmune disorders, lifestyle disorders, migraine, hair fall, PCOD…View Profile ›
Kushneet Kukreja, Health & Wellness Writer
Kushneet holds a postgraduate degree in biotechnology from Kingston University, London, and is an ISSA Certified Specialist in Fitness & Nutrition with 2 years of experience. Her scientific background, coupled with her passion for writing, propelled her towards content writing. She writes articles on home remedies and ensures to present a balanced perspective to the reader. When she is not…View Profile ›
Dr. Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD
Dr. Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD, is a double board-certified dermatologist with over 7 years of experience. She has authored many peer-reviewed articles and managed clinical research studies during her fellowship. She completed her medical school in the PLME (Program of Liberal Medical Education) at Brown University.
Dr. Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD, is a double board-certified dermatologist with over 7 years of experience. She has authored many peer-reviewed articles and managed clinical research studies during her fellowship. She completed her medical school in the PLME (Program of Liberal Medical Education) at Brown University.
Dr. Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD, is a double board-certified dermatologist with over 7 years of experience. She has authored many peer-reviewed articles and managed clinical research studies during her fellowship. She completed her medical school in the PLME (Program of Liberal Medical Education) at Brown University.