Are you tired of looking at your skin tags every day? Skin tags are little fleshy bumps that appear on your skin and can make it difficult to wear certain types of clothing or to focus on your daily tasks, not to mention they’re often embarrassed to show off. Luckily, you don’t have to live with skin tags any longer! While the exact causes of skin tags aren’t always known, there are several things you can do at home to get rid of them before they turn into something worse like dangerous skin cancer or an infection.
1) Exfoliation
One of these ingredients is exfoliation. Skin tags are mostly made up of skin cells and collagen, both of which can be sloughed off during exfoliation. Both chemical and physical exfoliants—the ingredients you’ll find in some lotions or peel-off face masks—are considered safe for skin tags, according to New York City dermatologist Joshua Zeichner.
2) Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a great, inexpensive option for ridding yourself of skin tags. ACV can be used straight from the bottle or diluted with water and applied directly to skin tags with a cotton ball. Research suggests that ACV may weaken skin tag tissue so that it ultimately breaks away more easily—much like apple cider vinegar’s role in treating dandruff, acne, and other skin conditions.
3) Garlic
Garlic is known for its versatility, and it should be no surprise that it can be used as a home remedy for skin tags. To try it out, apply some fresh garlic juice to a skin tag and cover it with a bandage for one hour. Repeat nightly until the skin tag falls off. If applying garlic directly from a peeled clove onto your skin feels too harsh, use garlic oil (which can be found at most health food stores). Massage the oil into your skin and leave it on overnight.
4) Castor Oil
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, castor oil is a great home remedy for tags. Simply place a small amount on your skin tag, cover with a bandage, and leave on overnight. Repeat daily until the skin tag falls off. We recommend doing it at night because it can be painful! Remember that you need to keep applying until your skin tag has disappeared completely.
5) Aloe Vera
This soothing plant is one of nature’s most powerful antiseptics. This is why it has been used for years in wound-healing treatments. The pure juice from aloe vera leaves can be dabbed on skin tags with a cotton swab to help dry them out. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties that may ease any pain sensations. Effective, all-natural, and cheap. What more could you ask for?
6) Skin Tag Removal Surgery
While many people think that skin tags are harmless, a skin tag can actually be a symptom of something more serious. If you notice your skin tags growing or changing over time, it’s best to see your doctor and have them removed. The procedure only takes a few minutes and is usually done in an office setting using local anesthesia.
7) Petroleum Jelly
Applying petroleum jelly, which is non-toxic and often used in first aid treatments, over your skin tag has been shown to help suffocate it. Just don’t expect a miracle overnight. You may need multiple applications before your skin tag starts to shrink.
8) Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is known for its natural anti-inflammatory properties, and it’s very effective in treating skin tags. Try applying a little tea tree oil on your skin tag three times a day. Make sure that you massage it into your skin well so that it is absorbed by your body. It works best if you use just enough tea tree oil to cover up your skin tag without making your skin oily.
9) Vitamin E Capsules
Vitamin E oil is a natural way to soothe and smooth out skin tags. Just take your vitamin E capsules, poke a small hole in them with a needle, and squeeze out the oil onto your skin tag. The vitamins will work harden and tighten your skin while getting rid of your unattractive skin tags at once.
10) DIY Anti-Inflammatory Ointment
To treat your skin tags at home, you can use an anti-inflammatory ointment that reduces swelling and redness. Mix together 1/4 cup of aloe vera gel (you can find this at health food stores). 2 tablespoons of castor oil (you can find it at health food stores or online). 15 drops of each peppermint essential oil and tea tree essential oil. 1 tablespoon of vitamin E. 3 capsules filled with ashwagandha root powder, and 5 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. This treatment should dry out your skin tag and cause it to fall off within one week.