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What Is Skin Pigmentation?
Skin pigmentation or hyperpigmentation is a skin condition that develops due to excessive production of melanin, the pigment that gives human skin, hair, and eyes their colour. At certain instances, your body can go into hyperdrive and overproduce melanin, leading to dark, irregular and uneven coloured patches on your skin. Although the disorder isn’t damaging in most cases, it can act as an indication of some underlying medical issue and can also make the skin appear rough and unhealthy.
Which Factors Lead To The Development of Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation can be triggered because of a number of factors, which include:
- Skin damage due to extreme sun exposure
- Allergic reactions
- Any form of skin injury
- Inappropriate removal of facial hair
- Overuse of certain medications
- Hormonal fluctuations
How To Treat Skin Pigmentation Naturally?
Wondering about how to remove skin pigmentation? Well, Mother Nature has quite a few answers to this. Instead of spending on chemical-based products that are toxic in the long run for the user and the planet, follow these home remedies for skin pigmentation that will help to get rid of blemishes, dark spots and uneven skin tone.
1. Raw Potato
Ingredients
- Raw potato- 1
- Water- few drops
Prep Time
2 minutes
Treatment time
10 minutes
Method
- Cut a clean and washed potato into halves
- Sprinkle few drops of water onto the cut side of the raw potato
- Using circular motions, rub the potato on the pigmented skin
- Rinse with lukewarm water after 10 minutes
Benefits
An enzyme called, catecholase is found in potatoes that control the melanin-producing cells and restricts it from creating excessive pigmentation. Hence, potatoes are beneficial to treat pigmented areas, dark spots, and blemishes.
How Often To Use
3-4 times daily for a month
2. Lemon Juice and Turmeric Powder
Ingredients
- Lemon Juice- 1 tablespoon
- Turmeric Powder- 1 tablespoon
Prep Time
2 minutes
Treatment time
15 minutes
Method
- Mix the ingredients together to form a smooth paste
- Apply the paste on the pigmented body parts after cleansing your skin
- Rinse with lukewarm water after 15 minutes
Benefits
Turmeric is an ancient herb with medicinal properties that can make your skin vibrant and glowing and at the same times gets rid of any blemishes or blotchy skin as turmeric helps in getting the clear, radiant and healthy skin. Lemon is antibacterial and useful in maintaining the pH balance of your skin.
How Often To Use
Every night, before going to bed.
3. Red Onion
Ingredients
Fresh red onion- 1
Prep Time
2-5 minutes
Treatment time
10 minutes
Method
- Rub sliced onion onto the dark areas of your skin
- If convenient, you can extract the onion juice and use it on the pigmented areas as well
- Wash off with lukewarm water after 10 minutes
Benefits
Onions are rich in vitamin C that acts as a natural antioxidant. It can cure pigmentation effectively.
How Often To Use
Twice daily
4. Yogurt, Oatmeal And Tomato Mask
Ingredients
- Yogurt- half teaspoon
- Oatmeal- 2 teaspoon
- Tomato- juice of 1 tomato
Prep Time
2 minutes
Treatment time
20 minutes
Method
- Blend all the ingredients together to make a coarse mixture
- Apply it on the affected areas of your skin
- Let it dry naturally (can take up to 20 minutes)
- Wash off with lukewarm water
Benefits
The lactic acid present in yogurt helps to tighten skin pores, reducing blemishes. Tomato can be used as a face pack as it helps to revive dull skin. Oatmeal acts as an effective exfoliator, uncovering younger and healthier layers of the skin by getting rid of dead cells.
How Often To Use
Once a day
5. Oils
Ingredients
Any oil of your choice from wheat germ oil, jojoba oil, castor oil, coconut oil, olive oil or neem oil - 1 tablespoon
(You can also use a blend of these oils)
Prep Time
2 minutes
Treatment time
30 minutes
Method
- Wash your skin and pat dry with a soft towel
- Apply the oil and massage it onto your skin for few minutes
- Leave it for 30 minutes
- Wash with a gentle cleanser and pat dry
Benefits
Oils such as wheat germ oil, jojoba oil, castor oil, coconut oil, olive oil and neem oil, all have healing properties that help to lighten scars and restore your natural skin tone.
How Often To Use
Once a day
6. Apple Cider Vinegar
Ingredients
- Apple Cider Vinegar- 1 teaspoon
- Water-2 tablespoons
Prep Time
2 minutes
Treatment time
5 minutes
Method
- Mix water with apple cider vinegar to make a diluted solution
- Apply it on the affected skin areas
- Rinse with lukewarm water after 5 minutes
Benefits
Apple cider vinegar contains astringent properties that are useful in restoring the skin’s natural pigment. It is also a source of beta-carotene that takes care of damaged skin cells, making your skin healthy and supple.
How Often To Use
Twice every day
7. Papaya
Ingredients
- Papaya Pulp- 2 tablespoon
- Honey- 1 tablespoon
- Milk- 1 tablespoon
Prep Time
2 minutes
Treatment time
30 minutes
Method
- Blend the ingredients to create a smooth paste
- Apply the paste onto your skin and let it naturally dry
- Wash off with lukewarm water after 30 minutes
Benefits
An enzyme called papain is present in papaya because of which papaya acts as a natural exfoliator for the face. It breaks down and eradicates dead skin cells while promoting cell regeneration. Honey and milk are known to give a radiant glow to your skin.
How Often To Use
Twice a day
8. Lime
Ingredients
- Lime juice- juice of 1 lime
- Organic honey- 2 teaspoon
Prep Time
2 minutes
Treatment time
15 minutes
Method
- Mix the lime juice with honey
- Apply the mixture on the affected areas of your skin
- Rinse with lukewarm water after 15 minutes
Benefits
Lemon contains citric acid that acts as natural bleach and honey works well as a skin moisturiser. When the goodness of both these ingredients is combined, it protects your skin from UV damage and lightens dark spots.
How Often To Use
Twice a day
9. Avocados
Ingredients
Ripe Avocado- 1
Prep Time
2 minutes
Treatment time
30 minutes
Method
- Mash the avocado to extract the lump-free, smooth pulp
- Apply it onto the pigmented spots of your skin
- Rinse with lukewarm water after 30 minutes
Benefits
Avocados are good for skin as they contain vitamin C and oleic acid which nourish the skin and maintain its firmness. Although it is an ideal remedy for hyperpigmentation, it can cause allergies in some people.
How Often To Use
Twice a day for a month
10. Yogurt
Ingredients
Plain Yogurt (full fat) - 1 tablespoon
Prep Time
2 minutes
Treatment time
20 minutes
Method
- Apply the yogurt on the dark areas of your face and skin
- Leave it for 20 minutes
- Wash off with lukewarm water
Benefits
The lactic acid present in yogurt gently exfoliates your skin and also reduces the production of melanin. This improves the texture of your skin, speeding up the process of skin lightening
How Often To Use
Twice a week for 2 months
11. Aloe Vera
Ingredients
- Raw honey- half tablespoon
- Aloe vera gel- 2 tablespoon
Prep Time
10 minutes
Treatment time
20 minutes
Method
- Blend the ingredients well and let it set for 10 minutes
- Apply the mixture onto your skin and wait for 20 minutes
- Rinse with lukewarm water
Benefits
Aloe vera acts both as an excellent cleanser and a moisturizer. Aloe vera protects your skin from sun damage and fades dark spots without altering the natural pH and oil balance of your skin
How Often To Use
Once every day for two weeks
12. Vitamin E
Ingredients
- Vitamin E capsule- 2 or 3
- Castor oil- 3 to 4 drops
Prep Time
5 minutes
Treatment time
Overnight
Method
- Puncture the vitamin E capsules and add castor oil to it
- Mix well and apply it on the affected skin before going to bed
- Rinse it off with warm water the following morning
Benefits
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps to neutralize the effects of harmful UV rays, protecting your skin and repairing the damaged skin cells. Castor oil moisturizes your skin, making it soft and healthy
How Often To Use
Every night, before going to bed for a month
13. Cucumber
Ingredients
- Cucumber juice- 1 tablespoon
- Lemon juice- 1 tablespoon
- Honey- 1 tablespoon
Prep Time
2 minutes
Treatment time
10 minutes
Method
- Combine all the ingredients to get a smooth blend
- Apply the mixture onto the dark areas of your skin
- Rinse with lukewarm water after 10 minutes
Benefits
Cucumber acts as a cooling agent and helps to reduce freckles and blemishes. When lemon and honey are mixed with cucumber, it rejuvenates your skin cells, improving the complexion and texture of your skin
How Often To Use
Twice a day daily
14. Orange Peels
Ingredients
- Lemon juice- teaspoon
- Orange peels- 1 orange (check out the beauty benefits and many uses of orange peels for your skin)
- Honey- 1 teaspoon
- Milk- 1 teaspoon
Prep Time
3-4 days + 2 minutes
Treatment time
20 minutes
Method
- Dehydrate the orange peels by sun drying them
- Grind the dried orange peels to make a smooth powder
- Add rest of the ingredients to the powder and mix well
- Apply it onto the pigmented spots of your skin
- Rinse with lukewarm water after 20 minutes
Benefits
Orange peels contain citric acid that reduces melanin content and cures blemishes and pigmentation. Milk and honey makes your skin soft and radiant while lemon helps to lighten uneven skin complexion
How Often To Use
3-4 times every week
15. Sandalwood
Ingredients
- Sandalwood Powder- 2 tablespoon
- Rose water- 2 tablespoon
Prep Time
2 minutes
Treatment time
30 minutes
Method
- Blend the ingredients to form a smooth paste
- Apply it onto your skin and wait for 30 minutes
- Wash off with lukewarm water
Benefits
Sandalwood loaded with lots of benefits, is often used in sunscreen as it can protect your skin from extreme sun exposure. It also acts as an effective blood purifier and helps to get rid of dark patches
How Often To Use
Twice a day
16. Banana
Ingredients
- Banana (mashed) - half
- Honey- 1/4 teaspoon
- Milk- 1 teaspoon
Prep Time
5 minutes
Treatment time
30 minutes
Method
- Add honey and milk to the lump-free mashed banana
- Prepare a smooth paste and smear it onto the affected areas of your skin
- Rinse your skin with warm water after 30 minutes
Benefits
Banana is an excellent source of benefits with potassium that is responsible for keeping your skin healthy and nourished. The natural exfoliating properties present in banana cleanses your skin and treats skin pigmentation
How Often To Use
Twice every week for a month
17. Sugar Scrub
Ingredients
- Raw honey- 1/4 cup
- Raw sugar- 1 cup
- Any facial oil (sweet almond oil) - half cup
- Any essential oil (lavender or tea tree) - 10 drops
Prep Time
3 minutes
Treatment time
8 minutes
Method
- Mix all the ingredients together. Add more sugar if the consistency is too oily for your skin type
- Massage the affected areas of your face and body with this home-made scrub for 7-8 minutes
- Rinse with warm water
Benefits
The DIY scrub can be stored for at least 1 month as it contains raw honey and essential oils. Using it will get rid of dead cells from your skin without stripping off the moisture, thus fading the pigmented spots.
How Often To Use
Thrice a week for a month
18. Almond
Ingredients
- Almonds- 5 to 6
- Honey- 1 teaspoon
- Lemon juice- few drops
- Milk (optional) – half teaspoon
Prep Time
Overnight + 5 minutes
Treatment time
Overnight
Method
- Soak the almonds in water and leave them overnight
- Make a fine paste of the soaked almond by evenly grinding them. Add a little milk if necessary.
- Add the other ingredients to the almond paste and mix well.
- Apply the mixture onto the pigmented areas of your skin
- Let it rest overnight
- In the morning, wash off with cold water
Benefits
Almond oil is used for face as they are rich in vitamin E that is considered as a powerhouse of antioxidants. It takes care of irregular skin pigmentation and keeps your skin soft.
How Often To Use
Initially, every night for a period of two weeks. Cut down the usage to twice a week after two weeks
19. Red Lentil Face Pack
Ingredients
- Masoor Dal (Red Lentils) - 1 tablespoon
- Honey- 1 teaspoon
- Yogurt- 1 teaspoon
- Lime juice- 1 teaspoon
- Milk- 3 tablespoon
Prep Time
Overnight + 5 minutes
Treatment time
15 minutes
Method
- Leave the lentils soaked in milk overnight
- Grind the lentils in the morning and add rest of the ingredients
- Blend everything together to form a fine paste
- Apply the pack on your face and let it dry for 15 minutes
- Rinse with lukewarm water
Benefits
This pack is one of the most effective skin pigmentation remedies as red lentils have a high protein content that aids to eliminate dead skin cells. The other ingredients retain the natural moisture of your skin, keeping it fresh and supple
How Often To Use
Twice every week
20. Raw Honey
Ingredients
- Raw honey- 2 tablespoon
- Milk- 1 tablespoon
Prep Time
2 minutes
Treatment time
10 minutes
Method
- Cleanse your face with a mild face wash and pat dry
- Combine honey and milk together and apply the mixture on your face
- Rinse with lukewarm water after 10 minutes
Benefits
Homey provides deep nourishment to your skin and gently dissolves dead skin cells, revealing the underlying layer of fresh new skin. The improvement in the cell turnover will make your hyperpigmentation disappear eventually
How Often To Use
Every night before bed for one month
Effective Tips To Minimize The Risk Of Hyperpigmentation
1. Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water, green juices, and fresh coconut water on a regular basis is the best possible way to rejuvenate your skin and keep yourself hydrated. Dehydrated skin cells tend to get “sticky” and inhibit the development of new skin cells. This can contribute to the formation of dark spots, scars, and uneven skin tone caused due to acne and other skin ailments.
2. Patience Is The Key
The skin pigmentation doesn't miraculously disappear overnight. The healing of dark spots and blemishes needs patience and continued care of the skin.
3. A Proper Skincare Routine
An effective skincare practice that is ideal for your skin type won’t just reduce the chances of hyperpigmentation, but will also keep your skin healthy and fresh. Following preventive home remedies for skin pigmentation and using a gentle skin exfoliator to get rid of dead cells, will ensure a happy and even-toned skin.
4. Take Care Of Yourself
Environmental irritants, pollution, stress, unhealthy eating habits and extreme sun expose can lead to various skin disorders. Often hyperpigmentation can develop as a side effect. Furthermore, the habit of picking acne is a strict no-no as it will increase inflammation and make any existing hyperpigmentation worse.
Disclaimer: All the content on anveya.com/blogs is solely for information. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified health care provider. The information, suggestion or remedies mentioned on this site are provided without warranty of any kind, whether express or implied.
