The Best Home Remedies For Hyperpigmentation

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 of 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 remove pigmentation from face permanently.

What Causes Hyperpigmentation?

Pigmentation is essentially melanin formation on the skin – the topmost epidermal layer of your skin produces melanin. Its function is to protect the skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. However, pigmentation can sometimes appear in an uneven pattern on the face, such as around the lips. This is called hyperpigmentation. While melanin is protective in nature, in many cases, it does end up darkening your skin. Notably, the level of pigmentation differs from one person to the other.

According to research, hyperpigmentation is also caused in response to:

• damage caused by acne
• sun exposure
• hormonal imbalance
• tobacco use
• contraceptive pills
• diabetes and thyroid disease
• genetics and age
• dermatological conditions

Home Remedies For Hyperpigmentation

Wondering how to remove pigmentation from face permanently? Check out the best home remedies to cure pigmentation.

1. 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 dulls the glow on your face, leaving it supple and dewy.

1. Mix 1 tbsp of Apple Cider Vinegar with 2 tbsp of Water
2. Apply the mixture to the affected areas
3. Rinse with lukewarm water after 5 minutes of application
4. Repeat twice a day until you see those pesky dark patches disappear

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2. Red Onions For Radiant 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!

1. Cut a slice of the red onion
2. Rub onto the affected area
3. Wash off with lukewarm water after 10 mins
4. Repeat twice a day until you see a difference

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3. 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.

1. Grate a medium-sized papaya and squeeze it for all its worth
2. Apply the juice to the affected areas and leave on for 10–15 minutes
3. Repeat daily for a month or until you see a change

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4. Goodness Of Almond & Milk

Hyperpigmentation can be both the cause 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 brightening properties that are a must when it comes to getting rid of pigmentation.

1. Soak a handful of almonds in raw milk overnight
2. Use the concentrated almond milk and apply it directly to your skin
3. Rinse with warm water after 10–15 minutes
4. Repeat daily for 3–4 weeks and you will see brighter, more hydrated skin

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5. 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.

1. Puncture 2–3 Vitamin E capsules and pour the contents out into a bowl containing 2–3 drops of castor oil
2. Apply to the pigmented areas and leave overnight
3. Rinse off in the am with lukewarm water
4. Repeat 2–3 times a week

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6. Potato For Glow

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:

1. Cut a raw potato in half, add a few drops of water to it
2. Directly apply to the affected area
3. Rub in circular motions for 3–4 minutes
4. Rinse with lukewarm water
5. Repeat 2–3 times a week, for a month to see visible results

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7. Green Tea For Brightening

If you are looking for a flawless complexion, green tea is a potent remedy to add to your DIY skincare list. Green tea contains catechin, an antioxidant, which helps kick out harmful toxins from the skin. Follow these steps to reap green tea benefits for the skin:

1. Soak green tea leaves in cool water for 15–20 minutes
2. Filter out the tea water and dip a cotton ball into it
3. Dab the cotton ball on hyperpigmented areas of your face
4. Wash it off with cool water after 15 minutes

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8. Smooth Skin With Tomato

As strange as it may seem at first, tomatoes have some amazing benefits for the skin. This acidic fruit (yes, it’s not a vegetable) is known for its brightening properties and helps lighten dark spots and blemishes. Here’s how to DIY it:

1. Squeeze out tomato juice from half a tomato
2. Add a few drops of honey and lemon and mix thoroughly
3. Apply it all over your face using your fingers
4. Keep it on for 15 minutes
5. Wash with a mild face wash

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Final Thoughts

Now that you know how to remove pigmentation from face permanently with our simple pigmentation treatments at home, we hope you will be able to see results soon! Remember to wear sunscreen every day to avoid further skin damage and in turn melanin production. If you are still not seeing your pigmentation fade, consider seeking professional advice.

FAQs

1. How long does it take to reduce hyperpigmentation?

   As per the American Academy of Dermatology Association, fading hyperpigmented spots can take anywhere between 6–12 months, based on the level of melanin deposited on the skin. However, if the pigmentation is deep within the layers of the skin, it can take up to a year.

2. Is hyperpigmentation temporary?

   While mild cases of pigmentation and dark spots on the skin are temporary, in severe cases, hyperpigmentation can be permanent. Check out our home remedies for pigmentation above! It’s best to seek medical help in the latter case, especially if you are not seeing results.

3. What product is best for hyperpigmentation?

   Aside from pigmentation treatment at home with kitchen staples like yoghurt and aloe vera gel, there are many products in the market that help fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation. You can choose from these:

   • The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
   • Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution
   • Beauty of Joseon Revive Serum - Ginseng + Snail Mucin
   • Dr. Sheth's Kesar & Kojic Daily Pigmentation Correction Cream

4. What makes hyperpigmentation worse?

   Sun exposure and hormonal fluctuations can make hyperpigmentation worse. Therefore, it’s important to use the right sunscreen for your skin type every single day. It’s also advised to not pick on scabs and spots to avoid further damage and melanin formation.

5. Which is better for pigmentation, vitamin C or kojic acid?

   There are several home remedies to cure pigmentation, but if you choose to go the OTC route, both vitamin C and kojic acid are considered good over-the-counter options to help fade pigmentation. Further, arbutin is also worth trying if you’re looking for something that is lightweight and absorbs well.