NATURAL SKIN PIGMENTATION TREATMENT

Many of us have faced the issue of skin pigmentation, dark spots, freckles and an uneven skin tone. It is very disturbing and embarrassing to step out with even one spot. Most doctors recommend laser to get rid of such problems, but in my opinion it’s a huge investment. I chose to go with natural remedies; it’s a slow process but progresses in the right direction to give positive and effective results.

But to treat something it is necessary that we know the reason behind the problem. So lets look into the causes first.

Causes Of Skin Pigmentation

Like UV exposure tends to increase the melanin production, there are a few other environmental factors also that can cause either increased or decreased melanin production. Before we get into the causes, it necessary to remember that their two kinds of pigmentation abnormalities that can occur. Hyperpigmentation where the melanin production is elevated leading to brown or tan spots on the skin. This is also known widely as melasma.Hypopigmentation where the melanin production is lowered and patches of lighter skin appears. This is also known as vitiligo.

And now lets tackle the causes.

Heat: Over exposure to heat is one of the most common environmental causes to pigmentation. The melanin producing cells are disturbed due to which pigmentation occurs. Just like UV radiation affects the melanocytes, even thermal radiation affects the melanocytes which results in hyperpigmentation.

Injury: Sometimes after the wound caused by an injury heals, there is still a slight inflammation. This inflammed area can later develop pigmentation.

Medication: Certain specified medicines can cause skin pigmentation as a side effect during their use in treatment.

Diseases:Certain diseases also cause discoloration of skin like jaundice and cyanosis. In jaundice the skin develops a yellow tinge whereas in cyanosis the skin appears blue as their isn’t sufficient circulation of oxygen on the blood.

Emotional Duress: It has been observed in some cases, that extreme emotional stress and duress also effects the production of melanin by the cells.

Skin Pigmentation Treatment

Here are some simple tips to help you remove blemishes naturally and acquire healthy, glowing skin

Getty

1. Potato:

Getty

It works very well to help lighten pigmented areas, dark spots and blemishes. You can try rubbing a slice of potato on your skin daily; you may also try a mixture of fuller’s earth and potato juice to get rid of dark spots.

2. Lemon/Lime:

Getty

Mix lemon with honey and apply on your face. It is highly beneficial because lemon is natural bleach and organic honey contains moisturizing properties. Do not use lemon if you have a sensitive skin.

3. Lemon Juice + Turmeric Powder:

Mix 1 tbsp of turmeric and lemon juice well. Apply this on the effected areas for 15 mins. You can then wash it off with cold water.

This pack is best used at night for exposure to sun immediately after the use of lemon is never advisable.

4. Red Onion:

Shutterstock

It is one of the most effective ways to reduce pigmentation of skin, dark spots, freckles etc. You would need to slice up an onion and rub it directly on the affected areas. Alternatively, you may grate the onion, squeeze out its juice and apply.

5. Cucumber:

Shutterstock

Very helpful in reducing skin pigmentation, fades freckles and blemishes. 1 tbsp of cucumber juice is to be used in conjunction with 1 tbsp honey and 1 tbsp lemon/lime juice for best results.

6. Aloe Vera/ Aloe Vera + Vitamin E:

Shutterstock

Aloe Vera effectively treats pigmented skin, clears dark spots and blemishes, resulting in the older skin cells to slough off, thus leaving us with clearer-looking, rejuvenated skin. Apply the gel half hour before bed; add one or two Vitamin E capsules like Evion to enhance its efficacy. Use it in the marketed gel form or gather the gel straight from the plant.

• For how many days should I follow using any of the above-mentioned tips?

Daily for at least two weeks and every alternate day thereafter till you achieve desired results.

7. Tomato+ Oatmeal + Yogurt:

Extract tomoato juice and to it add 2 2 tsp oatmeal and 1/2 tsp yogurt. Apply this on the problem areas till dries. Ensuring however that you don leave it on for more than 20 mins. Wash it off with lucke warm water.

You will need to do this everyday to see results.

8. Vinegar:

Vinegar has good lightening as well as astringent properties. One way to use this is by making a vinegar rinse. Mix vinegar with equal amounts of water and use it rinse your face. Don’t wash it off after.

9. Avocados:

The enzymes in avocados can also reduce pigmentation. For this you can either mash the fruit and apply the paste on the effected area or you slice it up and directly squeeze the juice on to the effected area.

But the one thing to watch out for is the latex enzymes in it that can cause allergies in some people. Please do make sure you do a patch test before using this.

10.Guava + Banana:

Mash banana and guava together and apply this paste on the effected areas. Wash off after 15-20 minutes. Follow this everyday. The lycopene in the guava and the exfoliating properties of the banana together will lead to skin lightening.

Remember:

Natural Remedies = Patience

How long is a mask to be kept on?

Not more than 20 minutes. Rinse off, pat dry and follow up with a moisturizer of your choice.

• All of us do not have the same type of skin, if you find one remedy not working, try another until you find the right natural treatment to get rid of skin pigmentation and blemishes.

• Indulge in proper skincare, do not forget cleansing, toning, moisturizing and exfoliating (at least twice a week using the facial scrub of your choice).

• Use a sunscreen on daily basis, a minimum of SPF 30 and PA+++ protection is recommended (especially for skin pigmentation).

• If oily skin and excess sweat prompts you to skip sunscreen, try Lotus Herbals Safe Sun UV Screen Matte Gel PA+++ SPF 50 or Sunmate SPF 30+ gel-cream (Dermatologist recommended).

• Drink lots of water and eat as many fruits to keep your skin hydrated and flush out the toxins from your system.

Hope you find these tips helpful.