Have you ever been victimised by the culture that shames you for drinking tea or forces you to gulp down concoctions with questionable ingredients to get rid of the dark spots or just melanin on your skin?
If the answer is, yes! Then we are here to bust the myths surrounding dark spots, which, by the way, are not a result of overconsuming a hot beverage. Then why is your skin getting darker? Well, It is part of a very natural process that a lot of melanin-rich skin tones deal with that is referred to as hyperpigmentation.
While there isn’t one direct correlation between hyperpigmentation, there are several factors that can lead to it. We have compiled a guide for you to identify these causes and symptoms to effectively get rid of these dark spots.
Let us better understand:
While they aren’t painful or itchy, they manifest on the skin as brown, black, grey, pink or red patches, which can cause people to become self-conscious
Melasma
Have you been repetitively coming across melasma when trying to identify the causes of hyperpigmentation and are wondering, what is melasma? Well, it is amongst one of the most common causes of pigmentation in the facial area that leads to the skin developing patchy or blotchy discolouration.
It can also be found in the areas of the body such as:
Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a common disorder that can occur after an inflammation in the skin or injury. It is generally more severe within darker-skinned individuals. While it may resolve on its own typically, it can also take months to years to prolong the treatment. (4)
Some of the causes can be attributed to various preceding diseases that affect the skin such as:
Signs and symptoms of Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation
Some prominent symptoms of Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation are darkened areas on the skin, these patches can vary in size and develop anywhere on the body.
It can occur in any age or skin type however, it is more common in Fitzpatrick skin types III-VI. This means the darker the skin colour the more intense and persistent hypomelanosis tends to be. (5)
Green tea is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties that help in getting rid of hyperpigmentation and dark spots by preventing the overproduction of melanin.
It can also be beneficial for melasma, one of the severe forms of hyperpigmentation.
Another antioxidant-rich extract that helps even out skin tone and brightens the skin to help with hyperpigmentation and dark spots. It is also rich in vitamin C which nourishes the skin and keeps it healthy.
Fermented rice water has been the golden goose of Asian skincare. It is rich in antioxidants that include vitamins B and vitamin E that help promote cell growth, and keep the blood flow stimulated to keep the skin youthful, smooth and bright.
It can be incorporated into daily skin care routine simply by dabbling cotton into the rice water and keeping it on for 20 minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water.
Turmeric is a miraculous ingredient and a staple in Asian households. Turmeric is enriched with antioxidants and has amazing anti-inflammatory properties.
Turmeric provides a radiant glow to the skin by brightening it and is an amazing aid for reducing dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
omegranate seeds are known to contain an oil that is rich in polyphenols and bioflavonoids which are powerful antioxidants
These antioxidants can help fade blemishes, dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles. They are amazing at regenerating sun damaged skin which makes them great for hyperpigmentation.
One of the most effective ways to reduce pigmentation and dark spots is by using grapeseed oil. It is packed with antioxidants that fight against free radicals that cause hyperpigmentation.
It also evens out skin tone further reducing dark spots. It is the simplest and easiest home remedy to treat skin discolouration.
Research has shown that apple cider vinegar contains a component called acetic acid that has shown positive effects on lightening pigmentation.
It is easily available in the market and is a great at-home remedy for dark spots.
Serums that are rich in Vitamin C are essential for treating hyperpigmentation. Used widely by dermatologists as a treatment for the Depigmentation of hyperpigmented spots on the skin and gingiva. (7) You can always rely on a serum that is predominantly Vitamin C infused.
The enzyme that is integral for the formation of melanin, known as tyrosinase can be mitigated by retinol which helps decrease the onset of new hyperpigmentation on the skin.
Research has shown that topical retinoids are proven treatments for melasma due to their anti-inflammatory properties. It can also help with acne, which is one of the causes of hyperpigmentation, and early and aggressive treatment with retinol is encouraged. (8)
Free radicals cause inflammation that leads to hyperpigmentation, azelaic acid can counter that or neutralise them. It helps even the skin tone and decreases the pigmentation inhibiting enzymes that lead to hyperpigmentation and dark spots on the skin.
Kojic acids are used in creams, gels and cosmetics as a bleaching agent. It is similar to a chemical called hydroquinone which is also an excellent treatment for hyperpigmentation caused by hormone medication.
Kojic acid helps prevent the skin from forming an enzyme that creates melanin which helps in reducing dark spots and sun damage.
These procedures have an intense pulsed light focused on the melanin within the hyperpigmented areas, which helps in the reduction of the same. These are administered by highly skilled practitioners and dermatologists.
A chemical solution is applied to the layers of skin that helps in making way for the growth of new skin and reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
This procedure involves liquid nitrogen that is used to freeze and eliminate any excess melanin in the hyperpigmented areas, eventually fading away the dark spots.
This process involves the meticulous removal of the outer skin layer through microdermabrasion. Fine crystals are propelled onto the skin’s surface at a very high velocity, followed by rapid removal through suction. This helps the quick removal of deep discolourations and the skin regenerates.
2. How to remove pimple marks?
Some of the natural remedies that can be used to remove pimple marks are by using honey, lemon juice or aloe vera.
Over-the-counter creams with ingredients such as retinol and vitamin C can help too.
3. What is melasma?
Melasma is amongst the most common skin conditions that can cause dark patches that are usually triggered by UV exposure, hormonal changes or certain medications.
4. Why is my skin getting darker?
Skin can darken due to several reasons and skin conditions, one of the causes being hyperpigmentation which is common in people with melanin-rich skin.
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