What are some natural treatments for skin hyperpigmentation?
Skin pigmentation refers to the change in skin color. The skin cells make Melanin, which is responsible for skin color. Hyperpigmentation is a change in skin color where the skin darkens.
Hyperpigmentation is a condition in which patches appear on the skin. These patches may include age spots, liver spots, and more. Due to certain medical conditions, Hyperpigmentation prevails in the body.
But is the question of whether medicines only cure Hyperpigmentation a big one? No, it isn't. Some home remedies also help in treating it. We are here to discuss the home remedies you can use to get rid of Hyperpigmentation naturally.
Causes of skin pigmentation
Mainly, pigmentation on the skin is caused by Sun damage. Not a few but various body parts are affected by skin pigmentation exposed to the sun. There are various other causes. They are:
- Skin pigmentation can be due to pregnancy hormones.
- Chemotherapy drugs may cause Hyperpigmentation.
- It can be because of melasma.
- Insulin resistance can be one of the reasons.
- Various trauma and skin irritations cause pigmentation.
- You might also suffer from pigmentation due to Addison's disease.
Natural remedies for treating skin pigmentation disorders
You can try several ways to treat skin pigmentation at home. Here are the options you have.
Aloe vera gel
Aloin is a depigmenting compound found in aloe vera. This non-toxic ingredient lightens the skin color. Always apply aloe vera only at night to the affected skin areas.
Apply aloe vera before sleeping and rinse the affected area with water the next morning. Follow the same process regularly to observe improvement in skin color.
Milk
All types of milk, such as buttermilk, sour milk, and more, have been effective in improving skin color. Milk contains lactic acid, which helps in lightening the skin color. Take a cotton ball and soak it with milk.
Then, rub the cotton on the affected skin areas. For effective results, follow this process daily and twice daily.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid. In known research, it has been found that apple cider vinegar lightens the skin pigmentation. Always use apple cider vinegar by mixing half amount of water and half amount of vinegar.
Apply the mixture to the affected parts of the body. Leave the mixture for two to three minutes. After that, wash it off with lukewarm water. Do the same thing daily and twice for better results.
Red onion
Red onion extract has been proven to be the most effective treatment for lightening skin color. The dried skins of onions are also mostly effective. You can dry the onion skin in the sun and make it into powder to apply.
Otherwise, you can buy cream from the market that contains red onion extract or Allium cepa. Use the cream as directed to observe results in just a few days.
Green tea extract
It has been found that green tea extract works as a depigmenting solution when applied to skin. Green tea extracts are easily available in the markets. You can buy them and apply them as directed.
Also, you can use green tea bags and rub them in the affected area to lighten up the dark spots. Dip the green tea bag in hot water for 5 minutes. Now remove the tea bag and let it cool down. Now, the tea bag is wet. So, rub it in the affected areas. Follow the same process twice regularly.
Masoor dal
Red lentils or masoor dal masks are an effective treatment for skin lightening. Masoor dal is highly rich in antioxidants. As a result, it is considered best for skins. Soak some dal in some water overnight. Next morning, grind it into a thin paste.
Apply the masoor dal paste to the affected parts of the skin. Leave it on for about 20 minutes. Then wash off with cold water and pat dry. Repeat the same process daily.
Licorice extract
Licorice extract has also been an effective solution for treating skin pigmentation. It treats Hyperpigmentation caused by sun exposure and melasma. There are topical creams available in the market that contain Licorice extract.
You can buy it over the counter and apply it regularly. You can check the directions for use on its packaging.
Orchid extracts
Research shows that orchid extracts are helpful in treating Hyperpigmentation. They work as Vitamin C Hyperpigmentation remedies. It has been noticed that continuous application of orchid extracts for 8 weeks helps remove skin darkness.
You can use any products containing orchid extract, such as masks, scrubs, creams, and more. I always prefer using it as directed.
Black tea water
Black tea water lightens dark spots and treats Hyperpigmentation. Applying black tea water for four weeks helps in observing lighter skin. Add a few black tea leaves to hot water. Let it boil for a few minutes and strain it.
Take a cotton ball and soak it. Rub the cotton ball on the affected area. Repeat this process daily for up to four weeks to observe the best results.
Tomato paste
According to the British Journal of Dermatology, tomato paste is an effective remedy for skin lightening. Prepare a tomato paste and mix it with olive oil. Apply it to the affected skin areas for up to 12 weeks to see the best results.
Medical treatments for Hyperpigmentation treatment
Other than natural remedies, some medical treatments are also available for Hyperpigmentation. They are:
- Cryotherapy
- Laser resurfacing
- Chemical peels
- Intense pulsed light
- Microdermabrasion.
Final words
Hyperpigmentation is not a severe problem. It is a cosmetic concern, and natural treatments are mostly effective in treating it. Home remedies help lighten up the dark patches. If natural treatments don't work, visit the doctor.
They will advise you on the best treatment for your condition.