Are you tired of covering the dark patches on your face with makeup? Wondering why you are getting those?
Hormonal imbalances, sun damage, or acne scars lead to dark patches or hyperpigmentation on your skin. If you think you are the only one facing this issue, then you are wrong. Today, 50% of women and 20% of men from all age groups are dealing with pigmentation issues.
Our skin has melanocytes cells that produce a pigment called melanin. This provides colour to the skin, but excessive production of melanin leads to dark patches or hyperpigmentation.
While it is not life-threatening, it can give plenty of sleepless nights to those who want to look young and appealing. With proper treatment, it can be eradicated naturally.
Natural Removal of Hyperpigmentation
In most of the cases, natural home remedies show positive results against hyperpigmentation. Natural remedies have acids and antioxidants that protect and balance the skin. Some of the remedies:
Apple cider vinegar
This contains acetic acid that acts as a mild chemical peel which lightens unwanted pigmentation.
Yogurt or milk
It contains lactic acid, a common ingredient in chemical peels that improves the skin spots.
Green tea:
Its main active ingredient epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) blocks the processes in cells that lead to pigmentation.
Vitamin C:
Vitamin C improves the skin appearance as vitamin C products such as lemon, papaya or grapefruit contain ascorbic or citric acid.
If natural home remedies do not reduce your hyperpigmentation, then see a dermatologist getting a complete diagnosis and appropriate treatment of your problem.
Dermal hyperpigmentation is a permanent treatment based on the underlying condition that includes:
Lightening creams
Lightening creams are the best option for reducing the flat spots such as melasma or age spots. It contains the ingredients hydroquinone, licorice extract, N-acetyl glucosamine and Vitamin B3. Some of the best creams for pigmentation and uneven skin tone if used regularly can help show drastic improvements
Face acids
Face acids work best for the mild hyperpigmentation by exfoliating the top layer of skin. The new skin cell replaces the old ones and makes the skin tone even and smoother. Get over-the-counter face acids- alpha hydroxy acid, azelaic acid, kojic acid, salicylic acid and vitamin C.
Retinoids
They are broadly used for Vitamin A derivatives that penetrate the skin deeply and treat the layers below the epidermis. This treats the wrinkles instead of pigmentation,and thus, is not a first-line treatment. Although it is appropriate for all skin types, in case of darker skin, consult a dermatologist first.
Chemical peel
An acid is used in chemical peel for treating pigmented skin which reduces darker spots by removing the epidermis. A wide range of products are available OTC but choose professional-grade chemical peel for hyperpigmentation to see the difference between before and after results.
Laser peel
Laser treatment for pigmentation uses targeted beams of light, to cure the hyperpigmented skin. There are 2 types of laser skin lightening treatment- Ablative and Non-Ablative. Ablative laser for pigmentation is an intense procedure that involves the removal of skin layers. Non-Ablative laser treatment for pigmentation on face encourages collagen growth and tightening effects. Consult your dermatologist to understand the best lightening laser treatment for your skin and possible hyperpigmentation laser treatment side effects.
Intense pulse light therapy (IPL)
IPL laser for melasma is a type of non-ablative treatment which is also known as photofacial. This promotes collagen growth within the dermis and might need multiple sittings for the total eradication of dark patches.
Microdermabrasion
Does microdermabrasion get rid of dark spots? Yes, it is the best skin lightening surgery that affects the epidermis only. A dermatologist uses a drill-like handheld tool with a wire brush or other abrasive attachment. This tool is swiped across the skin gently to remove the dark spots.
Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion is also known for the removal of the epidermis. This smooths the wrinkles and removes- acne scars, age spots, chickenpox scars, injury scars and sun damage.
Is Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation Permanent?
PIH fades away on its own but might take 3-24 months to disappear completely. Some stubborn hyperpigmentation might not go easily for which you can try the above treatments.
Dermatologists recommend wearing anti pigmentation sunscreen to protect the skin from sun and UV rays. Hyperpigmentation is a normal cosmetic issue that is harmless to health. Use natural remedies to take care of the dark spots on your skin or consult your dermatologist if further treatments are required.
