Unfortunately, nothing—concealer and colour corrector included—can shield you from the unrelenting shadows of hyperpigmentation. Those dark patches on your face in all probability are signs of pigmentation. Pigmentation is caused due to the accelerated production of melanin in your skin. To simplify, those dark patches on your skin, marring your self-esteem, are caused by an increased production of melanin in your skin.
There are a lot of reasons for hyperpigmentation, the biggest baddy being the sun. Sun exposure can cause rapid multiplication on melanocytes (melanin containing cells). Don’t get us wrong, we love a sun-kissed tan, but you absolutely cannot go sunbathing without appropriate sun protection. Other common reasons for pigmentation can be genetics, hormonal changes, allergic reactions, certain hair removal practices and abrupt weight gain.
Although there are abundant dermatological treatments for hyperpigmentation (microdermabrasion et all), here are the best home remedies to treat those patches, for those who like to go au naturel.
Apple Cider Vinegar To The Rescue
Is there anything our beloved ACV can’t fix? The beta-carotene in this miraculous potion frees your skin of free radicals in the atmosphere that dull the gleam on your face, leaving it supple and dewy.
- Mix 1 tbsp of Apple Cider Vinegar with 2 tbsp of Water
- Apply the mixture to affected areas
- Rinse with lukewarm water after 5 minutes of application
- Repeat twice a day until you see those pesky dark patches disappear
Red Onions For Fairer Skin
We can hear you say, “that’s weird”, but fret not, we’ll explain why. Hyperpigmentation occurs due to the oxidisation of melanocytes. Since Red Onions contain Vitamin C, a well-known anti-oxidant, they’re just right for the job!
- Cut a slice of the red onion
- Rub onto the affected area
- Wash off with lukewarm water after 10 mins
- Repeat twice a day until you see a difference
Papaya On Your Face
Oh no, don’t make that face, papayas are the unsung heroes of exfoliation. The enzyme called papain is the key exfoliator and has properties you’ll find in most exfoliating products, breaking down those dark patches.
- Grate a medium-sized papaya and squeeze it for all its worth
- Apply the juice to the affected areas and leave on for 10-15 minutes
- Repeat daily for a month or until you see a change
Mixture Of Almond And Milk
Hyperpigmentation can be both the cause for and the result of dry skin. Almonds are known to possess fatty acids that restore the nutrients to your skin making it plump and healthy. Milk, on the other hand, has lightening and brightening properties that are a must when it comes to getting rid of pigmentation.
- Soak a handful of almonds in raw milk overnight
- Use the concentrated almond milk and apply directly to your skin
- Rinse with warm water after 10-15 minutes
- Repeat daily for 3-4 weeks and you will see brighter, more hydrated skin
Vitamin E To Banish Pigmentation
There has been enough research to prove that Vitamin E neutralises the effects of UV radiation and repairs skin. Since we know that the sun's harmful UV rays are the cause of expedited melanin production, this remedy is a keeper. Vitamin E capsules are readily available at all chemists, so procuring them won't be a tough task.
- Puncture 2-3 Vitamin E capsules and pour the contents out into a bowl containing 2-3 drops of castor oil
- Apply to the pigmented areas and leave overnight
- Rinse off in the am with lukewarm water
- Repeat 2-3 times a week
Skin Lightening Raw Potato
Your favourite starchy veggie is also an inhibitor of melanocytes. The enzyme called catecholase, which potatoes possess in abundance, slows down and restricts the production of pigments in certain areas.
The remedy is extremely simple:
- Cut a raw potato in half, add a few drops of water to it
- Directly apply to the affected area
- Rub in circular motions for 3-4 minutes
- Rinse with lukewarm water
- Repeat 2-3 times a week, for a month to see visible results
