Skin pigmentation, often known as hyperpigmentation, is a term that refers to darker skin. Indians who live in the tropics typically have darker skin and tanning problems. We have fewer wrinkles than people in the West, but we have a lot of pigmentation. While we cannot change our genes, we may avoid skin darkening from sun exposure and inflammation by following some simple skin care tips.
Many stars and celebrities, like Hrithik Roshan and Shah Rukh Khan, have lived with skin pigmentation and successfully controlled it.
Ready to dive in? Let’s first understand skin pigmentation and its causes with Teeanime.
What is Skin Pigmentation?
Simply described, skin pigmentation is the discoloration of the skin.
Skin is made up of unique cells that create melanin, a natural pigment. Melanin is the pigment that gives your skin its color. If these skin cells are sick or injured, the generation of this pigment is affected, resulting in melanin pigmentation. This causes the skin to change color, either completely, as in albinism, or in patches. The patches could be darker or lighter than your natural skin tone.
What Causes Pigmentation?
Pigmentation is caused by the improper synthesis of melanin in skin cells. Melanin absorbs UV radiation from the sun, causing skin tanning and darkening of pigmented areas. As a result, when exposed to sunlight, black blotches or discolored skin become darker. The following are the most common causes of unbalanced melanin production:
- Hormonal changes
- Sun exposure
- Acne scars
- Scars from injuries or surgeries
- Illness like cancer
- Certain medication
- Age or ‘liver’ spots
What are some common types of Pigmentation?
- Skin Pigment Discolouration: Skin discoloration occurs when melanin production in skin cells is either insufficient or excessive. Pigment is the skin’s natural color. Skin pigment discoloration causes a variety of problems.
- Vitiligo: The immune system of the body is assaulted in this illness as a result of the loss of pigment cells, or melanocytes. As a result, discolored patches appear on the skin, hair, mucous membranes, and other body parts.
- Albinism: Albinism is a genetic condition characterized by a lack of melanin in skin cells. As a result, there is no pigmentation in the eyes, hair, or skin. Albinos are more vulnerable to UV damage and skin cancer. They also have additional medical issues, particularly with their eyes and skin.
- Melasma: Melasma is distinguished by brown or tanned areas on the cheekbones, brow, nose, upper lip, and chin. This syndrome is also known as the “pregnancy mask,” though men can have it as well. Melasma can be treated with lotions, laser therapy, and skincare products.
- Pigmentation Alteration: This skin color change occurs as a result of skin injury. Skin infections, burns, blisters, and other skin traumas and inflammations can induce hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation in the affected area. It’s normally a transitory condition that goes away after a few months. Cosmetics and over-the-counter lotions might help gradually lighten or cover up the marks.
- Hypopigmentation:This condition creates patches of skin that are lighter in color than the rest of your skin. When melanin production is reduced or insufficient, it results in lighter skin with white blotches. Burns, surgeries, infections, and blisters, as well as cosmetic skin treatments, can cause hypopigmentation by damaging skin cells.
- Depigmentation:Depigmentation is skin whitening caused by a lack of melanin synthesis by skin cells. Localized or systemic conditions produce this. Partial or full pigment loss occurs.
- Hyperpigmentation:Hyperpigmentation is a darker discoloration than ordinary skin tone. Usually innocuous, it appears as darker spots of skin. Extra melanin promotes darkening.
- Ageing: A prevalent type of hyperpigmentation is age spots, often known as liver spots. Sun exposure might also cause it.
Hyperpigmentation can also be caused by underlying medical conditions and related medicines, hormonal imbalance, inflammations or injuries and age. But you needn’t worry as it is usually a simple cosmetic issue.
What are some home remedies for Pigmentation?
Below are five readily available ingredients that can reduce and treat male skin pigmentation. These are available at homes and in markets and contain acids and antioxidants that significantly reduce pigmentation.
- Potatoes
Potatoes are well-known for their anti-pigmentation characteristics and perform well on blemishes and pigmented areas. Rub a slice on the affected areas in a circular motion for about 10 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water. - Yoghurt
Yogurt’s lactic acid aids in the removal of dead skin cells. One tablespoon of fresh yoghurt can aid in the reduction of pigmentation spots. - Coconut Oil
Coconut oil shields the skin from harmful UV radiation and aids in the replenishment of dead skin cells. Massage some coconut oil into your skin and let it to enter the layers. - Papaya
When papaya is combined with sugar, it acts as a good exfoliant. It removes dead skin cells and encourages cell renewal, hence treating hyperpigmentation. To make a face pack, combine three teaspoons of papaya extract, milk, and organic honey or granular sugar. The combination of papaya and saffron is a wonderful approach to give your skin a gorgeous and natural glow. - Sandalwood
Sandalwood is helpful for skin lightening. A paste consisting of sandalwood and rose water significantly lightens pigmentation marks and spots.
What are some natural tips to get rid of pigmentation?
Here are some tips to follow on a regular basis if you wish to protect your skin from discoloration or reduce pigmentation patches.
Apply sunscreen:UV radiation from the sun can cause skin cell damage. It might also aggravate minor pigmentation. Apply sunscreen on your skin everytime you leave the house. This will shield the skin from tanning, reduce pigmentation, and help to avoid cancer and skin illnesses.
Avoid chemical creams:Although a skincare routine that includes creams, moisturizers, toners, serums, face packs, and other products is essential, chemical-based creams should be avoided because they may have a detrimental effect on skin tone. Look for products that are organic and herbal, especially for the face.
Clean makeup: Makeup can quickly hide uneven skin tone, but some brands include comedogenic ingredients. This blocks pores and affects cell activity. Blocked pores cause pigmentation by trapping dirt and pollutants. Use non-comedogenic, good-quality cosmetics. Also, remove all makeup from your face at night.
Eat healthy: Green leafy vegetables and fruits high in vitamin C, such as oranges and lemons, will keep the skin healthy and clear of pigmentation.
How to Treat Skin Hyperpigmentation Naturally
- Apple cider vinegar:This is fermented apple juice made acidic. It contains bleaching acetic acid. This property removes dark skin spots. Apply apple cider vinegar and water to dark areas for two to three minutes. It can also be blended with honey to make a 15-minute face mask. Acetic acid peels mildly.
- Aloe vera: This plant’s gel can be used to lighten skin. Aloe vera gradually lightens skin discoloration. It speeds cell regeneration, replacing injured, aging, or hyper-pigmented cells. When combined with papaya, it’s relaxing.
- Red onion: Despite their unpleasant odor, red onions are high in vitamin C, which can aid to decrease age spots and level out skin tone. Red onions have skin-whitening properties. It prevents the cells from producing excessive pigmentation. Make an onion paste and apply it immediately to the black pigmentation. Alternatively, apply the paste to the pigmented regions using a tea bag.
- Green tea extract – The main active ingredient of green tea is known to alter skin discolouration. It is an antioxidant compound that blocks the action of the cells to over pigment. Applying a wet green tea bag to the pigmented area every day for a few minutes is very effective.
- Black tea water: Like green tea, black tea water helps darken the skin tone. It works well on lightened spots. Dip a cotton ball in some black tea water and apply it to the pigmented areas.
- Liquorice extract: Liquorice extracts erase sun tan and even out skin tone. It also aids in the regeneration of cells. Liquorice powder is easily accessible in stores. Make a paste with some rose water and smear it all over the hyperpigmentation on your face. Allow it to dry. Before washing, softly moisten and scrub.
- Milk:Lactic acid, which is found in milk and yogurt, is often utilized in chemical peels for the skin. Yogurt can be applied directly to the affected areas, whereas milk can be wiped on with a cotton ball. Wear for a few minutes before washing. For optimal results, repeat this procedure two to three times every day.
The Bottom Line
It’s important to note that overall skin darkening or skin pigmentation is a normal process that, in most situations, should be treated as a cosmetic concern. You may be able to protect your skin from sun exposure and irritation if you maintain a proper skincare routine.
