4 Best Home Remedies for Discoloration of Skin and Dark Pigmentation on Face
How to Get Rid Skin Discoloration on Face
These natural remedies for
discolored skin patches can help acquire an even complexion, and also
reduce the discoloration of skin and lighten dark skin pigmentation on
face. Here are some of the best natural methods and remedies to get rid
of discoloration of skin.
Discolored skin on your face and neck reduces most of your beauty. Skin discoloration is caused due to many reasons. The most common causes of dark pigmentation and discoloration on skin are hormone changes, melanin disorder, sun damage, and aging, etc. You may notice some irregularities in skin tone, especially on those body parts exposed to the sun such as the skin on your legs and back.
Discoloration of the skin is basically a problem with the skin's pigmentation. Skin discoloration include patches of redness, birthmarks or unexpected shifts in pigmented skin. One type of discoloration of skin pigment, called hyperpigmentation, occurs when certain cells release more pigment, causing a darkening of the skin. Usually, hyperpigmentation is seen as tan or brown patches on the facial skin.
What Causes skin discoloration?
Skin discoloration can happen for a variety of reasons. One of the most common culprits behind changes in skin tone and pigmentation is sun exposure. The UV rays from the sun can cause pigment producing cells (melanocytes) to overproduce melanin, resulting in sun spots, age spots, or other darkened patches on the skin.
Hormonal changes and imbalances are another major cause of skin discoloration during pregnancy or from certain medications or medical conditions. Injuries that damage the skin like burns, cuts, or acne can also leave behind discolored scars as the skin heals.
Certain skin disorders are characterized by changes in pigmentation as well, such as melasma, vitiligo, tinea versicolor (a fungal infection), and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Even friction, pressure, or allergic reactions can sometimes lead to discolored areas on the skin temporarily or permanently.
What are the 3 types of hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation refers to areas of the skin that become darker than the surrounding skin tone due to excess melanin production. There are three main categories:
1) Age/sun spots (lentigos) - These UV-induced brown spots are extremely common in lighter skin tones as we get older from cumulative sun exposure over the years.
2) Melasma - Caused by hormonal changes and commonly seen in pregnancy, melasma appears as blotchy patches of darker pigmentation on the face.
3) Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation - This is when injuries, inflammation, or skin conditions like acne leave behind discolored patches after the original wound has healed.
While lentigos and melasma primarily affect the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation involves pigment changes in the deeper dermis layer.
Other less common forms include dermatosis papulosa nigra with small dark bumps, and linea nigra - the dark line down the abdomen that can occur in pregnant women. But those three categories of age/sun spots, melasma, and post-inflammatory discoloration are the most prevalent types of hyperpigmentation.
Using broad spectrum sunscreen, avoiding picking at the skin, and seeing a dermatologist for persistent dark patches can help minimize and treat these types of hyperpigmentation issues. But a little bit is very normal, especially as we get older.
Remedies for Skin Discoloration and Dark Pigmentation of Skin
Getting rid of discolored skin on face and skin pigmentation does not
always require a trip to a dermatologist. In many cases, natural home
remedies are effective for removing splotchy skin and brown markings on
the face.
The following are some of the best home remedies to get rid of skin pigmentation and skin discoloration on face. These natural remedies can effectively lighten discoloration of skin. Having done these skin discoloration treatment remedies on a regular basis, the discolored skin on face will definitely be reduced.
1. Aloe Vera Gel to Get Rid of Skin Discoloration
Can aloe vera remove pigmentation? Aloe vera gel is a highly effective natural home treatment for reducing hyperpigmentation and skin discolorations on face and body. To get rid of a patchy brown or dark brown discoloration of melasma, age spots, and freckles, apply fresh aloe vera gel to your face and neck once or twice daily for a few weeks.
You can use aloe vera juice for the treatment of sunburn related problems like age spots, uneven skin tone, inflammation and tanned skin. Constant application of aloe vera remedy will fade or remove all kinds of discoloration, dark spots, and pigmentation on skin.
2. Get Rid of Discoloration on Face with Potato Treatment
Potato is best for fading dark patches and skin discolorations fast. Potatoes include high amounts of catecholase, a potent skin lightening substance. Therefore potato can be used for reducing discolored face and dark pigmented skin. Potato slices may be kept over the face as it has a bleaching effect and it can lighten discolored skin patches.
Do this natural homemade remedy on a regular basis to get rid of brown skin discoloration on face easily. A mixture of lemon and potato juice also helps fade blemishes and pigment marks on face and help even out the skin tone. Repeat this home treatment once a day for removing dark spots and blemishes from the facial skin fast.
3. Lemon Juice and Orange Peel for Treating Skin Discoloration
Apply this mask on the discolored skin on face and neck and leave it on for about 15 minutes before washing it off. This home remedy will remove skin discoloration and dark spots on face naturally.
4. Buttermilk to Get Rid of Discoloration of Face
Can Turmeric Remove Pigmentation?
There's a reasonable amount of anecdotal evidence that points to turmeric potentially helping to reduce hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone over time. The active compound curcumin gives turmeric its bright yellow/orange color and anti-inflammatory properties.
Many people use turmeric face masks or take oral turmeric supplements in hopes of fading dark spots, melasma, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The theory is that curcumin can inhibit excess melanin production in the skin while also providing antioxidant effects.
However, large-scale clinical studies are still lacking on turmeric's effectiveness specifically for pigmentation issues. Most of the available research focuses on curcumin's general anti-inflammatory and skin-brightening abilities rather than direct treatment of melasma or sun damage.
That said, turmeric is relatively safe to try as a home remedy, as long as you don't have an allergy or sensitivity. Making a face mask by mixing turmeric powder with yogurt, honey, or other hydrating ingredients can potentially help diminish discoloration gradually with regular use. Just be careful, as turmeric can temporarily stain skin.
While results may vary, turmeric does seem to have some merit as a gentle, natural option for improving hyperpigmentation over the long run when combined with proper sun protection. But for severe or stubborn cases, physician-prescribed hydroquinone or laser treatments are proven medical routes.
Which Cream is Best for Pigmentation?
When it comes to fading dark spots, age spots, melasma and other forms of hyperpigmentation, dermatologists tend to recommend creams containing certain active ingredients that are proven to help brighten the skin.
One of the most effective is hydroquinone, which works by inhibiting the enzyme that produces melanin pigment. Over-the-counter hydroquinone creams max out at 2% strength, while dermatologists can prescribe up to 4%. Look for products like Obagi Nu-Derm or Ambi Fade Cream.
Another excellent ingredient for pigmentation is retinoids, which increase cell turnover to shed darker pigment and boost new cell growth. Prescription retinoids like tretinoin (Retin-A) tend to be stronger than OTC retinol creams. SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense is a good retinoid option.
For melasma, dermatologists often combine hydroquinone, retinoids, and other brightening agents like kojic acid, licorice root extract, or niacinamide into hyperpigmentation treatment creams. Popular medical-grade brands include SkinMedica Lytera and Obagi-C Rx.
For maximum results, consistent use along with daily sunscreen is key, as UV exposure can worsen pigmentation issues. So in summary, look for creams with hydroquinone, retinoids, and other lightening botanical extracts to gradually fade discoloration and uneven skin tone.
Which Tablet is Best for Pigmentation?
Glutathione is probably the most well-known supplement for tackling pigmentation issues from the inside out. This powerful antioxidant is thought to help inhibit melanin production and gradually lighten dark spots over time. Many people take glutathione pills or use intravenous glutathione for stubborn melasma.
Another popular tablet for pigmentation is tranexamic acid. Originally a medication for heavy bleeding, it has gained traction for its ability to disrupt the inflammatory pathways that lead to pigmentation. Brands like Musely offer tranexamic acid tablets specifically marketed for melasma.
Vitamin C supplements can also help by interfering with melanin formation, promoting a more even skin tone. Look for high-quality, bioavailable forms like L-ascorbic acid. Pycnogenol, an extract from French maritime pine bark, shows antioxidant and skin-brightening effects as well.
Of course, no oral tablet will be a magic cure for hyperpigmentation on its own. Consistent use along with topical brightening products and vigilant sun protection is required for best results. But glutathione, tranexamic acid, and vitamin C rank among the most buzzed-about oral supplement options for improving skin pigmentation concerns.
What is the Strongest Treatment for Pigmentation?
For tackling the most stubborn cases of hyperpigmentation like melasma, age spots, or post-inflammatory discoloration, dermatologists often turn to chemical peels and laser treatments as the most aggressive yet effective options.
Chemical peels involve applying an acid solution to the skin, which causes the top layers to blister and peel off over the following weeks. This shedding process removes melanin buildup and allows new, evenly pigmented skin to grow in its place. Deeper peels using trichloroacetic acid tend to be most effective for pigment problems, but have more downtime.
Laser treatments are another heavy-hitter when it comes to resolving hyperpigmentation issues. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and fraxional non-ablative lasers like Fraxel work by targeting melanin pigments and remodeling the skin's complexion. Multiple sessions are usually required, but laser toning can eliminate even stubborn discoloration.
Other potential treatments from dermatologists include prescription hydroquinone creams, cosmetic injections like Cyspera, and skin needling procedures that stimulate cell turnover. Microdermabrasion and dermabrasion also help fade pigmentation.
So in summary, while topical brightening products are first-line options, chemical peels and cosmetic laser treatments tend to be the strongest solutions for quickly and dramatically erasing issues like melasma or sun damage when all else fails. The procedures do come with higher costs and recovery time.
Should I be worried about skin discoloration?
In most cases, some amount of skin discoloration is normal and nothing to be overly concerned about. As we age, it's extremely common to develop things like age spots, sun spots, or other darkened areas from years of sun exposure and oxidative stress. Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy can also cause melasma - those patchy brown discolorations on the face.
However, if you notice unusual, rapidly spreading, or particularly dark patches of discoloration, that may signal an underlying condition that needs medical attention. Cancerous lesions, side effects from medication, or inflammatory disorders could potentially be the cause. It's a good idea to have any concerning discolorations checked out by a dermatologist to rule out anything serious.
For the most part though, skin discoloration is just a natural part of the aging process and sun damage over time. Using broad spectrum sunscreen, avoiding picking at the skin, and staying hydrated can help minimize discoloration. As long as it's not accompanied by other symptoms, a few sun spots or patchy areas are usually just a cosmetic issue. But don't hesitate to consult a doctor if the discoloration seems abnormal or worrisome.
What infection causes skin discoloration?
There are a few different infections that can lead to changes in skin pigmentation and discolored patches or spots. One common culprit is tinea versicolor, a fungal infection that causes light or dark patches, often on the chest, back, or arms. It's caused by an overgrowth of a type of yeast that's typically present on skin.
Another infection that may cause discoloration is erythrasma, a bacterial skin infection that results in reddish-brown patches and scaling, frequently in areas like the groin or between toes. Certain sexually transmitted infections like syphilis can also produce rashes and discolored lesions on the skin during different stages.
Viral infections don't directly cause discoloration, but the resulting inflammatory response can sometimes leave areas of hyperpigmentation behind after a rash or blisters have healed. Conditions like shingles or molluscum contagiosum may lead to darker or lighter spots in some cases.
So in summary, the main infections to be aware of for causing changes in skin pigment are tinea versicolor, erythrasma, syphilis, and potentially viral infections that damage skin and allow for postinflammatory discoloration. If you notice unusual patches, see a dermatologist to get them properly diagnosed and treated.
Does skin discoloration go away?
The answer really depends on what's causing the discolored patches or uneven skin tone in the first place. For some types of discoloration, it may naturally clear up over time, while others can be longer lasting or even permanent without treatment.
If the discoloration is due to an underlying condition like a fungal infection, once that infection is properly treated with antifungal medications, the irregular pigmentation should resolve itself within a few months as the skin renews. Hormone-related melasma during pregnancy tends to fade after giving birth as hormones rebalance. Bruises, cuts, or other injuries that initially cause discoloration will also heal and return to a normal, even skin tone eventually.
However, discolorations caused by sun damage, age spots, or certain pigmentation disorders like vitiligo are much less likely to go away on their own. These often require treatments like laser therapy, creams with ingredients like hydroquinone or retinoids, or even surgery to remove or blend uneven pigmentation. Scarring from acne, burns, or other trauma can also leave behind permanent skin discoloration in some cases.
So in summary, while some forms of skin discoloration are temporary and will clear up naturally, others may be stubborn and require professional treatment to achieve a more even, uniform complexion again. Seeing a dermatologist is advisable for persistent or worsening areas of abnormal pigmentation.
Conclusion Discoloration of Skin and Dark Pigmentation on Face
Discolored skin on face and body is a common problem faced by many people. If you are facing the problems of skin discoloration and dark skin pigmentation on face, skin discoloration around mouth, and neck, then it is better to opt for home remedies for discoloration rather than the chemical ones. Just use the above home remedies to get rid of discoloration of skin on face naturally.
FAQs
How can I remove pigmentation from my face at home?
To address pigmentation at home, you can try natural remedies like lemon juice, aloe vera, or turmeric. These ingredients have skin-brightening properties that can help reduce discoloration.
How do you fix dark pigmentation on your face?
Dark pigmentation on the face can be improved by using products containing ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, or kojic acid. These components are known for their ability to lighten dark spots and even out skin tone, combating pigmentation effectively.
How can I remove darkness from my face?
To combat darkness on your face, consider using gentle exfoliants like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or retinoids. These ingredients help in cell turnover, reducing pigmentation and revealing brighter skin.
What foods remove pigmentation?
Certain foods can aid in reducing pigmentation. Include items rich in antioxidants like berries, tomatoes, and leafy greens in your diet. These foods help in fighting free radicals that contribute to skin discoloration, promoting a more even skin tone.
