Pigmentation is a common condition that affects people of all skin types. It occurs when certain parts of the skin appear darker than the rest. This is due to the unregulated production of melanin in skin cells, the pigment responsible for your complexion.
Not only does pigmentation cause uneven skin tone but it also takes a toll on your mental well-being. Therefore, we are bringing you an exhaustive guide on pigmentation treatment – a mix of home remedies, professional procedures, and topical serums . Keep reading and say hello to an even, radiant complexion.
What Are The Different Types Of Pigmentation?
Before we delve deeper into the treatments, it's important to understand the different types of pigmentation -
1. Sun or liver spots: This type of pigmentation appears in tan, black or brown spots on the skin –caused due to continued sun exposure. Liver (or sun) spots are more common in adults.
2. Melasma: If you have observed large patches of disclouration on the skin, you’re probably grappling with melasma. This type of pigmentation is common in people with deeper skintones, women on birth control, and those who are expecting.
3. Inflammatory hyperpigmentation: Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation surfaces after a nasty episode of breakouts or any other kind of trauma to the skin.
Causes Of Pigmentation On Face?
Pigmentation is generally an indication of an underlying skin concern. Additionally, here are some other triggers that can cause inexplicable dark spots or patches on the skin
1. Imbalanced hormones
2. Lifestyle choices like smoking and erratic sleep cycles
3. Skin diseases
4. Episodes of inflammation
5. Irritated skin
6. Melasma
7. Continued exposure to harmful UV rays
8. Reaction to drug use
How To Prevent Pigmentation?
Once pigmentation sets in, it is a little tricky to reverse the problem. However, you can use some tips and tricks to avoid the formation of new spots and blotches. Take a look -
1. Avoid direct sunlight: One of the biggest culprits of pigmentation is continued sun exposure. To prevent this problem, we recommend staying indoors (especially between 10 am to 2 pm) with a generous slather of sunscreen.
2. Use hats and scarves: To double down on efforts for sun protection, use scarves, caps, and wide-brimmed hats while stepping outdoors.
3. Use SPF religiously: Avoid pesky liver spots with a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Pick a formula that is lightweight, non-greasy, and doesn’t leave a white cast.
4. Try Vitamin C: Add Vitamin C to your daily skincare STAT! The antioxidant shields your skin against harmful UV rays, free radicals, and other pollutants. Moreover, topical application of Vitamin C fades spots and patches by inhibiting melanin production.
Professional Treatments To Remove Pigmentation
While pigmentation is nothing to feel awkward about, we can understand the desire to cast it away. With the help of tried-and-true cosmetic procedures, you can attain smooth, even-tone skin in a jiffy. But before you jump on the bandwagon, we recommend consulting with your board-certified dermatologist.
1. Chemical peels: A chemical peel removes your skin’s outermost layer (a.k.a. epidermis) to reveal smooth, even skin. The process uses Glycolic Acid or Lactic Acid at higher concentrations to lighten pigmentation caused by sun damage or melasma.
2. Laser Treatment: Also known as skin resurfacing, the process uses targeted beams of light to remove dark spots and patches. Laser treatments are further divided into 2 categories – ablative and non-ablative. The former involves the shedding of several skin layers to unveil an even skin tone. Whereas non-ablative laser treatment focuses on the dermis and boosts Collagen production to treat stubborn dark spots.
3. Intense Pulse Light Treatment: IPL or photo facial is a sub-category of non-ablative laser treatment. IPL focuses on the dermis and bolsters Collagen production in the skin cells. You would need a handful of sessions at your dermatologist's office to see favourable results. Additionally, IPL works wonders on acne scars and depressions.
4. Microneedling: The non-surgical treatment involves cautiously piercing the epidermis with ultrathin needles. These punctures trigger Collagen and Elastin to regrow tissues and undertake repair – inadvertently reducing spots and patches.
What Are The Best Active Ingredients To Treat Hyperpigmentation
If you wish to tackle pigmentation right at home, you can opt for an anti-pigmentation cream with the following skin brightening ingredients -
1. Vitamin C: The active ingredient is dubbed as the holy grail of lightening. Vitamin C in your daily skincare inhibits melanin production when applied topically. It helps administer an even complexion while enhancing your skin’s latent brightness. Use a Vitamin C moisturizer in your morning and nighttime routine.
2. Azelaic Acid: Found in my anti-acne products, Azelaic Acid inhibits the enzyme tyrosinase – which further produces melanin. Moreover, the active ingredient reduces acne-related inflammation and redness.
3. Niacinamide: If you have little to medium pigmentation, try skincare workhorse Niacinamide-infused moisturizer. The beloved ingredient controls the melanin distribution across skin cells, ensuring an even skin tone.
4. Retinol: The anti-ageing ingredient is also a great remedy for dark spots and patches. When applied in the form of a serum or moisturizer, Retinol buffs away dead cells and boosts Collagen production to fade dark spots and patches.
Home Remedies And Natural Treatments To Treat Pigmentation
There are several kitchen ingredients that abate pigmentation and dark spots. Use them in your weekly skincare routine and see the results for yourself.
The best part about these natural remedies for pigmentation – is the reduced risk of side effects!
1. Aloe Vera: Rub pure aloe vera gel on affected areas and rinse it off in the morning. Aloin in the gel helps break melanin in skin cells, substantially depigmenting the area.
2. Tomato: Grind a fresh tomato to create a thin paste. Apply it to problem areas and let it sit for 20 minutes. Vitamin C and Lycopene in the tomato reduces dark spots while reversing the effects of photodamage.
3. Milk: Milk, buttermilk, and other dairy products are replete with Lactic Acid that tackles pigmentation while ensuring soft, supple skin. Apply it on your skin and wash it off after 15 minutes.
4. Potato: Rich in natural (and safe bleaching agents), potatoes give you an even and luminous complexion. Apply potato juice to concern areas to depigment.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple Cider Vinegar carries Acetic Acid that lightens and brightens your skin. Mix ACV and water in the same ratio and apply it to the pigmentated areas. Leave it for 2 to 3 minutes and rinse off with cold water.
What Are Some Lifestyle Changes To Prevent Pigmentation
To help double down on efforts for great skin (sans the spots and patches), one must take a long hard look at their lifestyle choices. Everyday habits like your diet, sleeping habits, and more have a direct impact on your overall skin health.
Here are some changes to consider that help keep pigmentation at bay
1. Wear sunscreen: Experts suggest that Indians need SPF 30 or higher for formidable sun protection. Ensure to add a potent sunscreen for pigmentation prevention into your AM routine.
2. Manage your stress: Studies show a clear correlation between excessive stress and episodes of pigmentation. The release of cortisol (or the stress hormone) triggers the production of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which causes skin pigmentation. To prevent this problem and promote good health (skin and otherwise), we recommend meditating daily, practicing mindfulness, and dabbling in yoga.
3. Load up on antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins: You are what you eat. Load up your plate with antioxidants that curb pigmentation by neutralizing free radicals. Additionally, try spinach, carrots and other vitamins-infused foods that help reverse sun damage.
Skincare Products That Fade Pigmentation
Finally, stick to a simple yet effective skincare daily to wane dark spots and pigmentation with time.
1. Start by cleansing: Cleansing removes dirt, debris, and other impurities to rejuvenate your skin. It helps improve blood circulation to your face, balances the skin’s pH, and creates a smooth canvas to better absorb serums and other treatments. Pick formulas with Hyaluronic Acid, Salicylic Acid, and Marine Extracts to ace the radiant base.
2. Treat Next: Once your skin is dry, opt for an active-infused serum or treatment for optimal results. You may try a Vitamin C Serum to fade dark spots and pigmentation while boosting Collagen production. Folks with oily skin can try a Niacinamide Serum instead.
3. Moisturize: To seal this treatment into your skin, apply a generous slather of moisturizer. Additionally, a moisturizer prevents TEWL, soothes inflammation, and makes your skin appear extremely soft!
4. SPF For Max Protection: End your skincare routine with sunscreen. A potent formula shields your skin against harmful UV rays to prevent pigmentation. Apply 2 fingers’ worth before stepping outdoors and reapply every 2 hours.
Conclusion
Pigmentation is a common concern caused by – continued sun exposure, hormonal imbalance, trauma to the skin, response to a medicative drug, and many other reasons. These dark spots can make your complexion appear uneven and blotchy – impacting your self-esteem. Luckily, there are several cosmetic procedures, home remedies, and topical treatments that help reduce pigmentation while promoting overall skin health.
