Anti Pigmentation Treatment | Uneven Skin Tone | Dark Spots | Improves the texture of the skin.

PIGMENTATION :

CAUSES: Pigmentation is the coloring of the skin. Melanin is a type of pigment in the skin. The skin cells create melanin to protect from damage that UV light causes.

People have different levels of melanin in their skin, which accounts for their skin’s overall color. However, the skin may create too much melanin in a specific area, causing the skin to darken. This is hyperpigmentation.

Hyperpigmentation tends only to affect patches of skin, though in some cases it may affect the whole body.

Home remedies may not work in every case, and there are also times when an individual should see a doctor for a full diagnosis and medical treatment.

Types of pigmentation:

Common forms of hyperpigmentation include what people often call age spots, which typically occur on areas of the body with frequent exposure to the sun.

Many forms of hyperpigmentation are harmless and are nothing more than overproduction of melanin.

However, in some cases, hyperpigmentation may be a sign of an underlying condition.

These conditions can include the following:

· direct trauma from an accident or skin condition

· hormonal imbalances

· insulin resistance

· issues with the endocrine system, which produces hormones

· hormonal changes due to pregnancy

· cancer and cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy drugs

In all cases, hyperpigmentation itself is not an issue and does not pose any risk to the body. However, an underlying condition may require proper treatment.

Natural Remedies :

In many cases, hyperpigmentation may respond well to simple home remedies.

Home remedies aim to either replenish and protect the cells or replace hyperpigmented cells with fresh, new cells.

Most home remedies involve acids and antioxidants in certain household products, which may protect and balance the skin.

Apple cider vinegar

Many people use apple cider vinegar on the skin to try and lighten unwanted pigmentation. Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which may act as a mild chemical peel in some cases.

However, there is little direct evidence about the use of apple cider vinegar for hyperpigmentation. Some people may find it helpful, but they must be sure to use the product correctly.

To use this remedy, apply 1 part apple cider vinegar and 1 part water to the pigmented area for a few minutes, twice daily. Rinse the area thoroughly afterward. Keep an eye out for any signs of irritation, and stop using the vinegar if irritation appears in the area.

Yogurt or milk

Yogurt and milk both contain lactic acid, which is a common ingredient in chemical peels for the skin. The small quantities in these foods may help with mild hyperpigmentation as well.

Applying yogurt or milk directly to the pigmented area or soaking a cotton ball in milk and applying it to the area may both be helpful home remedies.

People should let the yogurt or milk sit for a few minutes, and then rinse the area thoroughly and apply moisturizer. Repeating this process two times a day may help some people improve their skin spots.

Green tea

Green tea and its main active ingredient, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), may help alter the pigmentation of the skin in some cases.

As a review in the Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery notes, EGCG is an antioxidant compound that could help block the processes in cells that lead to over pigmentation. The green tea leaves themselves also contain Gallic acid and ellagic acid, which may help improve skin.

However, the authors note that more research in people is necessary to support these theories.

For people who want to use this remedy, taking an oral EGCG supplement or applying a wet green tea bag to the pigmented area for a few minutes each day may help.

Vitamin C

The review in the Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery highlights potential home remedies for hyperpigmentation, including vitamin C. In forms such as ascorbic acid or citric acid, vitamin C may help alter the appearance of the skin.

However, the review also notes that the varying levels of vitamin C in foods make it very difficult to quantify its effects. However, the researchers also observed that vitamin C has virtually no side effects and that combining it with other options may increase its effectiveness.

Applying accessible sources of vitamin C, such as grapefruit, lemon, or papaya, to the skin may help increase the antioxidants on the surface and lighten the cells over time.

People can use these sources along with other home remedies for pigmentation to achieve better results. It is worth noting that vitamin C does not penetrate the skin very well, however.

Aloe vera

Applying aloe vera gel directly to the pigmented skin may also be a good way to reduce pigmentation over time.

A study in the journal Plant, which involved tadpole cells, notes that aloe vera’s active ingredient, called aloesin or aloin, could help reduce pigmentation of the skin.

Licorice extract

Licorice extract may also help reduce pigmentation naturally.

The review in the Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery notes that glabridin, which is the main active ingredient in licorice, protects the skin from pigmentation due to UVB rays. Again, the authors call for more human studies to prove this action.

Mulberry

Mulberry leaves and their extracts may also be natural treatments for pigmentation.

As a review in The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology notes, the active ingredient in mulberry leaf blocks factors that cause pigmentation and disperses melanin.

Research around the plant uses highly purified forms of the extract. However, soaking dried mulberry leaves and applying them to the skin each day may also expose the body to smaller amounts of these same ingredients, which might provide mild results over time. 

Home Remedies:

1. Raw Potatoes – Potatoes contain an enzyme called catecholase which curbs the excessive melanin production within an individual. Raw potatoes are eminently effective in lightening the dark spots and reducing pigmentation on the skin.

Method to follow –

· Take a potato slice and rub it in a circular motion on the affected areas.

· Continue the process for 3 to 5 minutes.

· Wait for 5 more minutes and then rinse the area with lukewarm water

 Onion juice – Onions are a rich source of Vitamin C which is an amazing antioxidant and helps in treating pigmentation.

Method to follow –

· Take a slice of red onion (make sure to avoid white onions).

· Rub the slice on the affected area of the skin.

· You can also grate the onion and apply the juice on the affected area of the skin.

 Yogurt – Yoghurt contains lactic acid which can slow down the growth of your melanocytes. It will also help in exfoliating skin and improving its texture. Yogurt has properties to cure hyperpigmentation and improve skin texture.

Method to follow –

· Take one tablespoon of full-fat plain yogurt and apply it on affected areas.

· Wait for 20 minutes and later, rinse it with lukewarm water.

Lemon juice – Lemon juice mixed with honey works as a natural bleaching agent. Lemons contain antioxidant properties which not only protect the skin from ultraviolet (UV) damage but also lightens dark spots.

Method to follow –

· Mix lemon juice with some honey.

· Apply this mixture on the affected areas.

· Wait for at least 15 minutes.

· Wash it off with lukewarm water.

Sandalwood – Sandalwood is one of the oldest blood purifiers which helps in reducing pigmentation. It also helps in treating the dark spots.

Method to follow –

· Take sandalwood powder and mix it with rose water to make a paste.

· Apply the paste on affected areas of your skin and leave it for thirty minutes or more.

· Rinse the area of the skin with lukewarm water.

 Oatmeal – Oatmeal makes the skin appear younger by exfoliating the dead skin. It is an excellent scrubber which is effective for reducing dark spots and for treating hyperpigmentation.

Method to follow –

· Take oatmeal and mix it with milk.

· Apply it on the affected part of the skin and scrub it gently.

· Keep scrubbing for a few minutes and then rinse with lukewarm water.

Tomato – Tomato is well-known for lightening the color of the skin and removing tanning by neutralizing the effect of harmful UV rays. Tomato is considered to be one of the best bleaching agents.

Method to follow –

· Take a tomato and cut it into slices.

· Rub the slice for a few minutes over the affected parts of the skin.

· Leave it for a few minutes and then rinse with lukewarm water

When to see a doctor

Share on a Pinterest person may want to speak to a doctor if hyperpigmentation does not respond to home remedies.

If hyperpigmentation does not respond to these home remedies, people may wish to see a doctor for a full diagnosis and treatment.

Treatment will depend on the underlying medical cause if any. Doctors can refer the person to a dermatologist who may perform treatments, including:

· laser resurfacing

· chemical peels

· microdermabrasion

· cryotherapy

These processes help resurface the skin and replace the damaged cells, which may reduce hyperpigmentation.

Takeaway

Several home remedies or therapies may help reduce the signs of hyperpigmentation in the skin. However, there is not a lot of research in humans, studying the effects of many of these products.

If home remedies for pigmentation do not work, people can consult a doctor to discuss medical options. Anyone with concerns about their skin issues or who suspects there is an underlying problem should also make an appointment to be sure.

A full diagnosis and necessary medical treatment may help set the mind at ease and avoid complications.