PIGMENTATION TREATMENT 🤞

  

WHAT IS PIGMENTATION?

Hyperpigmentation is the darkening of an area of skin or nails caused by increased melanin.

Causes of pigmentation

Many things can lead to hyperpigmentation:

Adrenal disorders such as Addison’s disease, when the body doesn’t make enough of a hormone called cortisol.

Genetics, such as a family with freckles.

Hormone changes, such as during puberty or pregnancy.

Injury to the skin (for example, acne, cuts or burns), which is sometimes called postinflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Medications, such as oral contraceptives (birth control pills) and drugs that cause sensitivity to light.

Melasma.

Not getting enough of certain vitamins, such as B12 and folic acid.

Sun damage (these spots are often called solar lentigines).

Thyroid disorders.

Treatment for pigmentation

Depending on the reasons for hyperpigmentation, your healthcare provider may suggest some lifestyle changes:

Avoiding sun damage by staying out of the sun, using sunscreen and wearing protective clothing.

Stopping any medications that may be causing it.

Taking vitamins.

Your healthcare provider may also recommend prescription or over-the-counter topical therapy (creams or ointments you put on your skin):

Azelaic acid.

Corticosteroids.

Glycolic acid (alpha-hydroxy acid).

Hydroquinone.

Kojic acid, a chemical that can reduce the amount of melanin the body produces.

Salicylic acid.

Skin bleach.

Tretinoin.

Vitamin C or B3 (niacinamide).

Other treatments may include:

Chemical peels.

Cryotherapy.

Laser skin resurfacing.

Pigmented lesion laser.

Treatment at home 

Pigmentation treatment at home

There are several ways that you can treat hyperpigmentation at home. While several of the remedies we share here are anecdotal, some research suggests their main ingredients work on skin pigmentation.

Apple cider vinegar 

Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which researchTrusted Source shows may lighten pigmentation.

To use this remedy:

Combine equal parts apple cider vinegar and water in a container.

Apply to your dark patches and leave on two to three minutes.

Rinse using lukewarm water.

Repeat twice daily you achieve the results you desire.

Aloe vera

Aloe vera contains aloin, a natural depigmenting compound that has been shown to lighten skin and work effectively as a nontoxic hyperpigmentation treatment, according to a 2012 study.

To use:

Apply pure aloe vera gel to pigmented areas before bedtime.

Rinse using warm water the next morning.

Repeat daily until your skin color improves.

Red onion

Red onion (Allium cepa) extract is an ingredient in some commercially available skin- and scar-lightening creams. Research has found that the dried skin of red onions can effectively lighten skin. Look for creams for hyperpigmentation that contain Allium cepa and use as directed.

Green tea extract

ResearchTrusted Source shows that green tea extract may have a depigmenting effect when applied to skin. You can purchase green tea extract and apply it as directed. Some websites suggest applying green tea bags to dark spots for a lightening effect, though there is no evidence to back this claim.

If you’d like to give it a try, follow these steps:

Steep a green tea bag in boiled water for three to five minutes.

Remove the tea bag from the water and let cool — you don’t want to burn your skin.

Rub the tea bag over your dark patches.

Repeat twice a day until you get results.

Black tea water

An animal studyTrusted Source published in 2011 found that black tea water lightened dark spots on guinea pigs. The black tea water was applied twice a day, six days a week for four weeks.

To try your own version of this hyperpigmentation treatment at home:

Add a tablespoon of fresh black tea leaves to a cup of boiling distilled water.

Steep for two hours and strain to remove the leaves.

Soak a cotton ball in the tea water and apply to areas of hyperpigmentation, twice a day.

Repeat every day for six days a week, over four weeks.

Prevention

Although not all causes of hyperpigmentation can be prevented, there are some steps you can take to prevent certain instances of hyperpigmentation:

Avoid direct sunlight. 

Try to stay out of the sun during the peak hours of 10 am to 2 pm. Sit under a sun umbrella or in the shade when you’re outdoors to minimise your sun exposure.

Use a hat. 

Shade your face and scalp with a wide-brimmed hat.

Incorporate Vitamin C into your beauty routine. Vitamin C is a nutrient-rich antioxidant known for its powerful skin-brightening and anti-aging capabilities that helps neutralise free radicals and limit the damage caused by excessive sun exposure, amongst other things. Try Olay Vitamin C + AHA24 Gel Face Cream. Its breakthrough formula contains Vitamin C combined with Lactic Acid and Niacinamide that hydrates, brightens and evens skin tone.

Apply SPF. 

Choose sun protection that is at least SPF 15 and use it daily, even in the cooler months, to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Try Olay Regenerist Whip SPF 30 for a 2-in-1 benefit – moisturise your skin with this ultra-lightweight cream and protect it against the sun.

Limit touching your skin. Scratching or picking a mosquito bite or a spot can result in inflammation and lead to darker pigmentation on your face, so it’s best to avoid touching your skin. When you do touch your skin, for example when applying your skin care or makeup, make sure you wash your hands first.

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