Guest Post by Reese McKnight; Image by Willi-van-de-Winkel from Pixabay
Hyperpigmentation is a completely normal condition that’s more about your appearance than anything else. However, having said that, it’s still a reason many people feel self-conscious. Thus, there’s a massive need for remedies that can help to treat and get rid of hyperpigmentation without causing damage. The best way to do this is to use natural skincare remedies that incorporate home ingredients.
But before we get into how to treat the condition, we’re going to have a look at exactly what hyperpigmentation is and the different types. From there, we’ll dive into some of the best treatments using natural home ingredients.
So, without further ado, let’s get started!
What Is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition characterized by patches that are darker than the general tone of your skin. This can occur anywhere on your body and it’s a result of having an overproduction or an accumulation of melanin. Melanin is the pigment that is responsible for the color of our eyes, hair, and, of course, skin.
Different Types of Hyperpigmentation
- Sunspots or Solar Lentigines
Sunspots are reasonably common—they’re dark spots that tend to develop as a result of prolonged sun exposure. Unsurprisingly, they form on the areas that are most frequently exposed to the sun, such as your face, your arms, and your legs.
- Freckles
Freckles are probably even more common than sun spots, so much so that they’re not really even viewed by most as a “condition”, per se. Freckles also occur as a result of sun exposure and people with fair skin are far more prone to getting them.
- Melasma
Melasma is most common in women and it tends to occur during hormonal changes. This may be during pregnancy or while taking hormonal contraceptives. Melasma appears as dark, gray-brown patches on the face, especially the cheeks, nose, upper lip and forehead. Because they come about as a result of hormonal changes, they can also disappear reasonably quickly as your body changes.
- Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation, also known as PIH, is a kind of hyperpigmentation that comes about as a result of an injury to the skin, or even just ordinary inflammation. There are plenty of potential causes, including burns, eczema, cuts, acne, or other skin conditions. Normally, the area of skin that’s affected will appear darker than other places, and over time, it tends to gradually disappear.
- Age Spots or Liver Spots
Age spots, also known as liver spots, are similar to sunspots. They’re flat, brown spots that tend to crop up in areas exposed to the sun over many years. Understandably, they’re more common in older adults.
Best Ways to Get Rid of Hyperpigmentation Using Natural Home Ingredients
So, now that we know what hyperpigmentation is and all the different types, the most common question is what to do about it? Now, we’re not saying you have to try and get rid of hyperpigmentation or that there’s anything wrong with it. Each to their own!
But if it’s something that does bother you, there are a few DIY ways that you can try to get rid of or at least lessen the effects of hyperpigmentation.
The first point to bear in mind is that these treatments are most likely not going to make a difference overnight, so you have to be patient. And, the other point is that just like any kind of remedy, they may not work for everyone.
Turmeric
You may be used to cooking with turmeric, but did you know that it contains the plant chemical curcumin, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties? And it doesn’t stop there. Turmeric also contains skin-lightening properties which are ideal for treating hyperpigmentation.
To use Turmeric for hyperpigmentation, you can create a paste using turmeric powder and either water or milk. Apply it to the affected area like a mask and leave it on for about 20 to 30 minutes. Do this a few times a week.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is high in vitamin C, and vitamin C contains natural bleaching qualities. If you apply fresh lemon juice to the affected areas and leave it for about ten minutes, you should see results after doing so a few times a week. But beware, because this remedy isn’t for everyone. Lemon juice can dry your skin out or irritate your skin, so it’s best to try a small test patch first. If you don’t have any reaction, you can try it on areas that are affected by hyperpigmentation.
Aloe Vera
It’s no secret that aloe vera has soothing and moisturizing qualities. However, it’s also good for hyperpigmentation because it can help to lighten your skin while soothing it. Apply aloe gel or use a piece of the plant cut in half to your skin and leave it for about half an hour a day.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider has acetic acid, which studies show can help to reduce hyperpigmentation. Mix a bit of apple cider vinegar with water and dab it onto the affected area. Start with a more diluted solution at first and then, if your skin reacts well, you can make it more concentrated. Apply it to your skin with a cotton ball and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing off. Do this a few times a week.
Raw Potato
This one may seem strange, but potatoes contain an enzyme called catecholase, and catecholase contains skin-lightening properties. Slice a raw potato and apply it to the affected area, leaving it on your skin for about 20 minutes before rinsing off. You can do this every day until you get the desired results.
Honey
Honey has numerous health benefits, and it can help with hyperpigmentation too. It can heal and brighten skin, helping to remove the darker areas and leave them feeling smooth and supple. Simply apply raw honey to the affected areas every few days and leave it there for about 10 minutes before washing your skin thoroughly.
Green Tea
Last but not least, green tea is known for its soothing qualities. It contains antioxidants that can reduce inflammation and promote even skin tone. Brew some green tea and once it’s cooled, apply it to your skin. Leave it for about 15 minutes and do this every day.
Nature Knows Best
There is an abundance of different natural ingredients that you can use to treat hyperpigmentation. With no harmful chemicals or additives, nature really does have the potential to heal, inside and out.
