Skin hyperpigmentation is when melanin is overproduced in certain parts of the skin which occur in patches of skin that are darker compared to the surrounding skin colour.
What triggers hyperpigmentation?
It could be due to several factors:
1) Exogenous factors (external factors);
Sun damage, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (hyperpigmentation due to post acne, post cuts)
2) Endogenous factors (internal factors);
Genetic factors (which can result in freckles), some disease or disorders (such as Addison’s disease, thyroid disorders, diabetes), hormonal changes (such as pregnancy), some medicines (which can cause sensitivity to light), birth control pills.
3) Nutritional factors
Some nutritional deficiencies (such as vitamin A, vitamin B12, folic acid or a protein deficiency) can also lead to hyperpigmentation on the skin.
1) Sun Protection
A healthy amount of sun exposure is beneficial for our skin and body. However, overexposure to it can lead to skin hyperpigmentation.
It is also common for darker skin-tones to have hyperpigmentation issues.
The number one solution would be to avoid overexposure to sun.
- Wear sunscreen in order to protect your skin and avoid hyperpigmentation from becoming darker.
2) Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe Vera contains an active ingredient called “Aloesin”.
This study demonstrates that Aloesin inhibits hyperpigmentation induced by UV radiation.
Apply aloe vera gel consistently to the affected area every day. Aloe Vera gel can be mixed with vegetable oils (such as grapeseed oil which can also help with hyperpigmentation issues). Apply the mixture of vegetable oil and aloe vera gel consistently every day to your skin.
3) Red Onions
This study shows that red onions (allium cepa) the dried skin of red onions can lighten skin, thus help with pigmentation issues.
4) Rosehip Oil
Rosehip oil is rich in vitamin A and fatty acids that can help with hyperpigmentation issues and lighten the skin.
5) Apple Cider Vinegar
According to this study, apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid that can improve hyperpigmentation issues, thus can help lighten the skin.
6) Yogurt
Yogurt contains lactic acid which can improve hyperpigmentation issues. Consistent application of yogurt mask to the skin can lighten the skin.
Mask recommended: yogurt + turmeric+ honey
7) Lemon Oil
Lemon oil contains vitamin C that reduces melanin producing skin cells. It has skin lightening properties that can help reduce hyperpigmentation issues.
8) Green Tea Extract
According to this study, Green Tea has been shown to have depigmentation
effects when applied to the skin. Its main active ingredient, EGCG (epigallocatechin-3-gallate) can help with pigmentation issues of the skin.
9) Licorice extract
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3663177/ According to this study, the main active ingredient of licorice, glabridin, protects the skin from pigmentation issues. It has been demonstrated that licorice extract can lighten hyperpigmentation issues caused by sun exposure and melasma.
10) Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil is rich in vitamin C and vitamin E. It is a powerful antioxidant oil which can improve hyperpigmentation issues on a consistent application to the skin.
11) Black Tea Water
In this study black tea water was applied twice a day, and 6 days a week for 4 weeks on guinea pigs. The study obtained visible results and dark spots were lightened.
12) Rice Water
Fermented rice water has been used for ages from Asian women to lighten their skin.
13) Orchid Extracts
This study demonstrated that the consistent (for 8 weeks) application of orchid extracts to the skin improved the appearance of hyperpigmentation issues.
14) Carrot Seed Oil
Carrot seed oil is rich in beta carotene (which can also be found as an ingredient in some sunscreens), which has skin protecting abilities from UV rays.
The first step to deal with hyperpigmentation issues would be to protect your skin first from the sun. Alongside with your sunscreen, you can use Carrot Seed oil because while protecting your skin from harmful UVs it can also help improve pigmentation issues by inhibiting the enzyme that produces melanin, called tyrosinase
15) Rose oil
Consistent application of Rose oil can lighten the skin and brighten the skin complexion.
16) Tamanu Oil
Consistent application of Tamanu oil can help the skin fade hyperpigmentation issues.
17) Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil not only is known to fade away skin blemishes like pimples, but also for reducing the appearance of dark spots and pigmentation.
18) Turmeric
This study demonstrates that turmeric can improve skin pigmentation disorders.
Recommended mask: yogurt+turmeric+honey
Consistency is the key ingredient!
Whatever you do, do not forget you can’t expect having visible results in the first days. Consistency is key!
Patch test
Always patch test before deciding to use any new product. Apply any new product on your wrist, elbow or jawline first then cover the area.
If you don’t have any negative reaction following 24hours after application, then you can apply it on your skin.
Seek Medical Help
You should seek medical help if you notice symptoms like itchy skin, skin that feels hot on touching, red skin, hyperpigmentation area that is bleeding, painful skin.
Plus, if your hyperpigmentation problem does not respond to home remedies then you should seek medical help.
Legal Disclaimer
This content does NOT provide medical advice. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is NOT a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult your own doctor for more information.
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