Home remedies for pigmented skin

We all dream of flawless skin and even skin tone— minus blemishes and spots—all year round especially with the continuous exposure to the sun and pollution which causes numerous types of skin problems these days. However, skin is always not perfect—just like the humans who wear it. In a perfect world, the skin would be without any birthmarks, pigmentation disorders, without discolorations. Let us discuss what is the cause of skin pigmentation and the home remedies for pigmented skin in this article.

 

Pigmentation though usually harmless—can be a nightmare, unsightly, embarrassing, and psychologically troubling for some people. Discoloration, especially on the face—can be a serious turn-off.

 

 

Understanding Pigmentation

 

Pigmentation is a disorder that changes the color of the skin—either as dark spots, patches, or tanning on the surface of the skin—making it look dull and uneven. Pigmentation can either occur in small patches or cover larger areas.

 

If you think you have skin pigmentation abnormalities, never self-diagnose, ensure you consult a doctor to receive an official diagnosis.

 

Causes of skin pigmentation

 

The skin cells produce melanin which is responsible for pigmentation that gives your skin its color. People have different levels of melanin in their skin, which accounts for their skin’s overall color. The main cause of pigmentation is the excess production of melanin in a specific area. This affects the skin on your entire body, and not just the face causing your skin to appear lighter or darker than normal, or blotchy and discolored.

 

Common factors causing pigmentation disorders include an unhealthy diet, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun, hormones, biological conditions (pregnancy), stress, and pollution. Contact with certain chemicals or undergoing chemotherapy may also sometimes cause pigmentation disorders.

 

Skin pigmentation disorders are accompanied by several itching.

 

Treatment for Pigmentation

 

For anyone looking to reduce the appearance of different colored patches of skin, there are several home remedies for pigmented skin that may help.

 

These days we often resort to various beauty creams, concealers, and many other artificial creams to get rid of those stubborn pigmentation spots. However, these chemical-based creams can do more harm than good to the skin.

 

Whenever there is something wrong in the body we must first look for the natural ways to treat it, and so with skin conditions.  Home remedies for face pigmentation can affect slowly but effectively to help treat dark spots on the face.

 

If the condition persists for a long period and gets worse over time, it’s best to consult with a doctor. Sometimes, skin pigmentation can be a result of medication side effects as well.

 

Several home remedies for pigmented skin that may help

 

• Apply aloe vera gel directly to the pigmented skin to lighten and replenish the skin over time.
• Apply yogurt and curd to help diminish the pigmentation spots and to shed the dead cells from the skin. It also gives the skin a natural glow.
• Apply sandalwood regularly to help lighten the pigmentation spots, soothe the skin, and works as a skin tonic leaving it fresh and aromatic.
• Apply honey to protect the skin from sun damage, promote the growth of new cells and rejuvenate the skin by removing dead skin cells.
• Use cucumber in combination with lemon to lighten up the skin and rejuvenate skin.
• Apply a mix of turmeric with chickpeas, rose water, and lemon juice to soothe the skin especially caused by overexposure to the sun, or reduce the appearance of dark spots.
• Moisturise skin by applying coconut oil. It also helps replenish the dead skin cells and protects from the harmful UV rays of the sun.
• Apply apple cider vinegar to bring down the dark brown patches caused due to skin pigmentation. It is also an excellent astringent.
• Apply potato slices dipped in water on the face as well on pigmented areas and blemishes.
• Apply onion juice to help reduce dark spots and give an even skin tone.
• Use red lentils (masoor dal) face mask which is rich in antioxidants and is known to be good for the skin.

Things which you can include in your daily diet

 

• Take green tea extracts as it acts as an excellent toner that reduces dark spots and pigmentation. It may also help in reducing pigmentation.
• Eat citrus fruits (lemon, oranges, berries) that are natural bleaching agents that help reduce dark spots and pigmentation.
• Eat tomatoes regularly as it contains antioxidants, vitamin A and other nutrients that help improve the overall skin condition and gradually reduce pigmentation marks.
• Drink black tea extract that has antioxidants, skin-cleaning properties, and skin-whitening effects that remove blemish-causing toxins from the skin.
• Eat papaya to help exfoliate the skin and remove dead cells. Also, apply a papaya face mask to effectively correct uneven skin tone and lighten skin complexion.
• Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and to flush toxins that cause hyperpigmentation in the body.

Tips to Reduce Pigmentation

 

Here are some of the tips to prevent and reduce pigmentation.

 

• Avoid excessive exposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun.
• Apply sunscreen lotion always above SPF 30 when heading out.
• Follow a regular skincare routine that suits your skin type.
• Hydrate yourself consistently throughout the day.
• Consume a nutritious balanced diet especially leafy greens, whole grains, and dairy products.
• Increase the intake of food rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
• Eat foods rich in vitamin C found mainly in citrus fruits and vegetables.
• Take supplements for vitamin b12.
• Exfoliate skin regularly to get rid of dead cells.

The Bottom Line

 

Besides soft and supple skin, we would also love our skin to have an even skin tone. While the expensive foundations, concealers, and whitening creams do their part to achieve an even skin tone, natural treatments also can prove to be super effective and inexpensive.

 

Pigmentation is visible when there are dark spots on the skin—making it look dull and uneven. Most of the time, it is a cosmetic issue that does not pose any real threat to health, other than perhaps feeling unappealing to the individual.

 

If home remedies for pigmented skin do not work, consult a doctor to discuss medical options. A full diagnosis and necessary medical treatment may help set the mind at ease and avoid complications.