Pigmented Skin Tips

The dark pigmentation, also known as hyperpigmentation is a condition whereby there is an elevated production of melanin, the pigment responsible for the skin color. The hyperpigmentation can be an extremely unpleasant and annoying experience affecting the overall appearance of a person.

What triggers the hyperpigmentation of the skin?

• The hormonal imbalance can be an underlying factor responsible for the increased production of the melanin by the melanocytes. It is a well-known fact that the use of birth control pills can elevate the estrogen and progesterone level. The increased estrogen level acts as a catalyst, triggering an upsurge in the melanin production.
• The dark pigmentation can also be a hereditary trait that runs in the family.
• In some, if not all people, increased exposure to the sun rays can trigger a skin inflammation leading to hyperpigmentation.
• The problem can also stem from skin allergies that may result in an inflammatory response, eventually giving rise to the skin pigmentation.
• Certain medications such as chemotherapeutic drugs, anti-seizure drugs, non-steroidal drugs, or hormone therapy can act as catalysts resulting in dark pigmentation.
• Skin damage caused by eczema or identical dermatological conditions can also lead to pigmentation of the skin.

Natural remedies to reduce the dark pigmentation
While medications and treatments may be available to reduce the hyperpigmentation of the skin, most people opt for the natural remedies which prove to be equally effective, if not more. Mentioned below are some natural remedies that have produced amazing results in the case of hyperpigmentation.

• Many people with skin pigmentation or blemishes have benefited immensely from the use of potatoes. Just cut a potato in two halves and sprinkle some water on the exposed side. Now take this exposed side of the potato and gently rub it on the affected skin area. Keep it for about 10 minutes and then rinse it off with lukewarm water. Regularly use this for about a month (three to four times daily).
• Apple cider vinegar can also work miracles in the case of dark pigmentation. Take water and apple cider vinegar (about 3-4 tablespoons each) in a bowl. Apply this mixture on the affected skin area and then wash off with water (lukewarm) after 5 minutes. For the maximum results, the mixture should be used twice daily.
• Lemon, known for its bleaching properties can also be used to treat the pigmentation. Take lemon juice and turmeric powder (1 tablespoon each) in a bowl and apply it on the affected skin every night before retiring to bed. In the excitement, however, do not forget to rinse it off with water after 15 minutes.
• You can also use lemon juice (1 whole lemon) and organic honey (2 tablespoons) mixture on the skin. Wash it off after 15 minutes and skin pigmentation will be a thing of the past. Use this regularly (twice daily).
• The regular use of aloe vera gel (2 tablespoons) and raw honey (1/2 tablespoon) can also work wonders to reduce the pigmentation. The mixture applied should, however, be rinsed off with lukewarm water after 20 minutes.

There would only be a handful of people who are happy with the way their skin looks. While acne and pimples are the concerns at a younger age, but with age the concerns shift to dark circles and pigmentation. Both light and dark pigments become worrisome, and one continuously looks for ways to manage them.

The skin has a pigment called melanin, which is responsible for the color; more the melanin component, darker the skin complexion. This can either decrease or increase and can affect people of any age or gender. Whether or not you will be a victim of pigmentation depends on genetics, sun exposure, skin care regime, hormonal changes (puberty, pregnancy), stress levels and hormonal changes. While hyperpigmentation is very common with old age, hypopigmentation is not very normal and it is advisable to seek medical attention to rule out more serious underlying diseases. The most common types of hyperpigmentation include:

1. Lentigo: It is also known as multiple freckles, if caused exclusively due to sun exposure, it is called solar lentigines or dark spots or age spots.
2. Melasma: This is caused by hormonal changes, especially during pregnancy.

Preventing hyperpigmentation:

1. Minimizing sun damage is the first and most important step in reducing onset and severity of pigmentation. Use a sunscreen that at least has an SPF of 15 regularly. It is not just on sunny days that the sun causes damage. If you are heading out (even cloudy days), it means the sun can damage you. Avoid sun exposure as much as possible if you know you are prone to pigmentation.
2. Regular use of scrubs and exfoliators ensures the buildup of dead cells is removed, which itself leads to hyperpigmentation in many people. For dry or sensitive skin, exfoliate 1 to 2 times a week. For oily skin, exfoliate 2 to 3 times a week. Try to avoid scrubs on acne as the abrasive effect can worsen the condition.

Treatment for Hyperpigmentation-

Pigmentation issues run in the family and if your mother and grandmother had it, it is very likely you are prone for hyperpigmentation too. In these cases, aggressive skin care routine can help improve appearance. Ensure that the skin care products used contain at least an SPF of 15 and other active ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). The glycolic and lactic acids are examples of AHAs, which aid in removing dead cells that form on the skin. This produces a clearer skin with lesser discoloration. Vitamin C and E and kojic acid are also effective for treating hyperpigmentation. Other dermatological treatments-

1. Chemical Peels: Chemical Peels are a more intensive treatment used in cases of more persistent pigmentation or to hasten the lightening effects of the topical prescription products. Peels work by exfoliating the upper-most layer of your skin and the dark area with it. There are many different types of peels and they are usually solutions that the dermatologist applies to the skin.
2. Medication: Topical treatments such as hydroquinone, azelaic acid, corticosteroids, tretinoin cream, GA, and trichloroacetic acid. Skin whitening products are used for clinical treatment of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation.

In addition to these, ensure you eat a healthy diet with loads of fresh fruits and vegetables, stay hydrated, reduce sun exposure, and you surely will have be able to deal with pigmentation.

Skin pigmentation disorders are dermatological complications that make the skin look lighter or darker than usual; your body produces either too much or too little of melanin which is a pigment that protects the body from ultraviolet rays and imparts color to the eyes, hair and skin. Hyper pigmentation is a condition wherein your body produces too much of melanin.

Causes

Pigmentation disorders are caused due to internal as well as external factors. The internal factors include pregnancy, hormonal imbalances and endothelial cells. The external factors include exposure to UV rays, burns, effects of certain chemicals, dietary imbalances, stress and other underlying disorders.

Types of hyper-pigmentation

• Lentigines, also known as liver spots, are associated with aging and exposure to UV rays
• Melasma is mainly associated with pregnancy, caused due to hormonal fluctuations
• Albinism, caused due to complete lack of melanin which causes excessively white skin and hair
• Vitiligo, a condition that develops on the wrists and the hands, due to lightening or de-pigmentation of the skin

Complex Treatments of Pigmentation

1. Laser surfacing: This is a surgical procedure in which laser is used for improving the appearance of your skin. It also corrects the facial flaws by removing the outer layers of your skin. The following are two types of Laser Surfacing:
2. Carbon dioxide: This kind of laser is used for treating wrinkles, scars, and warts. Erbium laser removes the superficial and moderately deeper lines and marks from the hands, face, chest and neck.
3. Dermabrasion: In this procedure, a wire brush or diamond wheel with rough edges is used for removing and leveling the upper layer of the skin. The area treated heals and new skin forms at the site. It is mostly used for facial correction. It may take a few weeks or even months for getting the desired results. This technique can be successfully applied on scars, superficial acne scars, skin growths, age spots, skin lesions, sun-damaged skin and crow’s feet.
4. Chemical peel: This technique is applied for correcting pigmentation from the neck, face and hands. A chemical solution is rubbed on the skin that gets exfoliated and eventually peels off. The new skin that grows in its place is less prone to wrinkling, but is more sensitive to the sun. There are a few types of chemical peels; such as Superficial or lunchtime peel, Medium peel and Deep peel.

Hyperpigmentation can be defined as the condition in which excess production of melanin causes the appearance of blemishes and dark spots on skin. Hormonal changes, too much of sun exposure, acne and faulty skin treatment are some of the factors which trigger hyperpigmentation of skin.

Treating hyperpigmentation:
Many dermatologists recommend IPL or Intense Pulse Light Treatment as one of the most effective remedies for hyperpigmentation. Chemical peels like phenol peel or TCA peel and laser peel are also very effective against skin pigmentation. However, there are also some simple and easy home-remedies which can help you get rid of the skin blemishes.

1. Application of raw lemon juice on the skin surface helps to bleach the skin and minimize the dark spots. Raw potato also works well against blemishes and dark spots.
2. The enzyme called ‘catecholase’ present in potato helps in lightening the skin tone by removal of spots.
3. You can prepare a mask out of a few Vitamin E capsules and apply it on skin.
4. Just mix the contents of 2-3 capsules with a spoonful of castor oil and apply it on your face before going to bed.
5. Apple cider vinegar, aloe vera and turmeric are also some very popular home remedies which can minimize the effects of hyperpigmentation.
6. Apart from these, you can also make use of topical skin lightening creams which contain retinoid, Vitamin C, kojic acid and hydroquinone.

Hypopigmentation
Hypopigmentation is a condition where there is a reduction in the normal amount of melanin in skin. Some of the most common causes of hypopigmentation are burns, illness and injury. This condition which is marked by a loss of skin coloring is more common in people with darker skin tone.

1. Topical ointments like TriLuma and Hydroquinone are very effective against hypopigmentation. They help to even out the skin tone by bleaching the entire skin surface.
2. Ginger is known to have excellent effects against hypopigmentation. Recent research has established that the application of ginger root can help you get rid of all the hypo-pigmented scars. Take some grated ginger root and dab it on the affected area. Repeat this twice a day for the quickest results.
3. IPL or Intense Pulse Light Treatment is often prescribed by dermatologists as a remedy for hypopigmentation.
4. Chemical peels and microdermabrasion are also known to have some beneficial effects.

However, some cases of hypopigmentation are totally unresponsive to medications. In such cases, the best option is to hide the de-pigmented area with some sort of makeup.

Pigmentation of the skin is a medical term, which refers to the phenomena of colouring. Our skin is made up of cells that produce a pigment named melanin. The colour of the skin largely depends on the production of melanin. If more melanin is produced, the skin looks darker and vice-versa. When the melanin producing cells are damaged due to long exposure to sunlight, pregnancy or any other disease, pigmentation of the skin takes place. The skin may get dark entirely or in patches due to pigmentation. In some cases, decolouration takes place or white patches are formed on the skin.

Causes and Types of Pigmentation

The type of skin pigmentation depends on the cause behind it. Here are some of the common causes and types:

1. Melanin: The skin colour varies from one person to another due to the presence of a pigment called melanin. It is produced by melanocytes cells in our body. Melanin protects our skin from damage on exposure to sunlight. When we spend long hours under the sun, the melanin production is increased. This gives a tanned look.
2. Freckles: These are caused by clusters of melanin. These gets accumulated or concentrated in clusters on being exposed to sunrays.
3. Liver Spots/Age Spots: These are also known as solar lentigos. This can be due to ageing or excessive exposure to UV rays.
4. Birthmarks: These are referred to the irregular blemish that appears on any part of the body soon after birth or at the time of birth. These are of two types: vascular and pigmented.
5. Melasma/Chloasma Faciei: This is usually found in pregnant women. It occurs due to the over-activation of melanocytes as there is a hormonal imbalance.
6. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: This refers to inflammation as a result of inflammation caused by trauma.

Treatment: There are several ways to treat skin pigmentation. There are medicines and cosmetics available in the markets, which help in getting rid of the pigmentation. Skin pigmentation can also be tackled by certain home-based remedies. Here are some of these remedies:

1. Milk and honey face pack: Milk is known to contain lactic acid. Apply a mixture of milk and honey on the affected part of the skin. This makes the hyperpigmented skin lighter in colour.
2. Vegetable juices: Some vegetables like tomatoes, cucumber and potato are effective in getting rid of the skin pigments. Cut slices of these vegetables and rub them over the affected parts. The juices from these vegetables will lighten the pigmented part.
3. Avocado magic: It is advisable to peel off an avocado and apply its juice with honey over the affected area.
4. Add Vitamin E to your diet: Include foods rich in vitamin E in your meals. It helps in restoring the pigmented skin back to its normal form.
5. Face mask: There are several face masks available that can work wonder in curing pigmentation of the skin. You can use face packs containing oatmeal, honey, sandalwood, turmeric powder, raw milk, and orange powder.
6. Sun-screen: It is important to guard your skin against the ultraviolet rays. UV rays lead to pigmentation of the skin. So, apply a sunscreen lotion or cream before stepping out of your home.
7. Take up some exercise: A key to a healthy skin is a good lifestyle. One must exercise regularly to maintain proper blood circulation throughout the body. Proper flow of blood keeps the skin healthy and free from pigmentation.
8. Avoid consumption of alcohol and cigarettes: The consumption of alcohol and cigarettes leads to the generation of toxins in our blood stream. This is harmful to our skin.
9. Cocoa butter: It has nourishing and de-tanning effects on the skin. Use a cream that contains cocoa butter extracts on daily basis.
10. Oil massage: Certain oils like olive and almond are good for treating damaged skin. 

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Sometimes excessive oil gets trapped and stuck in the pores of your skin. If this persists, it leads to the eruption of pimples, an extremely uncomfortable and nagging problem that plagues, both men and women indiscriminately. The most distressing part about pimples, apart from their unavoidable presence on the face is the mark they inevitably leave behind, the remnants which refuse to disappear. Pigmentation after pimples is a common phenomenon, one that often requires medical intervention to remove them. However, there are various ways by which you can avoid pigmentation after pimples, some of them are:

1. Sunscreen: The benefits of sunscreen require little introduction. They not only protect the skin from the harmful ultraviolet rays, but they also help in fading away the marks left behind by pimples. It is strongly recommended that if you want to accelerate the process of recuperation, you must make it a point to apply sunscreen daily without fail.

2. Exfoliation: This refers to a procedure that removes the covering of the old skin and brings to the fore the fresh layer of skin. With increasing age and growing skin problems, exfoliation has emerged as the most preferred choice for most women. In fact there are multiple ways, by which one can exfoliate one's skin. Depending on your convenience, you can go for scrubbing or a thorough washing of the face known as washcloth. There is also another method known as chemical exfoliation that works better and more efficiently than the other methods. By removing the old layer of the skin, exfoliation ensures a complete removal of the pigmentation left behind by pimples.

3. Medicines: Sometimes the intensity of the pigmentation marks on the skin may necessitate the medical intervention. If other methods fail or you wish for a speedy recovery, prescription drugs are always a nice option. At the same time, those medicines, which have retinoid (compounds with effects to those of Vitamin A) like Differin or Tazorac can also be availed of, if need be.

4. Skin Lighteners: As the name suggests, skin lighteners help in a gradual fading away of the dark spots on the skin. There are several skin lighteners like kojic acid, mulberry extract, licorice extract and primarily vitamin C, which significantly lighten the skin and help in doing away with the marks.

Your skin is constantly exposed to harsh environmental factors. Over a course of time, the pollution and with the harmful effects of the UV rays of the sun can wreak havoc on the skin.

To combat such skin problems, several skin treatments are available. One such treatment option is microdermabrasion which helps in eliminating skin damages ranging from fine lines and wrinkles to acne scars to unwanted pigmentation.

Understanding microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a common non-chemical and non-invasive treatment in which microcrystals are sprayed for removal of the outermost layer of dry and dead skin cells. The procedure aids in the production of the underlying layer of the skin cells with high levels of elastin and collagen so that the overall appearance of the skin is improved. Thus, your skin looks brighter and younger, brimming with health.
Skin problems that can be treated with Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion can effectively treat the following skin conditions

1. Fine lines and wrinkles in the facial area
2. Age Spots
3. Sun damage
4. Uneven pigmentation
5. Issues with skin texture
6. Minor scars

Also, the treatment is suggested for patients with acne or rosacea as the gentle spraying of microcrystals can help in dealing with the skin imperfections effectively. This is primarily achieved by removing the upper layer of the skin to allow the new and damage-free skin to manifest itself.

The process of microdermabrasion
During the microdermabrasion process, the expert dermatologist directs a fine stream of tiny aluminum oxide crystals with the help of a handpiece placed against the facial skin. The function of these crystals is to exfoliate the skin while the mild suction brought about by the microdermabrasion helps in removal of the crystals along with the debris of the skin.

How many sessions are required?
Numerous sessions of microdermabrasion may be required for the production of thicker and healthier layers of the skin with high levels of collagen as well as elastin. Both these crucial components of the skin are necessary for bringing out the healthy skin. One may need around 5 to 12 sessions of the treatment spaced at two or three weeks intervals in order to get the desired results.

Is it painful?
Microdermabrasion is a virtually painless procedure and takes only between 30 minutes or an hour an hour for each session which makes it one of the most convenient skin treatments.

Post-treatment care tips
After the treatment, the newly emerging layer of skin is typically more sensitive. 

• Use sunscreen to protect from the sun.
• Apply moisturizer

Thus, if you are looking for an effective treatment to address skin problems due to pollution and aging, Microdermabrasion can be considered. With this treatment, it becomes effortless to reveal the younger-looking fresh skin that you have been longing for.

As we grow older, our skin cell growth slows down. The outer skin becomes lustreless and faded. It loses its radiance. Our skin loses its luster when we spend too much of our time in the sun or are exposed to pollution. The dead skin, over a period, is deposited on the outer skin giving us a faded look. Skin brightening helps people shed their dead skin in a natural way. The best skin-brightening products contain micro-exfoliants that remove the dead skin cells in a natural way.

What should a skin brightening cream contain?
There are many skin brightening and lightening agents in creams but only one- hydroquinone-is approved in the United States. This chemical inhibits the functioning of an enzyme called tyrosinase, which helps in the production of melanin. Melanin is the pigment that causes the dark colour of the skin. Typically, the concentration of hydroquinone in most of the over-the-counter creams do not exceed more than 2 percent. In case you need a stronger cream, ask your dermatologist.
In many countries, excluding the US, brightening creams contain mercury. This substance is poisonous and can be passed on to the baby if the user is pregnant.

How do skin brighteners work?
Our skin becomes dark because of a pigment called melanin. The pigmentation of the skin increases when we spend long hours in the sun or are exposed to pollution. In the process, collagen- an important part of the protein that holds our skin together- gets depleted. Skin brighteners simply stem the production of melanin. Continued application of skin brighteners restores the original tone of our skin, to some extent.

Natural Skin Brightening Agents

1. Gram Flour and Chickpeas: Chickpeas contain essential vitamins and proteins that remove the blemishes on your skin caused due to sunburn. The best part of the chickpea is that it does not strip the skin of its essential oils.
2. Facial Masks: Many such masks are available in the market but keep in mind that not every mask is appropriate for your skin type. If your skin is oily or dry, then buy one that matches your skin characteristics.
3. Coconut Oil: This substance has been found to contain antioxidants. Antioxidants destroy the free radicals or unstable molecules that deplete collagen in our skin. Apart from a skin brightening agent, coconut oil also replenishes the skin of its natural oils.
4. Orange Peels and Yoghurt: Skin brightening by orange peels is quite a popular practice among ladies. Orange peels contain Vitamin C which is a good de-pigmenting agent. Dried orange peels are ground into a fine powder and later mixed with yoghurt. The resultant mixture is then applied on the face to achieve desired results.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Pigmentation of the skin is a medical term to refer to the phenomenon of colouring. Our skin is made up of cells that produce a pigment known as melanin. The colour of the skin largely depends upon the production of melanin. If more melanin is produced, the skin looks darker and vice-versa. When the melanin producing cells are damaged due to long exposure to sunlight, pregnancy or any other disease, pigmentation of the skin takes place. When the skin gets darker, it is called hyperpigmentation and when the discolouration of the skin takes place or white patches are formed on the skin, it is called hypopigmentation.

Skin pigmentation can be tackled by certain home based remedies. Here are some of these remedies:

Milk and honey face pack: Milk is known to contain lactic acid. A mixture of milk and honey peels off the affected part of the skin. This makes the hyper-pigmented skin lighter in colour.
Vegetable juices: Some vegetables like tomatoes, cucumber and potato are effective in getting rid of the skin pigments. Cut slices of these vegetables and rub them over the affected parts. The juices from these vegetables lighten the pigmented part.
Avocado magic: It is advisable to peel off an avocado and apply its juice with honey over the affected area.
Add Vitamin E to your diet: Include foods rich in vitamin E in your meals. It helps in restoring the pigmented skin back to its normal form.
Face Mask: There are several face masks available that can work wonder in curing pigmentation of the skin. You can use face packs containing oatmeal, honey, sandalwood, turmeric powder, raw milk, and orange powder.
Sun screen: It is important to guard your skin from the ultraviolet rays. UV rays lead to pigmentation of the skin. So, apply a sunscreen lotion or cream before stepping out of your home.
Take up some exercise: A key to a healthy skin is a good lifestyle. One must exercise regularly to maintain proper blood circulation throughout the body. Proper flow of blood keeps the skin healthy and free from pigmentation.
Avoid consumption of alcohol and cigarettes: The consumption of alcohol and cigarettes leads to generation of toxins in our blood stream. This is harmful for our skin.
Cocoa butter: It has nourishing and de-tanning effects on the skin. Use a cream that contains cocoa butter extracts on daily basis.
Oil massage: Certain oils like olive and almond are good for treating damaged skin.

Below given are some of the common products used in medical treatment of hyperpigmentation-

1. IPL (Photofacial) - Treatment with intense pulsed light, or a Photofacial, is frequently recommended by doctors to treat hyperpigmentation.
2. Chemical peel - A TCA peel or deeper phenol peel are also used to treat hyperpigmentation.
3. Laser Peel - A variety of laser resurfacing treatments may be performed to reduce hyperpigmentation. CO2 lasers and fractional lasers are popular choices for skin resurfacing.
4. Topical skin lightening products - Products containing skin lightening ingredients, such as hydroquinone, retinoids, kojic acid, and Vitamin C are often used to reduce hyperpigmentation.

Medical treatment is combined with procedures to get faster results

All of us have the innate desire to age gracefully. We want to think like a 40 but look like a 20. Nevertheless, with few treatments, you can undo the signs of aging to restore your youthful glow.

Types-

1. Laser Treatment: This method uses laser beams to generate heat energy for stimulating growth of new collagen fibers. This leaves your skin supple and rejuvenated.

2. Botox Injections: One can do away with wrinkles by the use of unadulterated Botulinum toxin A. When injected in a small amount, they block the nerves and prevent contraction of the muscles. Hence, the skin appears less wrinkled and even smoother.

3. Chemical Peel: Here, the doctor coats the affected areas of the skin with acid, thus causing microscopic exfoliation & new collagen formation and eliminating lines, creases and age spots.

4. Dermabrasion: The procedure requires sanding the epidermis (upper skin layer) with the help of a rotating brush done with Aluminium Oxide Crystals. A new skin layer eventually replaces the old one that gets removed in the process.

5. Face-lift: The method involves eliminating the excess skin and fat from the neck and the lower face, thus helping to tighten up the connective tissue and the underlying muscle.

6. Soft Tissue Fillers: Soft tissue fillers including hyaluronic acid, collagen and fat can be injected into the creases on the face. This helps to plump and level out the furrows.

Benefits-

Anti-ageing treatments address and treat the following skin issues associated with age:

1. Loss of one’s skin firmness

2. Reduced elasticity of the skin

3. Increased skin dryness

4. Pigmentation disorders, such as uneven pigmentation or age spots

5. Loss of skin radiance

6. Wrinkle formation

7. Increased vulnerability to rashes and bruises

8. Greater translucency resulting in visibility of the veins

9. Increased redness due to enlarged blood vessels

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!