Pigmentation Treatment: Types, Causes, Treatments & Home Remedies

Introduction

Pigmentation is a common problem for many people. Sunspots, uneven skin tones, and pimple spots are worrisome. To minimize them, expert hands and scientifically proven treatments are needed.

What is Pigmentation?

Pigmentation refers to the natural appearance of the skin, which results from the amount of melanin it creates. Excess melanin production can lead to skin discoloration and a patchy, uneven complexion. 

What causes Skin Pigmentation?

Increased melanin production can occur in patches or on our entire skin. A common factor why melanin production increases is extreme exposure of the skin to harmful UV rays, leading to darker patches on the skin. The color variations depend on genetics, and therefore, certain disorders like Vitiligo and albinism cause changes in skin pigmentation.

Types of Skin Pigmentation Concerns

Some skin pigmentation concerns that are majorly common in India are the below mentioned: 

 Tan– Increased production of melanin as a result of sun exposure. The exposed areas are commonly the hands, feet, neck, and legs that get pigmented over time. 

Melasma—Irregular, dark, brown patches commonly found on the face are called melasma. It commonly occurs in women during pregnancy or post-delivery and sometimes happens to women who are in the process of hormonal replacement therapy. 

Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation—This kind of Pigmentation occurs post-acne or in a skin injury. It leaves marks and patches on the skin as a result of increased melanin production from the skin’s inflammation. Some hair removal techniques in the underarms can also cause inflammatory Hyperpigmentation. 

Freckles—Freckles usually occur in fair-skinned people. They are the formation of brown to black spots caused by the concentration of melanin around the skin exposed to the sun.

Peri-orbital Pigmentation occurs when the area around the eyes is pigmented and appears darker than the rest of the face. Some common causes of this condition are thyroid problems, overuse of cosmetics, and dandruff.

Peri Oral Pigmentation- A kind of Pigmentation that occurs around the mouth, usually caused by genetic reasons. 

What happens if you leave Pigmentation Untreated?

Leaving skin pigmentation untreated is not only problematic for your appearance but can convert into a permanent one, resulting in self-consciousness. A dark neck, dark elbows, feet, or even extreme cases of freckles on the face can be problematic. Tan, melasma, and post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation can be controlled and reduced over time with treatments.

How to get rid of Hyperpigmentation?

Several skin pigmentation treatments are available for treating Hyperpigmentation. Some of the common and most suited to Indian Skin tones are: 

Laser Toning: One of the common pigmentation treatments, laser treatment for Pigmentation, uses a laser beam of a specific wavelength that targets excessive melanin production in and around the affected area. Laser toning breaks down the melanin into smaller particles that are further eliminated by the immune system for fresh, even-toned skin. This treatment is very effective, has minimal downtime, and is painless. 

Some of the concerns in which laser toning is effective are Tanning, Pigmentary Demarcation Line (PDL), Sunspots, Melasma, and Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation. 

The number of sessions required for the treatment depends on the concern and its severity. The dermatologist can better guide the sessions. 

Chemical Peel: A Chemical Peel, a pigmentation treatment, is beneficial for concerns related to pigmented spots. It exfoliates the damaged layer of the skin in a focused manner that reveals healthy skin. Dark spots and post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation are some of the concerns that can be treated with a chemical peel over time. The number of sessions can be discussed with an expert based on the severity of the problem.

Home Remedies for Hyperpigmentation

There are many simple home remedies for pigmentation treatment at home. Some of them are listed below: 

Apple Cider Vinegar is rich in acetic acid, which helps lighten Pigmentation. Mix equal parts of ACV and Water and apply them to the pigmented areas. Keep it on for at least 5 minutes before washing it off.

Milk: Studies prove that milk can reduce skin discoloration with time. Soak a cotton ball in milk and apply it to the affected areas. Do this daily to see the results.

Aloe Vera: Aloe vera contains Aloin, which helps lighten skin. You can apply aloe vera gel at night, keep it overnight, and wash it off in the morning. You can use it daily to see the results. 

Conclusion

Pigmentation cannot be entirely avoided. However, you can prevent it from increasing by knowing about it and following some simple home remedies. This article explains them and the treatments that would be suitable for varied pigmentation concerns. 

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