This Mother’s Day the theme is S4# Skinesse Snack Size SkinCare and I thought what’s better than talking about “Face Pigmentation” a common issue faced by many women in their 40’s today.
What is hyperpigmentation (Dark patches on face)?
Many women wonder what pigmentation is, what really causes it and treatments behind it. So here today, we try to answer all your doubts in simple non-medical terms. Hyperpigmentation is the name that healthcare professionals give to patches of skin that become darker than surrounding areas of skin.
I tried to study the types of hyperpigmentation include age spots, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and found out that each have different cause, treatments, products and creams to use and could require varied cosmetic procedures. So lets jump in and talk about these issues in a bit more detail and some home remedies we suggest.
What causes hyperpigmentation?
So what leads to Hyperpigmentation is a question in the minds of many women?
Pigmentation occurs generally when the skin produces more melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour which leads to spots or patches of skin appear darker than surrounding areas. Pigmentation is a common skin condition which can affect people of all skin types. The cause of hyperpigmentation depends on the type, the most common causes as below.
- When you are under the sun for prolonged periods the body produces more melanin to protect the skin which can cause dark spots or patches on the skin called age spots or sun spots.
- Acne, eczema, lupus, or an injury can also cause inflammation of the skin leading to darkening of these areas. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is more likely to affect people with darker skin tones.
- Melasma usually occurs due to hormonal changes leading to hyperpigmentation and is common during pregnancy.
- Further I researched to discover that medications, such as antimalarial drugs and tricyclic antidepressants, can also cause hyperpigmentation.
- Did you know that serious causes of hyperpigmentation such as Addison’s disease and hemochromatosis are caused by medical conditions? For these you will need medical assistance from a qualified doctor. Hemochromatosis is another medical condition, but is usually inherited. It causes the body to contain too much iron which leads to making the skin appear darker or tanned.
How to get rid of hyperpigmentation
Even though hyperpigmentation is innocuous, some people wish to get rid of it. There are a range of possible treatments, products and home remedies you can try.
Here are some useful tips to prevent hyperpigmentation, or to stop it becoming more prominent:
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- Avoiding Sun Exposure. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to protect the skin and stop hyperpigmentation from becoming darker. We at Skinesse offer some great offers for SPF Creams by Alumier and Obaji which are top of the range in the market place.
- Avoid picking at the skin. To prevent hyperpigmentation from forming after an injury, avoid picking at spots, scabs, and acne.
- Applying Topical creams.
- Indulging in Cosmetic Procedures. Some cosmetic procedures can also lighten areas of skin to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation. Why not try our Chemical Peels and Microdermabrasion treatments. These are fairly simple procedures with very less exposure or side effects.
Home remedies for hyperpigmentation
Do visit Skinesse Instagram page to view free home remedies to improve your skin. Some of these are particularly helpful when dealing with hyperpigmentation.
- Aloe vera
Aloesin, a compound that is present in aloe vera, may lighten hyperpigmentation, by inhibiting the production of melanin in the skin. You can apply aloe vera directly from the plant or read up on how to make your own Aloe Vera packs at home at Skinesse Instagram page. Some studies also suggest that taking aloe vera capsules can relieve melasma in pregnant women.
How 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
- Green tea
Green tea can also help to lighten up hyperpigmentation by inhibiting melanin production in the skin.
How to use:
- Boil a green tea bag for three to five minutes.
- Remove the tea bag from the water and leave to cool
- Rub the tea bag over your dark patches.
- Repeat twice a day until you get results.
- Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which may lighten pigmentation.
How to use:
- 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.
- Red onion
Dried skin of red onions (Allium cepa) can effectively lighten skin. Look for off the counter creams for hyperpigmentation that contain Allium cepa and apply as directed.
- 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.
How to use:
- In one cup of boiling water add a tablespoon of fresh black tea leaves and soak for two hours
- 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.
- Licorice Extract
Licorice extract contains active ingredients that have been shown to lighten hyperpigmentation caused by melasma and sun exposure. You can buy off the counter Topical creams containing
- Milk
Lactic Acid in milk, buttermilk, sour milk all have been shown to effectively lighten skin.
How to use:
- Soak a cotton ball in the milk.
- Rub it over darkened skin patches twice a day.
- Repeat daily until you see results.
- Orchid extracts
Applying orchid-rich extracts to the skin for eight weeks has proven to improve the size and appearance of dark patches as its rich in Vitamin C. Many off the counter products are available with Orchid Extracts which could prove useful for you.
- Masoor dal (red lentils)
Red lentils are rich in antioxidants known to be good for the skin.
How to use:
- Soak 50 grams of red lentils overnight.
- Use a blender to create a fine paste.
- Apply the paste on your face for 20 minutes.
- Rinse with cold water
If you’re interested in finding out more about non-surgical aesthetic treatments for Hyperpigmentation, consult our certified practitioners by booking an appointment on the link below
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