Millions of people suffer from hyperpigmentation every day.
The skin condition can cause many unwanted side effects, and you may have tried many different treatments.
Most creams on the market that promise to diminish dark spots and even out skin tone contain harsh chemicals, which have many side effects that you need to avoid if you want to maintain healthy skin.
When you have hyperpigmentation on your skin, it can greatly affect your confidence. However, there are several natural remedies that will help to control discoloration.
Let’s talk about some natural remedies for hyperpigmentation.
Contents
What is hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition that results in dark spots or patches. It appears on the skin when extra melanin, the natural pigment that gives skin its color, is created after an injury, sun exposure, or heat.
On a person’s skin, hyperpigmentation can appear as orange, dark brown, or dark brown discoloration. The discoloration may also appear as clusters of spots or lines.
Hyperpigmentation can cause the skin to appear blotchy, and people will sometimes use makeup to hide the problem. Hyperpigmented patches can range from small and barely noticeable to large and very dark.
Why does it happen?
Many people get confused about why hyperpigmentation occurs because they think it’s simply skin darkening. It can happen to anyone, but it is especially common among those with dark skin.
One reason for this is that the melanin in our skin is not evenly distributed but instead is unevenly distributed. This unevenness causes the skin to be darker where it is uneven. For example, under-eye dark circles are caused by this unevenness.
Another cause of hyperpigmentation is frequent sun exposure, which can cause uneven pigmentation in darker skin types.
Other factors that can cause this skin condition include pregnancy, the use of certain medications, hormonal changes, acne, and skin cancer.
There are many ways to treat hyperpigmentation, including medical procedures and laser treatments.
Thankfully, there are many ways to treat it, depending on how far along the condition is.
Best Natural Remedies for Hyperpigmentation
By the time you reach your 30’s, you will have developed a few hyperpigmentation spots that you’ve been trying to cover up for years.
Most spots will have been there as long as you can remember. At first, they may be patchy, red, and slightly irritated, but most of the time, they will fade or disappear altogether.
However, this isn’t always the case, and some spots stubbornly refuse to change.
Here are some natural remedies for hyperpigmentation that can help:
#1 Yogurt
Yogurt contains lactic acid, which is a common ingredient in chemical peels for the skin. Lactic acid also helps with mild hyperpigmentation.
You can apply yogurt directly to the pigmented area or soak a cotton ball in milk and apply it to the area. Both home remedies may be helpful.
If you have a skin spot, it’s important to let the yogurt sit for a few minutes, and then rinse the area thoroughly and apply moisturizer. You may need to repeat this process two times a day to see results.
#2 Turmeric
With the help of turmeric, you can treat hyperpigmentation naturally.
Turmeric contains curcumin, which is the active compound responsible for this. By blocking an enzyme in your body that produces melanin, curcumin prevents dark spots from appearing on your skin.
Mix turmeric with milk and leave it on the skin for up to 30 minutes. The treatment will give your complexion a healthy glow. Additionally, turmeric is an excellent anti-acne remedy that can prevent future breakouts thanks to its antioxidant properties.
#3 Rice Water
Asia has an extremely high demand for rice water as a herbal remedy. White rice is used to make rice water, a powerful natural detox.
Using this concoction to treat hyperpigmentation is highly effective because it cleanses the skin, removes toxins, and reduces inflammation.
To prepare rice water, boil rice in a ceramic container with water and strain it to remove the grains. Massage the rice water into the affected area and leave it for 30 minutes. Ideally, do this once or twice daily.
#4 Tomato paste
As it turns out, tomato is a great ingredient for hyperpigmentation.
Tomatoes exfoliate the skin, brighten the complexion, calm and soothe skin, reduce red marks and other skin imperfections, and even protect skin from the damaging effects of the sun.
Tomato paste is rich in lycopene, a phytochemical that may help protect the skin from the short and long-term damage caused by the sun.
Tomato paste is rich in antioxidants and contains Vitamin A, which improves the health of your skin by promoting cell turnover and repair.
Apply tomato paste directly on the affected area or mix it with a bit of water and use it as a face mask. Let it sit for no more than 10 minutes and wash it off. You can also use it as a spot treatment.
#5 Licorice extract
As a natural alternative to hydroquinone, licorice extract is safe for hyperpigmentation.
Glabridin is a natural compound that inhibits tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin production, without affecting other skin enzymes or cells. In this sense, licorice extract can be used on any skin tone, including those with sensitive skin.
A review shows that licorice helps protect against skin pigmentation due to UVB rays. This study only examines one component of licorice, which is glabridin. For this reason, clinical trials are needed for evaluation.
The most effective way to use licorice extract is by taking it orally, as that way, it can easily enter your bloodstream and reach your skin.
Over the counter, you can purchase topical creams that contain licorice or extracts of it, and they all have their own instructions.
#6 Mulberry
The antioxidants in Mulberries fight free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, and boost collagen growth to improve dark areas on the skin, making them an effective natural remedy for hyperpigmentation.
An active ingredient found in mulberry leaves counteracts the pigment-causing effects of melanin, according to the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology.
Using the berries regularly can help to improve skin pigmentation and even out skin tone over time.
Mulberries come in three different forms: whole berries, juice, and freeze-dried pulp. Apply the crushed fruit daily as a mask to the skin and wash it off after 30 minutes.
The mulberry extract may also be taken internally for anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and purifying effects.
#7 Neem oil
Since about half of people are genetically predisposed to pigmentation disorders such as melasma, sunspots, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which can be caused by acne or other skin conditions, neem oil’s benefits may be worth considering.
By inhibiting the enzymes that cause pigmentation and soothing the skin, neem oil works to repair any free radical damage done to the skin.
You can apply neem oil directly after cleansing your skin or add it to your moisturizer to treat hyperpigmentation.
Apply a small amount of neem oil with a cotton bud to the affected areas. Use a very thin layer of neem oil, as too much can make the skin feel heavy and greasy.
Results may take up to 2 weeks to show, and the severity of discoloration may also vary from person to person.
#8 Aloe vera
Aloe vera has an impressive track record for reducing and preventing hyperpigmentation, and its ability to brighten the skin has earned it the nickname “miracle in a bottle.”
Vitamin A in aloe vera stimulates cell renewal, which helps to fade excess pigmentation on your skin. Moreover, it contains antioxidants that protect against problems such as sunburn and aging.
Regular use of this plant-based treatment can reduce the appearance of dark spots on your skin and restore its natural glow.
You can apply aloe vera gel directly from the plant by cutting off a piece and rubbing it on your skin for three minutes.
To use it as a facial mask, mix the juice of one aloe leaf with a teaspoon of honey and apply it generously to your face and neck. Let it sit for 20 minutes, then wash it off.
#9 Honey
After inflammation, honey speeds up the healing process, reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
Honey contains natural sugars that are capable of promoting DNA repair and neutralizing oxidative stress, reducing inflammatory cytokines. As a result, hyperpigmentation lesions fade faster.
Apply honey to the affected area for 15 minutes and allow it to dry. Scrub gently for a few minutes before thoroughly washing it off. Make sure you do it twice a day, preferably in the morning and at night before bed.
Additionally, you can apply products containing honey extract that will help lighten the area.
Hyperpigmentation: what to eat and drink
Your skin’s health is heavily influenced by nutrition. Whatever your goal is, avoiding hyperpigmentation or reversing the discoloration, there are certain foods and drinks that may slow down or prevent it from getting worse.
Green vegetables such as broccoli, kale, and spinach contain high levels of folic acid, vitamins C and K, and beta carotene; this combination can keep melanin production in check and prevent cells from becoming over-stimulated, thus helping to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
Vitamin C is essential for proper skin function and provides antioxidant protection against UV rays and environmental aggressors since it slows down further pigmentation by repairing skin cells. The antioxidants in citrus fruits can protect the skin from free radicals and hyperpigmentation by restoring its moisture levels. Oranges, limes, tomatoes, grapefruits, broccoli, kiwis, strawberries, and bell peppers are some of the richest sources.
Dark chocolate contains flavonoids (antioxidants) that have been shown to improve blood flow to the skin. The more blood flowing through the capillaries, the better oxygen gets delivered to the skin’s surface for use by the melanocytes.
Omega-3 fatty acids also help with hyperpigmentation. You can find them in foods like flaxseed, salmon, tuna, and walnuts.
Drinks like green tea, black tea, oatmeal, milk, and apple cider vinegar all contain antioxidants that protect the body from free radical damage. These drinks have been shown to reduce pigmentation by inhibiting tyrosine kinase activity (the enzyme responsible for producing melanocytes). Drink two cups daily.
Topical treatments
Most hyperpigmentation will fade with time, but topical treatments can lighten dark patches on the skin and restore its natural color.
Treatment options include topical creams containing hydroquinone, vitamin C, azelaic acid, kojic acid, retinoids, erythromycin, or alpha hydroxyl acid (glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and lactic acid) which are applied to the skin. All of them are available over the counter.
Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that can treat hyperpigmentation, acne, and other skin problems. It is available in gel, cream, or liquid forms. It is not as effective as prescription-based treatments, but it’s a good option for people who don’t like the idea of using prescription-based treatments.
Chemical peels are another option for treating hyperpigmentation. A chemical peel removes the top layer of skin and regenerates new cells beneath. This process can take up to two weeks for full results.
By using a combination of these products, exfoliating regularly, and using natural remedies for hyperpigmentation, you can effectively treat pigmented areas.
For best results, apply these treatments at least once a day for at least two months.
Talk to your dermatologist about the best treatment before applying any chemical in the first place.
Other Natural Treatments for Hyperpigmentation
- Try to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables. The more colorful your diet is, the better it is for your skin.
- Get plenty of sleep. You need at least seven hours of sleep every night.
- Be sure to drink lots of water. Keeping your skin hydrated and flushing out toxins will benefit you.
- Choose a good facial cleanser will help eliminate excess oil and dirt from the skin, resulting in dead skin cells building up and clogged pores. Remember to wash your face twice daily.
- Use a light, oil-free moisturizer that leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth. Avoid using alcohol-based products since they dry out the skin and cause it to look dull and scaly.
- Apply sunscreen every day with an SPF of at least 30. The chemicals in sunscreen block the sun’s ultraviolet rays, so, even if it’s cloudy or raining, reapply it every two hours or so. Additionally, sunscreen prevents sunburn and darkening of the skin.
- If you use makeup, be sure it is noncomedogenic. Noncomedogenic makeup does not contain ingredients that block pores or cause acne breakouts to increase in number or severity. Use a foundation that’s lightweight enough to cover up the problem but also looks natural and doesn’t look oily or shiny.
When to see a doctor
Some people swear by the power of a face mask or a home-based treatment to eliminate their blemishes, while others have tried going to a derm. What works for you depends on your skin type and how you treat your skin.
Go to a doctor if you notice:
- Any changes in your skin coloration for more than a few months
- Dark patches that are spreading or are accompanied by itching or pain
- Appearance in areas of the skin that are not affected by sun exposure
Knowing when to seek medical treatment for hyperpigmentation can greatly decrease the time it takes to clear up the discoloration and the resulting discomfort from the condition.
The takeaway
Hyperpigmentation can be upsetting but with some common sense and natural remedies, you can manage this condition and feel confident about your skin.
While there are a number of natural remedies for hyperpigmentation available, not all of them work for everyone, but by determining which one works best for your skin type, you can achieve your goals.
As an effective treatment for hyperpigmentation, you may also consider mesotherapy. Dermaheal SB not only successfully disposes of melanic hyperpigmentation (due to a high concentration of Ascorbic Acid, Arbutin, and Licorice Root Extract), but also revitalizes the skin with its biomimetic peptides.
With these tips, we hope you’ll find hyperpigmentation less frustrating. Give these remedies a shot! Keep in mind, however, that these remedies are not a replacement for medical treatment.
