Hyperpigmentation is a condition that results in patches of your skin to darken than your natural skin tone. It occurs due to increased melanin production and is a common occurrence across all skin tones and types. It is largely harmless but it could also be an indicator of an underlying health issue. Generally, it is considered more of a cosmetic issue as nobody really appreciates dark patches on their skin. The good news is, there are a range of products, procedures, and natural remedies that could help you get rid of the unwanted dark patches.
Remedies to deal with hyperpigmentation
Products: You can find a range of over-the-counter anti-pigmentation creams, face masks, and scrubs specially formulated to fight hyperpigmentation. Regular use of these products lightens the skin due to its ingredients such as Vitamin C, retinoids, kojic acid, azelaic acid, corticosteroids, and hydroquinone. Products containing allium cepa (red onion extract), licorice extract, and orchid extracts have shown effective results in skin lightening.
Retinol – Retinol improves the look of dark spots, red skin, stinging sunburns and flaky complexions. It decrease the amount of collagen breakdown from sun exposure by preventing the increase of an enzyme called collagenase, but it also helps to stimulate the production of new collagen
** Use retinol only at night and on clean, dry skin. Dispense just a pea-sized amount; more can cause irritation, follow up with a good moisturizer.
Vitamin C – . Vit C reduces melanin production resulting glowing skin. Reduces dullness & tanning and protects from environmental stress such as pollution & sun damage. It helps to fade pigmentation, fight signs of aging brought on by free radicals, brighten and nourish skin.
Use vitamin C in the morning and follow it up a with a good sunscreen.
Alpha arbutin – Alpha Arbutin has been scientifically proven to be far superior to Hydroquinone. It helps address issues such as dark spots, hyperpigmentation, sun damage and skin tone irregularities, leaving you with a beautiful, smooth, bright and even skin tone.
Use it along with vitamin C for a powerful skin care combination to treat pigmentation. READ MORE – 6 Best skincare ingredients to get rid of acne scars and dark spots overnight
Procedures: Laser therapy, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and intense pulsed light are some cosmetic procedures that can be considered to deal with hyperpigmentation. However, it is always advisable to consult a dermatologist before undergoing any of these procedures.
Home remedies for hyperpigmentation:
These remedies containing natural ingredients are gentle on skin and not only target hyperpigmentation, but enhances overall skin health too. Some of them are:
Aloe Vera: Aloin, the natural chemical found in Aloe Vera has been found to lighten skin. To get maximum benefit from this natural and non-toxic depigmenting ingredient, apply fresh Aloe Vera gel to pigmented areas and leave it overnight. Rinse it with warm water in the morning. Repeat every night.
Licorice – Licorice root extract contains the antioxidant glabridin and licochalcone A. They both have powerful anti-aging and skin-soothing properties. Licorice powder has amazing properties that helps reduce the skin cells damage. Mix licorice powder with yogurt and apply it on your face for 20 mins and rinse off.
Turmeric: Rich in antioxidants, turmeric work to improve overall skin tone. Mix aloe vera with turmeric and Apply this paste evenly on you face and leave it on overnight. READ MORE – TURMERIC NIGHT SKIN GEL – WAKEUP TO CLEAR, HEALTHY AND GLOWING SKIN
Tips to prevent hyperpigmentation
As always, prevention is better than cure. So, here are some tips to prevent and control hyperpigmentation:
- Keep skin moisturised with good moisturising lotions and creams containing glycerin or hyaluronic acid.
- Use sunscreen lotion with 30 or more SPF every day covering all sun-exposed areas such as face, neck, hands and feet.
- Do not scratch or break pimples, acne, bug bites, cuts, bruises or any other injury.
- Use gentle skin care products.
- Consult a dermatologist if regular remedies are not showing desired result.