Our skin color is determined by a natural pigment called “melanin”. It gives the color not only to our skin but also our eyes and hair. The amount of sun exposure a region gets largely influences the level of melanin that population would have in their bodies. Melanin acts as a natural sunscreen, shielding our skin cells from harmful UV radiation. So, we have melanin to thank for all our beautiful complexions, and for protecting our skin. But what if certain areas of our skin are more pigmented than the rest? How to reduce melanin in skin, or safely restore our natural skin tone? Well, where there’s a skin problem – there’s a skincare remedy.
What is Hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation can be understood simply as excessive (hyper) pigmentation. This makes certain areas of our skin produce a lot more melanin than surrounding areas. It can make our skin appear patchy or lead to dark spots.
Hyperpigmentation poses a big problem especially for people who have high levels of melanin. And these high levels are usually stimulated by excessive sun exposure. In India, we have a wide melanin diversity, so Indian skin tones range from whitish to dark brown. Our subcontinent is also exposed to a lot of bright and harsh sunlight. So, hyperpigmentation is widespread in India. There also seems to be a lack of awareness or efforts to solve this issue.
Before diving into skincare for hyperpigmentation, we should be well-versed with the condition itself. Hyperpigmentation includes: “Melasma” and “Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation”.
Understanding Melasma
Melasma is an acquired skin pigment disorder which causes brown or grey-brown blotches on the skin. Women are more affected by melasma than men. About 20% of 40-65 year-old Indian women have melasma, mostly visible on their face. This is because, apart from UV exposure, the leading cause of melasma in increased estrogen levels. So pregnancy, birth control medication, and excessive hormonal fluctuations can lead to melasma. (1)
The most common treatment of melasma is topical creams that have de-pigmenting properties. But if you’re looking for how to get rid of melasma entirely, these creams might not be enough. Photoprotection is what will actually prevent a relapse of melasma – which means protecting the skin from harmful UV radiation. So investing in the right sunscreens and creams which include the nutrients and vitamins required for melasma treatment is critical. (2)
Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
This kind of pigmentary disorder occurs due to some skin inflammation or injury, like burns, wounds, or rashes. Unlike melasma, PIH affects both men and women. Sometimes swelling of skin instigates overproduction of melanin. So, excessive acne or allergic reactions that cause inflammation can trigger PIH. In India, a majority of people who have acne issues also develop PIH. So this is a concerning skin pigmentation disorder that requires supplementations to fix it.
Glutathione for Hyperpigmentation
Glutathione is produced in our liver. It’s a powerful antioxidant that protects our cells from harmful free radicals. In this way, it helps detoxify the body. Glutathione has a lot of benefits for our skin:
1. Combating Hyperpigmentation: Glutathione has anti-melanogenic properties – which means it hinders or regulates the production of melanin. So, it’s often used as a skin lightening agent, and possibly to reduce hyperpigmentation. Topical glutathione also supports how to get rid of melasma by reducing pigmentation and evening out skin tone. (1)
2. Antioxidant Protection: As an antioxidant, glutathione intercepts oxidative damage done to our cells. Not only does this protect skin health but also prevents sagging and wrinkling of skin. In this way, glutathione brings out our natural glow and makes our skin appear radiant.
3. Ensuring Even Skin Tone: Glutathione stops the excessive production of melanin. This not only prevents hyperpigmentation, but also ensures we have an even and smooth skin tone.
Skincare for hyperpigmentation usually includes glutathione. But we should verify the safety of the glutathione ingredient before usage. Only clinically tested glutathione can bring about desired results for our skin.
Vitamin C for Hyperpigmentation
Vitamin C is often used in skincare for its antioxidant features and for boosting collagen production. But Vitamin C can also show results for reducing hyperpigmentation and maintaining an even skin tone.
1. Reducing Melanin: Vitamin C sometimes interrupts the process of melanin production. Lowering its production can lessen the risk of hyperpigmentation.
2. Photoprotection: Vitamin C plays a role in protecting the skin from harsh UV exposure and strengthens the skin. In this way, it can remove dark spots. (4)
3. Boosting Collagen: Collagen is the substance that keeps our skin healthy and strong, reduces wrinkles, and improves skin elasticity. Vitamin C is responsible for boosting collagen production in the body.
4. Skin Brightening: By reducing excessive melanin and promoting collagen production, Vitamin C helps maintain a bright and even skin tone.
5. Protection against Damage: As an antioxidant, Vitamin C prevents skin damage induced by toxins, by fighting against free radicals.
In this way, Vitamin C not only brightens the skin, but also plays a key role in how to reduce melanin in skin, making it an effective ingredient for treating hyperpigmentation. We can increase our Vitamin C levels with supplements or foods rich in the vitamin.
Your Guide to Reduce Hyperpigmentation Naturally
While nutrients and supplements are an effective solution to reducing skin pigmentation, there are also some natural home remedies available:
1. Aloe Vera Gel: Aloe vera contains “aloes in”, which naturally depigments the skin and reduces dark spots. Aloe vera as a coolant also soothes and hydrates the skin.
2. Haldi/Turmeric: Haldi has been prevalent in Indian culture as a remedy for skin lightening. The compound “curcumin” in Haldi suppresses melanin production, reducing dark spots and leading to a brighter skin tone.
3. Lemon and Honey Juice: Lemon juice is rich in Vitamin C, which can reduce skin pigmentation. Honey helps reduce scars and blemishes, while adding a sweeter taste to your drink.
4. Green Tea: This has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which play a role in reducing hyperpigmentation. Directly applying green tea extracts to the skin also helps lighten darks spots.
5. Rice Water: A lot of East Asian cultures use rice water as a skin brightening agent in their skincare. It’s proved to be effective against hyperpigmentation. Rice water can be massaged onto your face or you can even make it into a paste to apply.
6. Soy: Soybean is helpful particularly for reducing PIH caused due to acne. You can add soy to your diet or even consume soy milk.
Apart from these topical applications and food solutions, the use of sunscreen is essential to preventing excess melanin production. This can help us maintain a bright and even skin tone.
Final Thoughts
Engaging in skincare for hyperpigmentation starts with understanding your skin’s needs and supporting it with the right nutrients and care. From powerful antioxidants like glutathione and Vitamin C to natural remedies and sun protection, there are many ways to gently restore an even, radiant skin tone. While supplements aren’t magic pills, the right ones can be powerful in your skincare routine, helping you target pigmentation concerns more effectively.
FAQs
Q1. Which supplement is best for hyperpigmentation?
Vitamin C is the best supplement for hyperpigmentation, because of antioxidant and collagen-boosting properties. It protects our skin cells from pollutants and UV damage. It also helps generate glutathione, which is another antioxidant beneficial for reducing hyperpigmentation.
Q2. Which vitamin is best for uneven skin tone?
Vitamin C is the best vitamin for fixing uneven skin tone as it helps reduce dark spots. This also makes our skin appear brighter. It also boosts collagen production, which works to maintain even skin tone.
Q3. What can I use for uneven skin tone and pigmentation?
Glutathione and Vitamin C have proven results for improving skin tone and reducing pigmentation. Being antioxidants, they maintain skin health. Both also play a role in suppressing melanin production. In this way, they can reduce pigmentation and even out your skin tone.
Q4. How do I get my original skin color back?
Incorporating sun protection methods, like sunscreen and Vitamin C products, can help you restore your original skin color. Vitamin C along with Glutathione also helps prevent hyperpigmentation. So choose a sunscreen or product that includes these ingredients for the best results.
Q5. Does vitamin C reduce pigmentation?
Vitamin C plays a role in suppressing the production of melanin – the pigment that gives us our skin colour. By regulating melanin production, Vitamin C ensures that we don’t develop hyperpigmentation.