If you have lately noticed darkening of some part of your skin and you are wondering what this pigmentation is, here is your answer. Skin pigmentation is referred to as change in the color of skin, both lightening and darkening, due to various external and internal factors. The skin color is attributed to various pigments like melanin and carotene. Some forms of skin pigmentation are as follows:
- One of the forms of skin pigmentation disorders is vitiligo, which is characterized by appearance of light patches on skin.
- One of the skin pigmentation disorders in children is albinism, which is rare but a disorder by birth. It is characterized by the absence of melanin in body, which makes the skin prone to sun burns and rashes.
Pigmentation of the skin causes are primarily over exposure to sunlight and heat, allergies, medication and hereditary factors. While they do not pose serious health concerns, they may be visually unappealing. Regardless, if you've noticed any change in the color of your skin, it is best to first consult a dermatologist to rule out any serious illness that may require medical treatment. Once you've ruled out any possible health concerns, you can always opt for any of the home remedies given below to relieve skin pigmentation.
- One of the effective remedies to treat pigmentation of the skin is to apply vinegar diluted in equal quantity of water. Vinegar is chemically acetic acid, which is capable of lightening and brightening the skin. It is a toner that is recommended to be used for pigmentation treatment.
- Another useful home remedy for skin pigmentation treatment is to apply onion juice on your skin. You can extract the juice of onion by sieving blended onion in cheese cloth. Mix the onion extract in apple cider vinegar and apply it on your skin to relieve skin pigmentation problems. Alternatively, you can dip onion slice in vinegar and apply on the affected area.
- Lemon juice also helps in pigmentation removal by reviving the skin.
- Another treatment for pigmentation of the skin is to apply raw potato extract. You can grate potato and apply it on skin to lighten your skin color.
- One of the pigmentation removal home remedies is to apply mashed strawberry on your face for 15 minutes and then wash it off.
- An effective remedy to cure pigmentation of the skin during pregnancy is to apply a paste of gram flour, turmeric powder, cream, and lemon juice. You may also add rose water to the blend for better result.
- You can also apply a paste of dry orange peel powder and milk for 20 minutes and then wash it off. It will help cleanse and lighten your skin.
- Another effective remedy to cure skin pigmentation is to apply a blend of lemon juice and cucumber juice.
- Application of a paste of green papaya also helps cure skin pigmentation. It contains an enzyme papain, which exfoliates and cleanses the skin, thereby relieving skin pigmentation.
- Application of a pack of ground almonds soaked in water and milk or cream also helps relieve skin pigmentation.
Always test these remedies before using them on the affected area. Keep in mind that there are also several cosmetic procedures available to lighten or darken skin; however, these may not always work and can be expensive. Other than these remedies, you should also alter your diet to treat pigmentation. Certain food that are a must-have in your diet are mangoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, milk, cheese, cantaloupe, egg yolk, almonds, blue berries, olive oil, sunflower seeds, pine nuts, avocado, hazelnuts, wheat germ, salmon, liver, and corn oil. Diet plays an important role in treating skin pigmentation.Also, there are certain preventive measures that you might take to prevent skin pigmentation, some of which are as under:
- First, do not over-expose your skin to the sun as this leads to secretion of melanin. While you go out in sun, apply sunscreen and cover your skin and face with a scarf or wear a hat.
- Keep your skin clean at all times. A cleansed, toned, and moisturized skin is less likely to develop problems.
answered by G M