I've seen many people post on social media asking for ways to treat hyperpigmentation at home, especially since most aesthetician offices are still closed because of COVID-19. While I am not a medical expert, I did consult with a few aestheticians on some at-home remedies for hyperpigmentation, and I wanted to share with you my findings.
What The Heck Is Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is a common, usually harmless skin condition in which patches of skin become darker in color than the surrounding complexion. This darkening occurs when an excess of melanin, the brown pigment that produces normal skin color, forms deposits in the skin.
What Causes Hyperpigmentation
There are a few reasons for hyperpigmentation; hence, I suggest seeing a dermatologist to make sure that it isn't something more serious (you can even do these virtually). The common forms of hyperpigmentation are...
Age or liver spots: These are caused by overexposure to the sun.
Melasma or chloasma spots: Often a result of a hormonal change, like pregnancy, birth control, or menopause.
Acne: With some severe cases of acne, once healed the acne can leave dark spots.
While some prescription creams can lighten the appearance of darkened skin, they are some approaches you can do in the comfort of your own home. Here's what to do.
Drink Green Tea To Help With Hyperpigmentation
Green tea has been making a big splash in the beauty world. Not only is it enriched in vitamin B-2, but it also has powerful skin-soothing antibacterial agents that help kill acne, which is why you see it in skincare. However, drinking green tea also has benefits as it contains high contents of polyphenols called catechins that can help rejuvenate the skin.
The polyphenols also help to neutralize free radicals that can lead to premature aging by plumping up skin, nourishing, and evening out your skin tone. You can even reverse certain aspects of skin aging, like age spots, saggy skin, and fine lines, now how cool is that?
Use A Dermaroller To Help With Hyperpigmentation
We're on a roll with this one, a derma roller, but what the heck is a derma roller? A derma roller is a skincare device with a wheel on the end that is covered in hundreds of fine needles. While I know to some, it might look like a mid-evil torture device; it is a must-have in your beauty arsenal.
So, What Exactly Does Dermarolling Do For My Skin
Derma rolling is a form of micro-needling, a technique that involves a series of tiny, very fine needles that are passed over the skin, creating micro-injuries that trigger new collagen and elastin synthesis as the skin begins to repair itself naturally. Those that have dark spots can lighten your hyperpigmentation by breaking up the melanin clusters. It's a tiny miracle.
Eat More Licorice
I love me some licorice, it is one of my favorite types of candy, but it is more than just Twizzlers. It's also a herbal root with many medicinal properties, like lightening skin, thanks to an anti-inflammatory called glabridin.
Glabridin interrupts the enzymes that activate melanin production, making it a natural skin whitening agent. You can find licorice supplements in pill form; you can also find it in skinfood!
Use Aloe Vera
While there are limited studies on whether aloe can help with hyperpigmentation. I do know that aloe juice helps with balancing your hormones. And since hormonal issues can lead to hyperpigmentation, it only made sense to me.
I also read on Healthline that aloe contains aloin and alosesn, which may lighten the appearance of dark spots by destroying existing melanin cells and preventing further formation of melanin in the skin.
If you decide to use aloe vera, it's best to both using topically and internally. The combination will get to work on your skin on the inside and the outside, helping you achieve results faster.
As you can see there are many treatments for hyperpigmentation out there. And if you understand what has triggered yours, you will be better prepared to know the ingredients and remedies you should look for to help you lighten your dark spots and treat your hyperpigmentation at home.
