Melanin is a skin pigment made by skin cells (melanocytes). It is responsible for skin color, which can vary depending on many factors, such as race and genetics. Pigmentation disorders and exposure to sunlight can cause changes in skin color and the appearance of dark spots. Hyperpigmentation is darkening of the skin. Hyperpigmentation can occur in spots, spots, or all over the face and/or body. Hyperpigmentation is usually harmless, but can sometimes be caused by an underlying medical condition, which requires medical evaluation and treatment. Pigmentation problems, such as dark spots, can occur as a result of skin inflammation (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), hormones, aging, certain medications, and sun exposure (tanning). Age spots are also a common type of hyperpigmentation. Most of the time, pigmentation problems are a cosmetic problem rather than a medical problem.
There are several ways to treat hyperpigmentation at home naturally. It can also help improve the overall texture of the skin, making it softer, smoother and more nourished. Natural remedies require continuous monitoring for one to three months to see results because they take time to take effect. It is important to have realistic expectations. It is also not possible to change the original skin color, because it is genetically determined. Pigmentation that is very severe or resulting from medical conditions requires medical treatment. Any home remedy that causes an adverse reaction should be discontinued. You can consult a doctor to ensure that home remedies are suitable for your condition and to rule out more serious causes of hyperpigmentation.
What causes dark spots?
Sun damage: This is the most common cause of skin pigmentation and can affect any part of the body exposed to sunlight.
- Irritation, inflammation or trauma to the skin.
- Old places
- Some medicine
- Pregnancy hormones
- Endocrine disorders
- Melasma
- Insulin resistance (seen in diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS)
Home remedies to treat dark spots
Here are 9 natural home remedies to treat dark spots.
1. Daily exfoliation and cleansing with AHA and BHA:
Regular exfoliation with alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) and beta hydroxy acids (BHA) can help make your skin softer, smoother and more radiant. They help reduce pigmentation, fine lines, excess sebum (an oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin), remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. In addition, it gently removes existing blackheads and whiteheads. AHA and BHA also remove dirt and makeup from the skin. Glycolic acid and lactic acid are the most common AHAs, and salicylic acid is the most common AHA.
There are many over-the-counter products that contain one or a combination of these acids in different concentrations that are safe for daily use. Cleansing your face twice daily with a cleanser containing these acids can improve your skin. AHA and BHA are also beneficial for people with dry skin. There are also toners, serums, and masks that contain salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or both. Some people may be sensitive to AHAs and BHAs, so they can use them once every few days or start with a low percentage of acid (1-2%) and gradually increase the potency. It should be discontinued if an allergic reaction occurs.
2. Topical toners, serums, masks, lotions, and creams:
There are many over-the-counter topical products that contain ingredients to brighten and improve skin texture. Important ingredients to look for are AHA, BHA, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) and beta hydroxy acids (BHA) can help reduce pigmentation and fine lines and remove excess sebum, dirt, and dead skin cells. Vitamin C helps reduce skin pigmentation and nourishes it. Vitamin E is an important element for skin moisture. Keeping your skin hydrated helps soften it and increase cell renewal, making your skin look brighter. Following a daily skin routine and practicing it at least once a day, preferably in the evening, can significantly improve skin health. Some acids and vitamin C can cause increased sensitivity to sunlight, so it should be applied at night. A daily skin care routine includes cleansing and toning followed by lotion or cream. Lotions and creams vary in consistency. Lotions are light while creams are thick. For people with very oily skin, water-based moisturizers can be used. The mask can be used two or three times a week.
3. Topical retinoids:
Retinoids are very effective in severe cases of acne and acne scars. However, it should be avoided in pregnant women. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor before using retinoids in any form. Retinoids effectively reduce pigmentation and reduce wrinkles caused by acne, aging or inflammation. Retinoids should be used with caution. People often experience peeling, dryness, irritation, redness, and increased sensitivity to sunlight (so it should only be used at night) until the skin gets used to the retinoids, which can take 4 to 6 weeks. A person can start by applying low-strength, over-the-counter retinoids two to three times a week and gradually increase the effectiveness and frequency of use. Higher concentrations of retinoids require a prescription. Isotretinoin (oral retinoids) may be prescribed for people with severe acne. Acne treatment is necessary to lighten the pigmentation associated with acne, which is a common problem.
4. Homemade face mask:
Facial masks can be prepared at home with natural ingredients and applied two or three times a week. Some masks that can help reduce pigmentation and lighten the skin include:
Yogurt, lemon and chickpea flour mask: Yogurt is a dairy product and is rich in nutrients. Lactic acid found in yogurt is a natural skin lightening agent. Lemon contains vitamin C which can reduce pigmentation. Chickpea flour helps thicken the mask, giving it a pasty texture. Chickpea flour also acts as a natural exfoliant, is gentle on the skin, improves skin texture and reduces hyperpigmentation. The mask can be applied to the entire face, neck and other problem areas, left for 30 minutes and then washed off.
Papaya, banana, lemon, honey and chickpea flour mask: These ingredients contain vitamins and minerals that can lighten and nourish the skin naturally. It can be crushed and turned into a paste, then applied to the entire face and washed off after 20 minutes.
5. Apple cider vinegar:
Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which can lighten pigmentation and reduce acne. Apple cider vinegar should be diluted with equal parts water and applied to the skin. It should be washed off after 2-3 minutes. This can be repeated every day, once or twice a day.
6. Aloe Vera:
Aloe vera contains aloe vera, a natural depigmentation agent. Pure aloe vera gel can be applied to hyperpigmented areas at night and washed off in the morning.
7. Milk:
Milk, yoghurt and even curd can help lighten the skin as they contain lactic acid. A cotton ball soaked in plain milk can be applied to all affected areas and washed after 20 to 30 minutes. This can be repeated every day, once or twice a day. Milk can also effectively moisturize the skin.
8. Diet, nutrition and hydration:
A healthy, balanced diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, and adequate hydration (8-10 cups of fluid per day) are important for healthy skin, as they nourish it from the inside. It can improve skin cell regeneration and improve skin tone and texture. Fresh fruits and vegetables contain many ingredients that can lighten the skin naturally. You can also consider taking nutritional supplements, especially vitamin C, vitamin B, vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids, as they help maintain good health.
9. Sun protection:
Sun damage darkens the skin, provokes other pigmentation problems, burns the skin, and reduces skin elasticity, leading to premature aging. Excessive exposure to sunlight is also a risk factor for skin cancer. Preventing hyperpigmentation caused by sun exposure will allow the skin to lighten on its own with cell renewal and will allow other skin treatments to effectively lighten the skin. Without protection from sun damage, medical and natural skin lightening treatments will be useless. One of the best ways to protect your skin from sun damage is to use sunscreen. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that everyone use a sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection (protects against UVA and UVB rays), a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher, and water-resistant year-round. Including winter and cloudy days. Reapply sunscreen every 3-4 hours. Additional protection with a wide-brimmed hat or umbrella may also be helpful. It also receives sunlight from 10 to 11 am. It is also recommended to avoid exposing yourself to the sun's rays when they are strongest between 3 and 4 p.m.
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