Beauty is NOT just skin deep. With the kind of lifestyle we live today, it has become very difficult to take care of ourselves and our skin. A lot of people these days suffer from Hyperpigmentation. This is when the melanin production of your skin goes awry. This article will delve into why this happens and natural remedies to get rid of them.
What Is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is when an area of skin is darkened. This is generally caused by the overproduction of a skin pigment called melanin. Though hyperpigmentation is very common and totally harmless, for many people it is a cosmetic nuisance. But the good news is, there are many ways with which you can do away with those spots in your skin. But first, we need to know what the causes of Hyperpigmentation are.
Causes Of Hyperpigmentation:
- Hyperpigmentation is usually caused when:
- There is an abnormally high concentration of melanocytes that produce melanin
- The melanocytes become hyperactive
One of the primary reasons why doctors constantly ask people to wear sunscreen is because exposure to sun can stimulate melanin production. Although this can be seen in anyone, the condition is mostly seen among certain ethnicities like Asians, Mediterraneans, Africans, or Latinos. Hyperpigmentation can be seen on the face, the neck and even hands.
Hyperpigmentation is also hereditary. So if your previous generations have hyperpigmentation, there is a high probability that you will also develop this condition. Sometimes, hormonal changes and certain medication can also trigger this condition. It is often seen that certain pregnant woman develop hyperpigmentation. Pigmentation during pregnancy is very common but over time, this disappears. Hyperpigmentation can be a troublesome affair, but it also becomes easy to treat it if you know certain tips and tricks.
Hyperpigmentation Treatment:
Though the treatment is a little slow, with regime and rigor, you can reduce and slowly eliminate any kind of hyperpigmentation. The most important prevention for any kind of hyperpigmentation is to religiously wear sunscreen which has an SPF of above 15. So whenever you are buying any kind of sunscreen, make sure you look at its SPF. The image below shows how much a proper sunscreen can protect you from the harmful rays of the sun.
Exfoliating your skin regularly to slough away the dead skin is also a good way to steer clear of hyperpigmentation. If however, you have a dry skin, it is best to exfoliate only 1-2 times a week. Exfoliating more is also harmful and will strip away your skin of necessary minerals.
Home Remedies To Remove Hyperpigmentation:
Hyperpigmentation is best cured when you are staying away from chemical treatments and finding a solution at home. Some of the cheapest and the best remedies are just around the corner and in your home! You can try these to reduce the effect of hyperpigmentation on your skin.
1. Awesome Aloe:
No wonder it is called a miracle plant! Aloe Vera can work magic on hyperpigmentation. Applying the aloe on the affected area for 15 minutes every day can lighten pigmentation to a large extent.
[Also Read: Pigmentation Cream]
2. Potatoes To Go!
Seems unlikely right? But potatoes, the most ubiquitous of all veggies is the one of the best home remedies for hyperpigmentation! You can either rub a potato slice directly on your spots or mix potato juice and fuller’s earth for a pigmentation-free skin.
3. Lemon Juice And Turmeric Powder
These are two magic ingredients which can help lighten skin instantly. Lemon juice acts as natural bleach. You can mix these two in equal quantities till you get a paste and then apply them on your skin for fifteen minutes. Wash it off and feel the difference in an instant!
4. Lemon
As lemon contains citric acid in rich amount, it works wondrously as a hyperpigmentation treatment. Take fresh lemon juice and apply it with a cotton ball. Let it rest for about 15 minutes and wash it off with water. This lemon for hyperpigmentation is an easy and cost-effective technique.
5. Vitamin E
Vitamin E has good antioxidant properties that balances the harmful UV rays effects. Break two or three vitamin E capsules and mix it with castor oil. Now apply this on the face before going to bed. Wash it off in the morning. Try this vitamin E for hyperpigmentation and let us know your experience.
6. Milk And Honey
Milk has lactic acid that helps exfoliate the infected skin cells. It encourages skin cell growth and lighten the skin. Mix the milk with little honey and apply it on infected areas like hyperpigmentation under eyes and lip hyperpigmentation. Wash it off gently with water and notice the results.
7. Cucumber Juice
Cucumber is known to cool the body and improve the skin tone. Take cucumber juice and mix it with honey and lemon juice. Apply this mixture and let it rest for 10 minutes. Wash it off with water and rejuvenate your skin.
10. Turmeric
The natural home ingredient turmeric has bleaching properties that will help reduce hyperpigmentation. Mix turmeric powder with lemon juice and apply this face pack for about 20 minutes. Rinse it off with cold water. Avoid stepping out in the Sun for about an hour after applying the face mask. This an effective turmeric hyperpigmentation treatment.
11. Sandalwood
Sandalwood paste is the perfect hyperpigmentation cream for dark skin. It improves skin tone and also works as a blood purifier. Make a fine paste of sandalwood powder with rose water and apply on affected areas. After 30 minutes, rinse it off for a young and fresh look.
12. Almonds
Hyperpigmentation removal undoubtedly is a critical concern for the younger generation. This concern can be addressed with almonds that contain high amounts of vitamin E which help to reduce hyperpigmentation. Soak few almonds overnight and make a fine paste with milk, honey and lemon juice in the morning. Apply this paste right before you sleep and rinse it off with cold water. Follow this regime everyday for a span of two weeks and you will be amazed by the results.
13. Banana
Banana has a magic formula in it and yes! You guessed it right! It has great exfoliating property. Hence mash half a banana with honey and milk to make a fine paste. Apply it on infected areas and wash it off with lukewarm water after half an hour.
14. Papaya
Papaya is not just a fruit but also works as an exfoliator. It contains an enzyme called papain which assists in exfoliation. This hyperpigmentation treatment breaks down the dead skin cells and facilitates new cell growth, thus reducing hyperpigmentation. Take 2 tablespoons of papaya pulp and mix it with 1 tablespoon of honey and milk each and make a fine paste. Apply it on affected areas and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Rinse it off with lukewarm water.
Precautions And Tips
1. Avoid Exposure To Sun
Pigmentation as we all know is caused majorly due to high melanin content and exposure to sun will aggravate the condition. Hence avoid exposing the skin to the Sun. This can be achieved effectively with the help of sunscreen lotion that has a minimum of 30 SPF.
2. Watch What You Eat
The health of your skin is based on the intake of the foods. Make sure you include a major number of leafy vegetables like spinach, curry leaves, coriander, fenugreek leaves etc., into your daily diet. These food items contain sufficient amounts of vitamin A that nourishes your skin and is the best treatment for hyperpigmentation on face.
3. Hydrate Yourself
The most simple tip on how to cure hyperpigmentation is hydrating yourself. So, drink lots of water which help flush out the toxins in the skin.
4. Maintain Hygiene
Most of us wonder how to clear hyperpigmentation and follow religiously various techniques but the most important one is maintain personal hygiene. For people who suffer with facial hyperpigmentation should bathe with lukewarm water twice a day.
5. Proper Skin Care Regime
Make sure you follow the cleansing, toning, moisturizing and exfoliating techniques atleast twice a week with products that suit your skin type.
6. Say No To Tanning Beds
Like the dusky tanned look? But if you are suffering with scar hyperpigmentation, you will have to avoid going to tanning beds.
Hyperpigmentation is a condition which most men and women will face in their lives. Though this is not an easy task, but home remedies can help you effectively lighten these spots for a beautiful and flawless skin.
