Start with topical OTC whitening creams. “Treatments containing ingredients like vitamin C, licorice root, and kojic acid help reduce hyperpigmentation by inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme responsible for the formation of skin-darkening melanin," says Ni'Kita Wilson, a cosmetic chemist.
Lightening creams
Lightening creams are over-the-counter (OTC) treatments that work with select ingredients to help decrease pigmentation. Many of these creams are available in stronger prescription forms. They're usually applied once or twice a day to help lighten the skin over time.
Some cases of hyperpigmentation may never go away completely. If hyperpigmentation is caused by injury, then as the skin heals the discoloration will lessen as melanin is absorbed into the tissue surrounding the injury.
Hyperpigmentation is a harmless skin condition that people can get rid of using removal techniques such as cosmetic treatments, creams, and home remedies.
Some foods contain chemical hormones that can aggravate hormone-triggered hyperpigmentation. Examples of foods that contain potentially hyperpigmentation-causing hormones are soy products, black beans, flaxseed and chickpeas, all of which contain estrogen.
Apple cider vinegar for dark spots
Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid that may help lighten skin pigmentation and improve the overall appearance of your skin. To use this remedy you need to mix equal amounts of apple cider vinegar and water in a bowl. Apply to your dark patches and leave on 5 to 7 minutes.
It helps fade hyperpigmentation
Vitamin C inhibits melanin synthesis by downregulating the activity of an enzyme known as tyrosinase. It's widely used in dermatology for depigmentation of hyperpigmented spots on the skin.
Aloe vera contains aloin, a natural depigmenting compound that has been shown to lighten skin and work effectively as a nontoxic hyperpigmentation treatment, according to a 2012 study. To use: Apply pure aloe vera gel to pigmented areas before bedtime.
Baking Soda And Apple Cider Vinegar:
Take two spoons of baking soda and add some apple cider vinegar to it. Apply the paste on the dark spots and leave it for 15 minutes.
Many people use apple cider vinegar on the skin to try and lighten unwanted pigmentation. Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which may act as a mild chemical peel in some cases. As a study in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine notes, apple cider vinegar also contains polyphenols.
VLCC De-Pigmentation Face Mask, 80g.
Drink enough water
The benefits of staying hydrated are too many. Pooja suggests drinking at least 2-3 litres of water daily to fight pigmentation effectively. Drinking enough water will also help you ensure better skin health and keep dehydration at bay.
Citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruit and lemon are all packed with Vitamin C and Vitamin A which helps destroy free radicals in your body, assist with melanin production and can help to fight discolouration in your skin.
Fresh fruits and vegetables: A healthy diet including fresh fruits and vegetables, especially those rich in vitamin C and flavonoids, can help reduce hyperpigmentation. Include foods like papaya, avocado, orange, grapes, cherries, carrots, broccoli and bell peppers in your diet.
Does hydroquinone lighten skin permanently? No, the results of any skin lightening that hydroquinone brings about are not permanent. The effects can be seen within a couple of months or a few years at the maximum.
Hyperpigmentation results in flat, darkened patches of skin that can vary in size and color. Hyperpigmentation is the term used to describe areas on uneven pigmentation in skin. Hyperpigmentation appears as darkened patches or spots on the skin that make skin look uneven.
How long does it take for hyperpigmentation to fade? Once what's causing the dark spots or patches is found and stopped, fading can take time. A spot that is a few shades darker than your natural skin color will usually fade within 6 to 12 months. If the color lies deep in your skin, however, fading can take years.
Hyperpigmentation acne may fade over time, but if the original spots were deep, it may be permanent. Although some topical and surgical therapies can speed up the fading process, it can take several months to years.
The biggest risk factors for general hyperpigmentation are sun exposure and inflammation, as both situations can increase melanin production. The greater your exposure to the sun, the greater your risk of increased skin pigmentation.