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Our skin gets its color from a pigment called melanin. An excessive production of melanin in certain areas leads to pigmentation or rather hyperpigmentation, which is characterized by patches of skin becoming darker than the surrounding areas. This pigmentation can either be epidermal which is superficial and caused due to excessive exposure to the sun or it can be dermal, which is caused by other underlying factors. Dermal pigmentation can be a symptom of various skin diseases or hormonal imbalances. Heredity could also be a factor.
Hyperpigmentation is most commonly found on the face where a butterfly pattern of darker patches appears on the bridge of the nose, cheeks and forehead. Freckles are one manifestation of hyperpigmentation, as are sun spots or liver spots. Apart from this, hyperpigmentation mostly occurs in women during pregnancy or those going through menopause. There is another type of pigmentation, which is more common in men. This takes place on the forehead, particularly around the sides, and also near the mouth, nose and skin folds. This is called seborrheic melanosis and develops from an allergy to the oiliness produced by one's own skin. Prolonged exposure to the sun and inflammation after skin conditions such as acne and psoriasis leads to pigmentation known as Photo Pigmentation. It is advisable to find out exactly what kind of hyperpigmentation you are suffering from, so that you can address the underlying cause.
You can employ several natural home remedies for reducing skin problems like pigmentation. These can be very effective skin care tips when used on a regular basis as part of a daily routine. You can prepare a face pack by mixing 1 teaspoon each of lemon juice, almond oil, and honey - apply it on your skin, leave it for fifteen minutes, and then wash it off. This serves to lighten the skin when used regularly. A mix of gram flour and 2tsp raw milk and a few drops of lemon juice will also help in lightening the dark skin. Leave this pack on for fifteen minutes before rinsing. Apply this daily for four weeks, and after that apply it once a week. A mixture of freshly ground mint leaves applied daily, for 15-20 minutes will also lighten the skin, and will prove to be very refreshing too. A paste of oatmeal, curd and tomato juice applied for twenty minutes also helps to reduce tan. Other skin care tips and natural remedy is to grind dried orange peels, mix with curd and keep the paste for fifteen minutes, and then apply it on your skin. Almonds can also be used to lighten skin pigmentation. Take four to five almonds that have been soaked overnight and finely grind them along with milk. Use this on the face and neck and keep it till the next morning. Rinse with cold water. This must be done daily for two weeks and then repeated twice a week.
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