Skin Pigmentation Causes and Home Remedies

What Causes Skin Pigmentation?

Skin pigmentation is a condition that is brought about by the appearance of dark, discolored patches on the skin. This condition does not pose to be any kind of a serious health threat, but it may often lead one to feel self conscious and de-motivated. Let us look at what causes this particular condition. Our skin consists of a pigment known as melanin. This pigment is responsible for giving our skin its color. People that have a darker skin tone have an increased amount of melanin in their skin as compared to fair or lighter toned skin. Now, hyperpigmentation is brought about when, due to some reason there is an increase in the production of melanin within a person’s skin. When there is an excess amount of melanin being produced, it gives rise to discolored areas on the skin. Sun spots or age spots are one of the most common examples of hyperpigmentation.

Home Remedies For Skin Pigmentation

Here are a few home remedies that can help in treating this condition effectively. Make a thick paste by mixing together a teaspoon each of freshly squeezed tomato juice and oatmeal, with half a teaspoon of yogurt. Apply a generous layer of this paste onto the concerned area and let it air dry naturally. Wash the application off after about 15-20 minutes with some lukewarm water. This remedy has to be performed regularly on a daily basis till you begin to notice visible results. Aloe vera gel has been found to be beneficial for several different skin ailments, this one included. Slice an aloe leaf into half and scoop out the rich gel. Apply a thin film of this gel onto the darkened area 2-3 times a day. Leave the application on for a 15-20 minutes and then rinse it off with cold water. You could also add 2-3 drops of vitamin E oil to this gel; it will be an added advantage.

Mix together a teaspoon of lime juice and half a teaspoon of turmeric powder. Apply this mixture on to the pigmented skin and let it dry for 15 minutes, after which rinse it off with cold water. Take care not to step out into the sum immediately after implementing this remedy, as it will cause the skin to darken further. This remedy is thus best performed at bedtime. Mash one ripe avocado and apply the thick paste all over the affected area and rinse it off after 10 minutes.

How to Control Facial Dark Spots

Overview

Facial dark spots are typically the result of an overproduction of melanin, the dark pigment in skin. Sun exposure over the course of several years can cause this overproduction to occur and result in age spots. Age spots are brownish or black in color and lie flat on the surface of the skin. They are usually harmless, but you should see a dermatologist to examine the spots to rule out other causes, including skin cancer. You also have some opions for controlling your facial dark spots.

Step 1

Choose a skin bleaching cream. The bleaching cream should contain hydroquinone, glycolic acid or kojic acid as the active ingredient. The creams can be purchased over the counter at any retail pharmacy.

Step 2

Wash your face. Remove any makeup and skin care products prior to applying the lightening cream.

Step 3

Apply the skin bleaching cream to the dark facial spot in a thin layer. Keep the cream isolated to the dark spot to avoid discoloring the surrounding skin. Wash your hands after use. Wait until the cream has absorbed into the skin and the area is dry before applying any other products.

Step 4

Use the cream daily or as directed by the manufacturer. You may need to wait several weeks until you notice results because the ingredients in the cream needs to penetrate several layers of the epidermis.

Step 5

Make an appointment with a dermatologist if the skin bleaching cream did not work. You may need more aggressive treatment to get rid of the facial dark spots. Laser therapy can be used to destroy the extra pigment in the skin while cryotherapy gets rid of the pigment through the application of liquid nitrogen. Dermabrasion involves the use of a rotating brush to sand down the top layers of the skin to promote new growth. During a chemical peel, an acidic solution is applied to the face to fade the appearance of dark facial spots. Multiple treatments may be required for these procedures.

How to Remove Age Spots with Onions

Age spots are caused by the accumulation of skin damage over time. As you get older, your skin spends more and more time being assaulted by UV rays. You might think that your only options for removing age spots are harsh chemicals and expensive skin treatments, but in reality there is a natural home remedy right at home in your kitchen that is significantly easier on your skin and your wallet.

Step1

Chop up the onion in the food processor. It should be minced very fine.

1. Step2

   Strain the onion through the cheesecloth. Catch the juice in the bowl.

2. Step3

   Combine one part apple cider vinegar and one part onion juice. This means if you use 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar you should also use 2 tablespoons of onion juice.

3. Step4

   Swab the mixture on the age spots. Use the cotton ball to apply it, and leave the mixture on for at least 30 minutes.

4. Step5

   Repeat the application twice a day every day. You should start to see lightening within the first few weeks, and you can continue until the age spots are gone completely.

Tips & Warnings

• Test the mixture on your skin before you apply it everywhere. Swab it onto the inside of your elbow, then monitor the area for 2 hours for inflammation and irritation. If there is none, then you can go ahead and use it on your age spots.
• Keep this mixture away from eye and genital areas.