Sometimes skin hyperpigmentation can leave someone worried. SUE KIM has compiled some easy and natural skin hyperpigmentation remedies to reduce the hyperpigmentation.
Normally, skin hyperpigmentation happens when patches of the skin become darker than other parts. This is caused by excess melanin in the skin, which renders some parts darker than others.
The darkened patches vary in shape and size and are usually brown to dark brown in color. It is important to note that skin hyperpigmentation is not a serious condition. Also note that skin hyperpigmentation is when the skin gets darker than usual and there is overproduction of melanin and hypopigmentation is when there is a low production of melanin.
Causes of Skin Hyperpigmentation
There are various contributing factors to skin hyperpigmentation but the main one is over-exposure to the sun. Melanin is the skin’s natural sunscreen which protects it from harmful UV rays. On the other hand over exposure to the sun can easily lead to hyperpigmentation, hence the need for natural skin pigmentation remedies.
Other causes of skin hyperpigmentation include pregnancy, skin inflammation, use of certain drugs like birth control pills, hemochromatosis (iron overload) and endocrine diseases like Addison disease.
Skin hyperpigmentation can be treated with over the counter creams or a visit to the dermatologist. For those who do not like using the chemical loaded creams there are very useful natural hyperpigmentation remedies. And all these natural skin hyperpigmentation remedies can be found right in your kitchen.
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Natural Skin Hyperpigmentation Remedies
Lemon juice and Honey
This is the easiest and most common of the natural skin hyperpigmentation remedies. Mix lemon juice and honey in equal parts then apply on the affected areas daily. Wash off after 10 minutes. The honey will moisturize the skin and the lemon is a natural bleach. Do not use lemon if you have sensitive skin because lemon is acidic and can irritate the skin.
Cucumber juice
Apply cucumber juice to the affected areas daily and wash it off after 30 minutes.
You can also mix the cucumber juice with lemon and honey in equal proportions and follow the above procedure.
Potato
Rub a freshly cut slice of potato on the skin everyday to remove the darkened patch. Potatoes are known to remove blemishes, dark spots and hyperpigmentation on the skin.
Milk and Honey
Milk has lactic acid which rubs off the darkened patch of the skin leaving behind fresh smooth skin. Honey moisturizes the skin. Do this on a daily basis.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Mix apple cider vinegar with water in equal parts and apply on the affected areas. Wash off after a couple of minutes. Do this twice a week. Also you can add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to a glass of warm water. You can add honey if you want. Drink this twice daily.
Aloe Vera Gel
Gently rub aloe vera gel on the affected areas and leave overnight. Wash it off in the morning. Do this every night before going to bed. Alternatively mix 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel with 1/2 tablespoon of honey and apply on the affected area. Wash off after 10 minutes with warm water. Do this daily.
Turmeric powder
Mix turmeric powder with lemon juice in equal measures and apply to the affected areas. Leave for 15-20 minutes then wash it off. Do this daily. You can also mix 2 tablespoons of turmeric powder with 4 tablespoons of milk and apply to the affected areas. Leave it for 5-10 minutes then wash off. Be extra careful with turmeric as it leaves stains.
Always do a patch test before applying any of the above natural skin hyperpigmentation remedies.