Above: Sheetal Rawal, scientist (human genetics) & founder of Apsara Skin Care
Ways To Prevent Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is the darkening of the skin, often caused by prolonged exposure to the sun or excess production of melanin. Melanin is a natural substance in the body that gives your skin its color.
Hyperpigmentation is a common yet frequently misunderstood condition that affects all skin types and ethnicities. A dark spot can appear anywhere on the body, including the face, neck, arms, hands, chest, and back. The spots themselves don't hurt or itch; they are simply areas of darker melanin production on the uppermost layer of the skin, called the epidermis. In this article, we will give you an overview of the causes, symptoms, and the best way to reduce hyperpigmentation, as well as some strategies to prevent it. So get ready to learn how to get rid of pigmentation!
1. What is hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is the darkening of the skin that results from too much melanin production due to various reasons.
Related: DIY Hyperpigmentation Remedy
2. What are the causes of hyperpigmentation?
To know the best way to fade hyperpigmentation, it is important to learn what actually causes it.
Hyperpigmentation is usually caused by a build-up of excess melanin in the skin. Although it is a natural process, hyperpigmentation can be exacerbated by factors such as:
- Stress
- Hormonal changes
- Sun damage
- Aging
- Environmental factors
- Underlying medical condition
- Acne or skin injury
- Inflammatory process
As per the American Academy of Dermatology Association, a few points might trigger the skin to produce extra melanin. Besides the reasons stated above, dark spots and patches frequently appear for people having medium to dark-colored skin because of the following factors:
- Irritation or reaction from a hair care or skincare product
- Hormonal changes due to pregnancy
- A cut or wound due to insect bite, cut, burn, or any other injury
- Pimples, when not treated the right way
As per the study and scientific review in Hyperpigmentation therapy, there could be other metabolic reasons for hyperpigmentation, such as deficiency of vitamins like B12 and folic acid. Many underlying conditions can also cause hyperpigmentation such as immunodeficiency virus, POEMS syndrome, systemic sclerosis, and porphyria cutanea tarda.
Related: Apsara Skin Care Review
3. Types of hyperpigmentation and their symptoms
Before we dive into the best way to remove hyperpigmentation, let’s learn about it its types.
There are three types of hyperpigmentation – epidermal, dermal, and post-inflammatory.
- Epidermal hyperpigmentation or solar lentigo is typically the result of sun exposure and causes small patches of darkened skin.
- Dermal hyperpigmentation is caused by a reaction to medications and results in larger areas of darkened skin.
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is dark marks after a pimple heals and are called acne scars.
The common types of hyperpigmentation are melasma, age spots, lentigo senilis, post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and localized epidermal hyperpigmentation. Melasma is the most common type of hyperpigmentation, where irregular patches appear on the face, cheeks, forehead, nose, freckles, age spots, or increase in melanin production resulting from pregnancy, medication, birth control pills, or certain skin conditions.
4. Diagnosis of hyperpigmentation and when should you get it treated?
Hyperpigmentation can be very frustrating since it leaves unsightly discolorations on the skin that are hard to get rid of.
Although hyperpigmentation is not dangerous in most cases, it can lead to problems with self-esteem and self-confidence, especially if you notice patches on your skin, face, around the mouth, lips, or underarms. Speak to your dermatologist as soon as possible. They will examine you and determine if the symptoms are severe enough to require treatment.
15 Ways of preventing hyperpigmentation
Home remedies to get rid of hyperpigmentation include treatments that lighten skin color to fade discoloration. If your skin has some injury, consult a dermatologist before trying home remedies, such as applying green tea extract, turmeric, sandalwood, aloe vera, lemon, etc.
The good news is that hyperpigmentation is preventable and can be reduced with the right products for pigmented skin and a proper routine for fading skin darkening. If you want to prevent hyperpigmentation and reduce the appearance of dark spots, there are many ways to do it naturally, including home remedies, along with using the right products and tips as shared below. Ingredients in home remedies do not harm the skin and are mild to use.
1. Avoid tanning beds and UV rays.
2. Minimize sun exposure, and if you need to go out, use a hat to shade your face.
3. Be sun smart and apply antioxidant rich products to protect your skin
4. If you have acne breakouts, wash your face with a good turmeric facial cleanser twice daily.
5. Use pure aloe vera gel on the pigmented areas before bedtime and wash it with warm water the following morning. Aloe vera has been seen to work for hyperpigmentation and lightens the skin.
6. Use hydrating moisturizers.
7. As per one study, the application of tomato paste on the skin protects it against photodamage.
8. Apple cider vinegar can help reduce the look of discoloration due to eczema or excess dryness. Mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water and leave it for around three minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water.
9. Using green tea on the skin works as an antioxidant, helping reduce pigmentation. The antioxidants in green tea help even out the skin color and improve its health.
10. Try not to touch your face often.
11. Having a healthy diet consisting of fresh vegetables and fruits, rich in vitamin C and flavonoids is one of the easiest ways to get rid of hyperpigmentation
12. Stay hydrated, as drinking plenty of water daily helps flush out gut toxins, which could be contributing to hyperpigmentation of skin.
13. Nourish and protect your skin, and regularly use high-quality skincare products. Lotions and face serums enriched with natural ingredients can go a long way in helping with pigmentation.
14. Cleanse your face regularly with a cleanser containing neem, turmeric, or other antioxidant-rich Ayurvedic ingredients.
15. Once a week, use a nourishing mask with natural ingredients to rejuvenate your skin and allow it to improve from exposure to the elements.
Follow the above tips, and you won’t ever have to search the terms “how to get rid of pigmentation” in your browser anymore!
Related: DIY for Skin Pigmentation
Effective approach for hyperpigmentation reduction
Understanding the cause and knowing the correct remedy is needed to treat hyperpigmentation fast and effectively.
A dermatologist will typically recommend a combination of treatments, such as topical creams, photodynamic therapy, and chemical peels, to treat hyperpigmentation. They may also use other treatments including lasers and lightening agents. The specific treatment used will depend on the type and severity of the hyperpigmentation.
Products with natural and ayurvedic ingredients are preferred methods to lotions and creams that contain chemicals, as they can trigger allergies or cause side effects when applied to the skin. Because hyperpigmentation is not an inflammation of the skin, but a build-up of excess melanin, natural home remedies or products with ayurvedic ingredients are a better alternative to treating this condition than products containing harsh chemicals. Scientific studies have also shown that natural ingredients are effective in managing hyperpigmentation.
Here are some natural products you may use to get rid of pigmentation and get back your glowing and flawless skin. These products contain the goodness of natural ingredients like papaya, Vitamin C, turmeric, citrus, rosehip, and jasmine.
1. Ayurvedic Vitamin C Natural Glow Serum with turmeric rose and holy basil
2. Rosehip And Citrus Nighttime Facial Serum with vitamin C, rosehip, sweet almond, grape seed, turmeric, and vitamin E
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FAQs
1. How to get rid of hyperpigmentation?
Though there are many options suggested by dermatologists like chemical peels, laser therapy, etc., it is always better to use products with natural and ayurvedic ingredients to lighten the pigmentation naturally or with certain home remedies.
2. Can hyperpigmentation be lightened or removed?
It is a harmless skin condition and can be removed or reduced with the right kind of products, ways, and solutions as mentioned in this article.
3. Can lemon remove pigmentation?
Citric acid-rich lemon juice has a gentle bleaching effect when applied to dark spots to work slowly to remove the patches. Do not use it undiluted since it can irritate the skin.
4. How do I get rid of pigmentation on my face?
Face, hands, arms, and other areas of the body with direct exposure to the sun and environment need the same kind of care to get rid of hyperpigmentation. The best way is to start with products containing natural and ayurvedic ingredients.