Some people with skin pigmentation find it ugly, while others affected by it may find it psychologically upsetting. There are several home treatments for pigmentation that can be helpful to anyone trying to lessen the appearance of different colored areas of skin. The coloring of the skin is called pigmentation. In the skin there is a pigment called melanin. Melanin is produced by skin cells as a form of UV protection.
The overall color of a person’s skin is determined by the amount of melanin present in that person. However, the skin can produce excessive amounts of melanin in one place, which darkens the skin. Hyperpigmentation appears here.
Although it can sometimes affect the whole body, hyperpigmentation often affects only isolated areas of the skin.
Home treatments may not always be effective, and in some cases a patient needs to see a doctor for a full diagnosis and medical care.
Symptoms of various forms of hyperpigmentation include:
Small, darker spots called hyperpigmentation caused by sun damage are often seen on the hands, face, and other sun-exposed areas.
Melasma: These larger areas of darker skin are caused by hormonal changes and look like age spots.
Small brown dots called freckles can appear anywhere on the body. On the face and arms, however, these patches are rather prevalent. When exposed to the sun, freckles, age spots, and other areas of dark skin can darken.
Some home remedies that treat hyperpigmentation:
- Cider
- Milk or yogurt
- Green tea
- Vitamin C
- aloe vera
- Licorice flavor
Diet for facial pigmentation
A balanced diet should, in general, serve to promote good skin health. This is only beneficial for preserving healthy skin, however. You must consume a healthier diet for the skin if you want to improve the condition of your skin.
Foods that prevent hyperpigmentation of the face:
Lawyers
Besides being tasty, avocados are also packed with antioxidants and good fats that protect the skin from free radical damage and premature aging. They include vitamins E and C, which have been shown to improve skin by supporting collagen and significantly preventing oxidative damage.
oily fish
Omega-3 fatty acids are abundant in fatty fish like mackerel, salmon and herring. It has been shown that omega-3s help maintain thick, supple skin, decrease inflammation and decrease skin sensitivity to UV rays.
Sweet potato and carrots
Carrots and sweet potatoes both contain significant amounts of beta-carotene, or provitamin A. When consumed, the substance becomes part of your skin and functions as a natural sunscreen.
Nuts and seeds
Nuts, seeds, and seeds are excellent sources of vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, and zinc, among other minerals.
citrus fruits
Fruits, rich in vitamin C, such as grapes, oranges, and lemons, help build thicker, younger-looking skin. Red grapes also contain resveratrol, a substance with potential anti-aging benefits.
Water
Drinking enough water helps your body eliminate toxins, including free radicals, from all of your cells, including those in your skin. Plus, it helps maintain cell hydration, allowing cells to ward off UV damage.
Hyperpigmentation treatment for dark skin
Follow these tips to treat hyperpigmentation at home:
Identify the underlying condition
Determine the most effective treatment strategy for you after working with a dermatologist to identify the underlying cause of your dark spots. It’s common to experience reduced hyperpigmentation if you can manage your breakouts, acne, and eczema.
Apply sunscreen
Limit your time in the sun as much as you can and develop a broad-spectrum sunscreen application routine can help prevent dark spots from getting worse from excessive UV exposure.
Choose a quality serum
Powerful anti-oxidant serums, such as those containing vitamin C, help fight stubborn dark spots and promote luminous skin. Tyrosinase, an enzyme necessary for the production of melanin, can be directly inhibited by vitamin C.
Benefits of Retinol
Although retinol is well recognized for its anti-aging properties, it is also an effective therapy for hyperpigmentation.
Retinol can inhibit tyrosinase synthesis in the same way vitamin C does, but it also acts as an exfoliator by sloughing off dead skin cells, exposing a more even skin tone.
Some of the best recommended products for reducing facial pigmentation are
- derma roller
- Gua sha & Jade Roller face massager set
- 2% Alpha Arbutin serum for dark spots and pigmentation
Take away
Usually, hyperpigmentation is more of a cosmetic issue than a health issue. You can reduce pigmentation at home by using various methods to lighten dark areas.
If you are concerned about the color of your skin or think that a medication you are taking or an underlying medical condition may be causing your skin discoloration, talk to your doctor.
FAQs
1. Does facial hyperpigmentation go away?
Depending on the cause, hyperpigmentation may go away on its own, although it may take some time to go away.
2. Does vitamin C help with hyperpigmentation?
Yes, vitamin C helps with hyperpigmentation.
3. How long will the hyperpigmentation disappear?
It takes about 2 months for the hyperpigmentation to disappear.
The references:
- Rizwan M Sanadi1 and Revati S Deshmukh, May – August 2020, The Effect of Vitamin C on Melanin Pigmentation – A Systematic Review
- Treat hyperpigmentation on Darker skin tones