The best way to keep your face looking young and fresh is an even-toned complexion. Yes, we know it’s easier said than done. We’re all constantly battling with dark spots and patches on the skin that just refuse to budge. Where do you even begin with the treatment of these spots? We know: right at home! We’re looking at how to remove pigmentation from the face permanently with ingredients that are easy to find in your kitchen pantry.
But before we discuss pigmentation treatments at home, let’s quickly go over the basics of hyperpigmentation.
What is hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation essentially is what causes patches of your skin to become darker than the skin around it. This happens because your skin produces extra melanin. Melanin is what gives our hair, eyes, and skin the pigment they have and so as people of colour already have a lot of melanin in their body, it is common for them to have hyperpigmentation.
This darkened skin is not usually dangerous, so don’t stress. But it could also be an indication to conditions such as Addison’s disease. So if you feel like your hyperpigmentation is cause for concern, make sure to get it checked with your dermatologist.
3 easy to make home remedies for pigmentation
Note: Remember to patch test and avoid if you see redness, swelling or feel itchiness
1. Green tea
We’ve all heard that green tea is amazing for health with all the antioxidants that remove free radicals that can create damage in the body. But who knew these properties would work wonders for the face as well! Green tea’s antioxidants remove free radicals that can cause inflammation and cell damage that lead to hyperpigmentation.
Here’s how to use green tea to remove pigmentation from the face permanently:
- Boil your green tea leaves or steep the tea bag in boiling water to extract the tea
- Let the water cool down completely; maybe put it in the fridge after it comes down to room temperature
- Use a cotton ball, cotton pad, or reusable pad to soak up the liquid and apply it to your face. You can also instead use the bag by boiling, then cooling it to rub on the skin
- Do it daily to see results
2. Apple cider vinegar
The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar is what works as a hyperpigmentation treatment.It helps lighten the skin to give you an even-toned, radiant base.
Here’s how to use it on the face to remove pigmentation from the face permanently:
- Dilute 1-2 spoons of apple cider vinegar with equal parts water and mix it into a solution
- Use a cotton ball or pad to add this solution to your dark spots
- Let it sit for 2-3 minutes and wash it away with water
- Do it daily to see results
3. Turmeric
This well-known and much loved ingredient is easily found in Indian skincare solutions. It helps stop the production of melanin to treat hyperpigmentation.
Here’s how to use it as a pigmentation removal face pack at home:
- Add a small amount of turmeric and honey to yoghurt
- Mix well
- Apply the home pigmentation removal face pack to the face and let it dry for 15-20 minutes
- Wash with water
FAQs
1. What is causing my hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation can be caused by a variety of reasons. Too much exposure to the sun, change in hormone levels due to pregnancy, some medical conditions such as Addison’s disease, healing skin after injury or acne as well as some inherited syndromes could be causing your hyperpigmentation.
2. How do I know if I have hyperpigmentation?
To spot pigmentation on the face and body, look out for the following things:
- Darkened patches of skin—could be small or large
- Spots
- Freckles
3. How to remove hyperpigmentation from the face without DIY?
While many swear by home remedies, many might not have the time or energy to invest in creating pigmentation treatments at home. If that sounds like you, here are 5 products at Smytten that will work wonders on pigmented skin:
4. Are home remedies for pigmentation safe and effective?
Many people have tried and loved home remedies for pigmentation. Many homemade hyperpigmentation treatments use known natural ingredients proven to brighten skin such as Vitamin C and Soy and while the research on some ingredients is more affirmative than others, anecdotal evidence claims that these are effective.
When it comes to skin health, it is always better to be safe than sorry. This is why we always recommend doing a patch test with any home remedy to ensure that any skin reactions are spotted early and do not ruin your skin.
5. Will home remedies help remove pigmentation from the face permanently?
Home remedies (or even formulated products, for that matter) can work wonders for the skin but they are not magic. Removing pigmentation from the face permanently at home requires commitment, time and patience. Consistency is key, keep at it regularly and you will see results that will please you for a lifetime.
