Skin Pigmentation: Overview, and Natural Home Remedies

What Is Skin Pigmentation?

We all have noticed unusual dark spots on our faces and discolouration in various areas of the body. These are the signs of skin pigmentation, also known as hyperpigmentation.

Hyperpigmentation is a condition that causes our skin to darken and develop dark spots. It can even cause dark patches all over the body. It is often observed due to an increase in melanin production by melanocytes, which occurs in response to a rise in melatonin production by the pineal glands in the body. Melatonin is responsible for the skin colour we possess.

Skin pigmentation is a medical condition, but it is usually harmless. Reasons for pigmentation on the face are primarily due to prolonged sun exposure, excessive hormonal imbalance in the body, and certain medications, which can also be prime causes of skin pigmentation.

Common Causes of Skin Pigmentation (Hyperpigmentation)

Sunlight is the most common cause of skin pigmentation. Usually, 60-80% of skin discolouration is caused by sunlight.

Several other factors lead to discolouration of skin colour, which include:

• Pregnancy (due to hormonal imbalance)
• Medicines (especially the drugs used for chemotherapy)
• Trauma
• Irritation in the skin (maybe due to allergic reactions)
• Endocrine diseases, like Addison’s disease
• Type 2diabetes mellitus
• Melasma (a skin disorder that causes dark patches)

Top 6 Natural Home Remedies for Skin Pigmentation

After examining several causes of skin pigmentation, let us now explore some home remedies for skin pigmentation.

1. Aloe vera

Aloe vera is rich in aloin, a natural depigmentation agent that effectively lightens the skin and can be used as a non-toxic pigmentation treatment at home.

Additionally, since skin pigmentation can cause itching and irritation, aloe vera is a potent anti-inflammatory agent that helps alleviate these symptoms as well.

How to use aloe vera for skin pigmentation treatment?

• Extract fresh aloe vera juice from the leaf of the aloe vera plant.
• Apply this pure, freshly extracted aloe gel to the affected sites where you notice dark spots.
• Leave it on the skin for over a night
• Rinse with warm water in the morning when you wake up.
• Repeat the same procedure until you notice the dark spots lighten.

2. Masoor Dal

Try blending masoor dal into a thin paste and using it as a face mask.

The masoor dal face mask is a popular treatment for pigmentation.

Ways to make your own Masoor dal face mask:

• Soak 40-50 g of masoor dal in water overnight
• Blend this into a thin paste
• Apply this paste to the skin for about half an hour
• Rinse with fresh/cold water

3. Green tea extracts

Green tea extracts can help depigment skin when applied over dark spots. These extracts are widely available in the market and can also be prepared at home.

If you would like to try green tea extracts for skin pigmentation treatment, follow the given steps:

• Take a green tea bag and place it in warm water for 5 to 8 minutes
• Now, remove the tea bag from the warm water and let it cool for some time
• Place and rub the teabag in the areas affected with dark spots all over the face and body
• Repeat the same technique two times a day

4. Milk

Dairy products, such as milk, sour milk, and buttermilk, are effective in reducing skin pigmentation due to the presence of alpha-hydroxy acids, including lactic acid, in them. Alpha-hydroxy acids that inhibit melanin production, thereby lightening pigmentation.

5. Black tea water

Applying black tea water, twice a day, for 2 to 4 weeks, may work wonders for pigmentation treatment at home.

To try this home remedy for the treatment of dark spots, follow the given steps:

• Take a tablespoon of fresh tea leaves and add to boiling water
• Let it steep for 2 hours and then strain the water to remove the leaves
• Now, take a cotton ball and soak it in tea water, apply it to the areas where dark spots are noticeable
• This process is repeated twice a day

6. Apple cider vinegar

Now that we know skin pigmentation can lead to dark spots, apple cider vinegar can be a helpful remedy. Rich in acetic acid, it may help lighten pigmentation and even out skin tone over time.

To use this remedy, follow the given steps:

• Take apple cider vinegar and water in a container in equal proportions
• Apply this on your dark patches and leave for 3-4 minutes.
• Use lukewarm water to rinse.
• For the best results, repeat this method two to three times daily.

Also Read: Skin allergy, its causes and natural home remedies

Can Skin Pigmentation Be Prevented?

Skin pigmentation causes intense itching and allergic reactions at times; no one likes them!

But what if you start to get these dark hyperpigmented spots at some point in your life?

Are they curable?

Many pigmentation spots are preventable; ensure you apply good sunblock agents before going out on a sunny day.

Sunscreen blocks the harmful sun rays affecting the skin and acts as a protective shield from harmful radiation.

Exposure to UV rays boosts melanin production, which is the body’s defence mechanism when we are exposed to UV rays for a long duration of time.

Hence, melanin protects our skin from developing dark spots frequently.

When to Seek Medical Treatment for Hyperpigmentation

Depending on the cause of skin pigmentation, medical treatment may be necessary if home remedies are ineffective.

The several medical treatment options available include:

• Laser resurfacing
• Microdermabrasion
• Cryotherapy
• IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)
• Chemical peels

Mainly, hyperpigmentation is a cosmetic concern rather than a medical concern.

Also, speak to your doctor if the hyperpigmentation spots don’t go away even after trying home remedies, as these pigmented lesions can also indicate underlying causes of several diseases.

Takeaway

Skin pigmentation is often a cosmetic concern, but it can occasionally signal underlying health issues. While natural remedies may help fade mild pigmentation, persistent or spreading spots should be evaluated by a dermatologist. 

Sun protection is your first line of defence, and so don’t skip that sunscreen! For severe or stubborn cases, professional treatments like chemical peels, laser therapy, or microneedling may offer better results.

Expert Quote:

“Natural remedies like aloe vera and apple cider vinegar can help lighten pigmentation, but consistent sun protection and early dermatological consultation are key to lasting results.”

– Dr Anubha Karol

References:

• Ali, S., Galgut, J., & Choudhary, R. (2012). On The Novel Action of Melanolysis by a Leaf Extract of Aloe vera and Its Active Ingredient Aloin, Potent Skin Depigmenting Agents. Planta Medica, 78(08), 767–771. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0031-1298406
• Hollinger, J. C., Kunal Angra, & Halder, R. M. (2018). Are Natural Ingredients Effective in the Management of Hyperpigmentation? A Systematic Review. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 11(2), 28. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5843359#B36
• Feng, X., Shang, J., Gu, Z., Luo, X., Chen, Y., & Liu, Y. (2024). Lactic Acid Chemical Peeling in Skin Disorders. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, Volume 17, 901–909. https://doi.org/10.2147/ccid.s455700