Before we learn how to remove pigmentation from face permanently at home, it is important to go through some basics. Pigmentation refers to the coloring of our skin. Melanin, a key substance produced in our skin, is responsible for pigmentation and the color of our skin.
Certain disorders in our skin can cause pigmentation or a change in the natural color of our skin. Hyperpigmentation is a classic example. It is a skin condition where the color of your skin is darkened by increased melanin production. Hyperpigmentation causes dark patches or spots on the skin. Liver spots are a type of hyperpigmentation.
There are various treatments for hyperpigmentation that provides great results. But there are certain home remedies too that you can try to reduce the magnitude of the pigmentation.
Main Causes of Pigmentation on the Face
Hyperpigmentation is often a result of a certain underlying medical condition. Some medications can also cause hyperpigmentation. A few other reasons that can result in pigmentation include:
- Hormonal Imbalance.
- Irregular sleep cycle.
- Excessive exposure to the sun (UV).
- Age.
- Inflammation.
- Skin diseases.
- Endocrine disease.
- Melasma.
- Skin irritation.
- Insulin resistance.
How to Remove Pigmentation from Face Permanently at Home?
Here are some simple home remedies that you can try from the comfort of your home –
#1 Potatoes
Potatoes contain an enzyme called catecholase. This enzyme helps in addressing pigmentation by curbing the excessive production of melanin. It is also a known lightening agent, thus helping in lightening the dark spots even further.
Procedure:
Cut a slice of raw potato and rub it in the pigmented area in a circular motion. Continue the process for 3-5 minutes, and then let it sit for another 5 minutes before rinsing off the skin with warm water. Try doing this 3 times a day to get the best results.
#2 Red Lentils (Masoor Daal) Face Mask
Since time immemorial, masoor daal or red lentils has been used as a treatment for various skin conditions. The antioxidants present in masoor daal help rejuvenate your skin. Masoor daal face mask is also a great choice for treating hyperpigmentation and skin discoloration.
Procedure:
To prepare the paste, soak 50gms of red lentils in a bowl of water overnight. The following morning, use a blender to create a fine paste. Apply the paste evenly on your face for 30 minutes. Afterward, rinse your face with cold water. In a couple of months, you will be able to see positive results.
#3 Yogurt
Lactic acid present in yogurt is a natural bleaching agent. This yogurt makes for a great treatment option for hyperpigmentation. Yogurt works great in removing dark patches and scars from the skin. It also nourishes your skin by supplying oxygen to the blood. The fats in the curd will plump up the face and slow down aging.
Procedure:
Take a bowl of curd and apply it evenly to your face. Let the curd sit for 15-20 minutes. Then rinse your face with lukewarm water. For best results, you should repeat this process twice a day.
#4 Tomato
If there is one household product that can get rid of unwanted blotches and marks from your face in just a few days, it has to be the humble tomato. Tomato is rich in lycopene which protects the skin against photodamage. The acidic property of tomato helps in getting an even-toned skin. Its astringent property aids in cleaning up the pores and fighting hyperpigmentation.
Procedure:
To create a tomato paste, use a mortar and pestle if possible, as it can offer better results. Remove the seeds. Add a few drops of honey and mix thoroughly. Apply the paste to the face for 15 minutes before rinsing it with water.
#5 Papaya Mask
Papaya has an enzyme called papain which has great skin exfoliating properties. It helps in treating hyperpigmentation by eliminating the dead skin cells and encouraging new cell growth. Papaya also contains alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) that help brighten your skin and prevent it from drying.
Procedure:
Take single papaya and make a pulp out of it. Mix the pulp with milk and honey and stir thoroughly. Apply the mixture to the face for 30 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water. For best results, apply the papaya mask twice a day.
#6 Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera and skin have always been best friends. Aloe vera comes packed with numerous skin benefits. Hence, it’s no wonder that it finds a spot on this list. Aloin, a depigmenting agent naturally present in aloe vera, helps in removing stubborn marks. Aloe vera can easily lighten even the most pigmented and tanned skin. It also helps in cell regeneration, thus aiding in the quick replacement of hyperpigmented and older cells.
Procedure:
Extract the thick gel-like substance from the aloe vera leaf. Apply it on the face every day before going to bed. Wash your face with lukewarm water the next morning.
#7 Turmeric Face Mask
Turmeric aids your skin in multiple ways. For starters, it helps to keep the skin’s pH level balanced and gives a radiant glow to the skin. It also plays a vital role in reducing the production of melanin, making it a great choice for removing pigmentation from the face.
Procedure:
To make a turmeric face mask, add a few drops of lemon juice to a tablespoon of turmeric. Mix it well to form a paste. Apply this paste to your face or the affected area for about 15-20 minutes. Finally, rinse your face with lukewarm water.
#8 Cucumber
Cucumber not only helps in cooling your skin but also aids in lightening dark spots. It is a great choice for treating all forms of blemishes on the skin. The proteins in the cucumber tighten the skin, while the antioxidants in it remove pigmentation.
Procedure:
Make cucumber juice and mix it with lemon juice and honey. Whisk the mixture continuously until you obtain a smooth texture. Apply the paste to the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes. Then rinse the area with lukewarm water.
#9 Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is prepared by fermenting apple juice. As a result, it is acidic. The acetic acid present in apple cider vinegar acts as a natural bleaching agent, making it a wonderful home remedy for treating pigmentation.
Procedure:
Mix half a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with 1 teaspoon of honey. If required, you can dilute the mixture with a few drops of water. Apply the mixture to your entire face (like a face mask) or use it only on the affected area. Let it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing it off with cold water. You can see results within a few weeks.
How to Prevent Pigmentation?
Before we answer this question, a fair warning – It is not possible to prevent all the causes of hyperpigmentation. But by taking adequate precautions, you can prevent hyperpigmentation to a certain extent. Here are some of the tips –
- Avoid direct exposure to sunlight for an excessive period of time.
- Make sure to include Vitamin C in your beauty care routine.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Use sunscreen regularly with at least SPF 30.
- Make sure to use hats when traveling during the day.
When to consult a dermatologist?
Simple – if you don’t see any results from the above home remedies, it’s time to visit a skin specialist. There are multiple treatments available today for hyperpigmentation. Your dermatologist will suggest the best one based on your expected results and underlying medical cause. Few popular treatments for hyperpigmentation include:
- Laser resurfacing
- Microdermabrasion
- Chemical peels
- Cryotherapy
Conclusion
In this post, we have seen how to remove pigmentation from face permanently at home. In most cases, hyperpigmentation does not pose any threat to life. However, it can affect the lifestyle of an individual and his/her confidence. The home remedies covered in this post are a great place to start. But nothing can beat the treatments offered by a dermatologist. They are not only effective but completely safe.
If you are in Bengaluru or its vicinity, you can visit Dr. Renu’s clinic. She has over 10 years of experience in treating pigmentation and can help you with your condition. To book an appointment with her, click here.
