Say goodbye to skin pigmentation with these 8 dermatologist-approved tips

That abnormal colour you’ve been noticing on your skin.. that’s skin pigmentation!  It is basically a patch that looks darker than your natural skin tone due to overproduction of the brown pigment melanin. Skin pigmentation or dark patches are very common and the primary reason for an uneven skin tone.

Skin pigmentation can be caused by melasma, which is also referred to as the “mask of pregnancy”. Melasma is a brown patch that commonly appears in women during the time of pregnancy. Skin rashes like rosacea, psoriasis, eczema, contact dermatitis; skin Infections such as acne, ringworm, tinea versicolor, candidiasis; medical conditions; and hormonal changes are all some of the reasons why you might get skin pigmentation and dark patches. 

In most cases skin pigmentation is harmless but can sometimes be caused by an underlying medical condition. There are many types of skin pigmentation, including  age spots or solar lentiginosis (liver spots), melasma or chloasma, freckles, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). 

Here are some tips to help you deal with skin pigmentation: 

1. Apply SPF of 30 every day before heading out in the sun

Apply sunscreen after every 4 hours or use a physical sunscreen as it provides protection for long duration. This is the first and the most important step towards preventing and treating skin pigmentation or any kind of dark patches on the skin.

2. Use ACV

Use apple cider vinegar daily as a part of your skincare routine. It contains polyphenolic compounds that are beneficial in managing pigmentation.

3. Rely on vitamin C

Take oral supplements like vitamin C or glutathione. Vitamin C or glutathione helps to boost the skin’s resilience against the harmful UV rays of the sun.

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4. Keep your skin moisturised

Always use OTC products that contain moisturizing agents such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid and retinol that boosts the cell turnover and benefits the skin pigmentation and dark patches.

5. Look for AHA and kojic acid in products

Always look for products that contain alpha hydroxy acid, as it is good for reducing pigmentation. Apply treatments that contain ingredients such as vitamin C, licorice root, and kojic acid that helps to reduce hyperpigmentation by inhibiting tyrosinase. It is an enzyme that is responsible for the formation of a skin-darkening agent called melanin.

6. Black tea can help too

Apply black tea water on the skin. Soak a cotton ball in black tea water and apply it on the pigmented skin at least twice a day.

7. Don’t pick on pigmented skin

Scratching and picking at a spot or pigmented skin will only increase the inflammation that’s responsible for skin discoloration and dark patches. The sooner you treat skin pigmentation, the easier it will be to erase. The pigment in brown spots can become deeper into the skin over time. So, always try to treat it as early as possible.

8. Use gentle skincare products

Always stick to gentle skincare products that don’t sting or burn as irritation can worsen skin pigmentation and dark patches especially melasma. Protect yourself against any other common skin-darkening agents by using acne medication to fight off pimples.

If these tips don’t help, then consult a dermatologist who will suggest the best way forward for you.