What is Pigmentation and How to Treat it Naturally?

Pigmentation in itself is not bad. It refers to the natural coloring of your skin. However, pigmentation disorders like hyperpigmentation can be worrisome. Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition that is characterized by dark patches on your skin.

Before we delve into how to treat hyperpigmentation, let’s spend some time learning what it is and the common triggers.

What Causes Hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation (uneven skin coloration) is a common skin issue. It is caused by different factors, the chief of which is sun exposure. Yes, the sun you love may be harming your skin. Excessive exposure to the sun disrupts the production of melanin and results in the pigmentation you see. Thankfully, SPF products were invented to protect your skin from damaging sun rays.

Another cause of hyperpigmentation common in women is hormonal change, especially during pregnancy. These hormones trigger melasma (mask of pregnancy), manifesting as dark patches on the face. Certain medications and diseases can also affect your natural skin pigmentation.

How To Treat Pigmentation Naturally?

We recommend identifying the trigger for your hyperpigmentation. Each factor, whether genetic, environmental, or hormonal, has a different treatment. However, we advise that you use a holistic approach to the treatment. Here’s one way to take care of hyperpigmentation from home.

1. Use SPF products: Good sun protection is a must for your skincare journey and a must-have for addressing hyperpigmentation concerns. Use products with at least SPF 30 so that your skin is well protected from the UV rays. Once your skin is adequately protected, the scars and patches can slowly begin to fade.
   
   Pro Tip: Look for a sunscreen with ethyl salicylate and titanium dioxide – they guarantee broad-spectrum sun protection.
    
2. Get Natural Skin Care Products: We recommend getting skincare products with retinol and other moisturizing agents like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. Using 0.5 percent of retinol (vitamin A) daily reduces the damage to your cells and rejuvenates your skin. Vitamin A helps boost collagen formation and reduces the patches on your skin.
    
3. Natural Skin Brighteners: Don’t be tempted to use harsh bleaching agents on your skin – they’d lead to bad scarring. Instead, opt for natural brightening agents that treat your skin condition and enrich your skin. Anything with sunflower, niacin, vitamin B5, and vitamin C does magic for your skin.
   
   One product that has proven to restore skin's youthful glow is the Vita Advanced Intense PAF Concentrate. Combine it with the White Glow Even Tone Essence for best results.
    
4. Exfoliate: Exfoliation not only helps to remove dead skin cells and impurities but also induce your skin to produce new cells. Choose between acid- or enzyme-based exfoliating wash or cream, or physical exfoliators to speed up the fading process of dark patches. The Vita Advanced Soft Bead Cleanser, enriched with microcrystalline cellulose beads, is gentle enough to be used daily without drying out skin.

Homemade Recipes to Treat Hyperpigmentation

If you would rather try homemade recipes, then be sure to do a patch test first. Here are some homemade remedies for hyperpigmentation.

1. Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera contains a popular and natural depigmentation compound known as Aloin which helps to lighten skin and treat pigmentation. Apply the pure gel to the dark patches at night (before bedtime). Leave it on throughout the night and rinse off with warm water in the morning. Continue this routine until you see the desired change.
    
2. Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has been proven to reduce pigmentation and lighten your skin gradually. And it is super easy to use. Just mix equal parts of vinegar and water and apply to the dark patch. Leave it on for three minutes, then rinse off with warm water. Apply this mixture twice daily for faster results.
    
3. Licorice Extract: Licorice works wonders for hyperpigmentation caused by raging hormones. You can apply the extract to the affected areas of your skin. Alternatively, you can use creams with licorice extract; just be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging.

How to Prevent Hyperpigmentation?

Prevention is the best cure, so before you even start to notice the patches, here are some things you should do. Follow this advice, and you’d never need to battle hyperpigmentation.

1. Always Use a Sunscreen: Many people skip applying sunscreen. Sunscreen is vital to your skin journey. It protects your skin from the destabilizing effect UV rays have on melanocytes. So, never go out without your sunscreen. We always advise getting sunscreen with at least an SPF 30.
    
2. Invest in Smart Skincare Products: Take care of your skin with smart skin care products that contain natural skin-friendly ingredients. All BSKIN products are made from natural ingredients that are safe for your skin. So, you can give your skin all the love it needs without fear of the damaging effects of harsh chemicals.
    
3. Exfoliate: Use a gentle exfoliant to eliminate the dead skin cells. This reveals new skin cells and keeps your skin looking radiant.
    
4. Limit Your Sun Exposure: Yes, sunscreen is great but avoiding damaging UV rays is even better. So, if you can, avoid the sun when it is at its strongest (10 am-4 pm). If you can’t stay indoors during these hours, ensure you wear protective clothing and hats to block the sun’s rays.
    
5. Check Your Medications: Sometimes, hyperpigmentation can be due to a negative reaction to your medication. A common example is a reaction to birth control pills. So, if you can, stay off them. Your skin will thank you for it.

Hyperpigmentation can mess up your skin, but it is generally not a sign that you have a serious medical condition. You can treat it at home with natural ingredients like glycolic acid, vitamin B5, C, niacin, and retinol. BSKIN's skin care products are specially formulated with natural lightening agents that tackle hyperpigmentation from the source. Try it out today. Oh, and don’t forget to slather on sunscreen before heading out.