Our skin needs care. We often forget our skin while remaining busy in our tedious routine which results in skin discoloration. A region of skin that has a much higher concentration of the brown pigment melanin, making it seem darker than the surrounding skin. Facial pigmentation is unsightly and prematurely ages a person. Each and every woman aspires to beauty. However, continuing to fret is not a viable option. There are numerous options for getting rid of pigmented and dull skin. Let’s explore them in this guide.
Hyperpigmentation: 4 Reasons
The Cleveland Clinic identifies these as the top three triggers for hyperpigmentation, and they may have variable degrees of impact on individuals of different skin tones.
- Inflammation
Inflammation may be triggered by any kind of skin damage, including acne, eczema, insect bites, wounds, scrapes, and even scratching or friction from, for instance, vigorous rubbing. In turn, inflammation may stimulate the production of pigment cells, which can then leave a dark mark after the injury has healed. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is the condition in which discolouration is the result of inflammation.
- Sun Exposure
The Mayo Clinic reports that increased melanin synthesis is a natural response to sun exposure. Tans develop as melanin levels rise. However, severe or prolonged exposure to sunlight may cause the development of black sunspots. The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery reports that although sunspots themselves are not carcinogenic, sun-exposed skin might develop precancerous lesions that have a similar appearance. This is why it’s recommended to have an annual skin checkup from a dermatologist.
- Melasma
Melasma, sometimes known as the “mask of pregnancy,” is a condition in which brown spots appear on the face and body of women who have experienced changes in their hormone levels, such as during pregnancy. Women are more likely than males to have this kind of hyperpigmentation. According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD), it is induced by a cocktail of sun exposure, heredity, and hormone changes; moreover, it has been connected to the use of oral contraceptives. In addition to the drugs already mentioned below, the Cleveland Clinic reports that various hormonal prescriptions used for birth control and menopausal symptoms may also cause melasma.
- Medications and Health Issues
Addison’s disease is an adrenal gland illness that may lead to hyperpigmentation. According to a book released by StatPearls in July 2022, the risk of hyperpigmentation may be increased by using certain medications such as antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), and antimalarials. Cancer Connect, a support service, reports that hyperpigmentation is a side effect of several chemotherapy medicines. As new skin cells replace dead ones, the dark patches caused by chemotherapy medications typically fade between 10 and 12 weeks after treatment finishes.
Natural Ways To Cure Hyperpigmentation
Struggling to know all the answers to your dry skin problems? Here, we are cracking the dry skin riddle. There are many effective treatments for dark spots available now, but prevention is just as important. The steps below are effective by science.
- Cup of Green Tea
Green tea has been shown to reduce hyperpigmentation lesions and has a skin-lightening effect. Green tea is beneficial in reducing the redness of skin exposed to UV light, according to one research.6 Make a green tea face mask, or include green tea in your favourite handmade mask recipe, to get the skincare benefits of green tea.
- Pomegranate
Hyperpigmentation is something pomegranate may help with.7 You may make an exfoliating mask out of pomegranate by crushing a few seeds and applying them. Avoid irritating the skin by massaging it too vigorously. Pomegranate seed oil may also be used. The oil should be used just after you have cleansed and toned your face, but before you apply moisturiser.
- Aloe Vera Gel
Aloin, a depigmenting ingredient found in aloe vera, is effective at erasing discolouration. Even the darkest, most tanned skin may be lightened by using aloe vera. It also promotes cell regeneration, which speeds up the replacement of older, hyperpigmented cells. Scoop out the leaf’s thick gel-like material. Use it nightly on your face before sleeping. The next morning, wash your face with lukewarm water.
- Turmeric
There are several ways in which turmeric may help your skin. It aids in maintaining the skin’s natural pH and imparts a healthy sheen. It’s an excellent option for eradicating facial pigmentation since it helps curb melanin production.
A spoonful of turmeric and a few drops of lemon juice create a wonderful face mask. Mix everything together until it becomes a thick paste. For around fifteen to twenty minutes, slather this paste on your face or the problem region. The final steps include rinsing your face with tepid water.
- Cucumber
Cucumbers, known for their cooling properties, may also help diminish the look of dark spots on the skin. It’s an excellent option for removing any kind of skin pigmentation. Cucumber has proteins that tighten the skin and antioxidants that get rid of discolouration.
Blend cucumbers, lemons, and honey into a refreshing drink. The mixture may be made smooth by whisking it constantly. After applying the paste, wait a few minutes for it to take effect. After that, wash it off with some warm water.
- Red Onion
Some scar and skin-lightening lotions on the market include an extract from the red onion (Allium cepa). The peel of dried red onions has been shown to effectively brighten skin. Hyperpigmentation may be lightened by using lotions containing Allium cepa extract.
- Red Lentil
Red lentils have been used medicinally for centuries to treat a wide range of skin issues. The antioxidants in it are beneficial for maintaining a youthful appearance. You may also get wonderful results by using a masoor daal face mask on hyperpigmentation and other forms of skin discolouration. Overnight, in a bowl of water, soak 50 g of red lentils to make the paste. The next morning, blitz all of the ingredients together until they create a paste. The paste should be applied to the face and left on for 30 minutes. Cold water should then be used to wash your face. Expect to notice progress in as little as a couple of months.
- Yoghurt
Yoghurt contains lactic acid, which acts as a mild bleach. If you suffer from hyperpigmentation, try using this yoghurt as a therapy. Yoghurt is a fantastic remedy for lightening scars and blemishes. By bringing oxygen to the blood, it helps the skin as well. The curd’s fatty acids will add volume to your skin and make you seem younger.
Here’s how to do it: just grab a bowl of curd and spread it all over your face. The curd has to settle for around 15 to 20 minutes. Then rinse your face with water. You should do this twice a day for optimum effects.
- Tomato
The simple tomato may be the only common household item that can remove unsightly spots and stains from your face in a matter of days. Lycopene, which is abundant in tomatoes, helps prevent sun damage to the skin. Tomatoes, according to their acidic nature, may be used to achieve a more even skin tone. Its astringent qualities help with pore cleansing and the battle against hyperpigmentation.
If you want the best results while making tomato paste, pound the tomatoes using a pestle and mortar. Take out the core. Mix in some honey, just a few drops at a time. After 15 minutes of applying the paste on your face, wash it off with water.
Conclusion
Sometimes the skin may create too much melanin, and this can show up as discoloured spots or patches on otherwise normal skin. Although hyperpigmentation is rather common, it may nevertheless cause a person to feel uneasy about their appearance. There are both internal and extrinsic factors that might lead to hyperpigmentation. If the hyperpigmented skin becomes red, itchy, uncomfortable, heated to the touch, bleeds pus, or discharges blood, however, medical attention is required.