NATURAL REMEDIES FOR HYPERPIGMENTATION

Hyperpigmentation is a common and harmless condition in which patches of skin become darker in color than normal surrounding skin. This is due to an excess of melanin deposits in those areas. Different things can trigger the excess production of melanin. A few include:

• Sun exposure
• Skin inflammation
• Melasma

Treating hyperpigmentation can be done from the comfort of your home using natural remedies around you. Home remedies can either replenish and protect the cells or replace hyper-pigmented cells with fresh, new cells.
Most home remedies involve acids and antioxidants contained in household products, which may protect and balance skin. Although several of the remedies we will share with you are anecdotal, research suggest their main ingredients work on hyperpigmentation.

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

Many people turn to apple cider vinegar to try and lighten unwanted pigmentation. Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which may act as a mild chemical peel in some cases.
It also contains polyphenols which acts as antioxidant and may protect skin cells. To use this remedy:

• Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water.
• Apply to dark patches and leave on for two to three minutes.
• Rinse using lukewarm water.

TUMERIC

Tumeric is popular in India for its many healing powers. Its benefits also extend to the area of skin care as it has been shown to inhibit the skin’s melanin production. To use this remedy:

• Make a paste of one part to make and one part honey.
• You can add a few drops of honey to enhance the lightening process.
• Apply it on your face and leave the mask on for about 3 minutes.
• Rinse off with lukewarm water.

YOGHURT

Yogurt makes the list due to the presence of lactic acid in it. Yogurt may breakdown dead skin cells and exfoliate your skin
thanks to lactic acid. Lactic acid is an AHA which improves discoloration and age spots. Yogurt can be applied to a clean skin alone or mixed with other ingredients like honey which is antibacterial.
Adding oatmeal to your yogurt mask will help slough and soothe dry skin. Ensure your rinse off carefully with warm water.

PAPAYA

Papaya is rich in fruit acids known as alpha hydroxy acids, which are chemical exfoliants. They work to improve the skin by removing the top layers of the skin to reveal healthy, bright skin cells . It also aids collagen production and gives the skin a youthful appearance.
To use this remedy, simply mash ripe papaya in a bowl and apply as a mask to clean skin.

ALOE VERA

Aloe vera can remove stubborn marks because of a depigmenting agent in it called “Aloin”. It can lighten even the most tanned and pigmented skin. Aloe vera can also speed up the process of new cell creation that will replace the old hyper-pigmented cells. To use this remedy, simply apply pure aloe vera gel thickly on your face and leave for 30 minutes before you rinse it off.
Aloe vera can also be used as a day to day moisturizer in little amounts.
For extreme cases of hyperpigmentation it is advisable to see a dermatologist.

Article credit : Cocci Beauty