How to Get Rid of Hyperpigmentation on Skin

Skin color is determined by the amount of melanin pigment in the skin, which is produced by melanocyte cells. Therefore, the more the melanin content in the skin, the deeper the color.

The skin generally has an even skin tone, but at times, some areas of the skin may appear darker due to various reasons, including increased melanin production or an increased number of melanocytes. This condition of darkly colored patches in the skin is known as hyperpigmentation. It is commonly called age spots, sunspots, or melasma.

You may develop hyperpigmentation due to different factors such as UV exposure,  hormonal imbalance, smoking, tobacco consumption,  allergies, injury, certain cancer treatments, increased iron concentration, and even excessive alcohol consumption.

Home Remedies to Reduce Hyperpigmentation

Since hyperpigmentation is generally caused by increased melanin production, it can be treated with agents that block this biochemical process.

Many natural ingredients block the activity of the enzyme tyrosinase, which is responsible for converting premature melanin to active melanin. Lowering the melanin production allows the previously present melanin to decrease gradually, thus fading dark spots over time.

Here are some home remedies that can improve hyperpigmentation and are safe to use.

Apply lemon or lime juice

Lemon juice is a natural bleaching agent that can lighten dark spots.

How to use:

1. Mix 1–2 tbsp of lemon juice with water. You can also add vitamin E oil to it for added benefits.
2. Apply the mixture to the dark spots.
3. Rinse the area after 15 minutes.

3. Treat with aloe vera gel

The active compound of aloe vera gel, known as aloin, is shown to have skin-lightening effects.

How to use:

• Cut open a fresh aloe vera leaf and extract the gel. Apply it to the affected skin, and wash it off after 20 minutes.
• You can also add 1 tsp of lemon juice to 2 tbsp of aloe vera gel and use it as a mask.

4. Apply turmeric

Turmeric is another natural ingredient that can treat hyperpigmentation by blocking the activity of tyrosinase.

How to use:

1. Mix 2 tsp of turmeric powder with milk to form a paste. You can also add lemon juice to the paste.
2. Apply the paste to the affected areas.
3. Wash the paste off after 20 minutes using lukewarm water.

5. Use honey-based masks

It is shown that the application of organic and medical-grade honey can fade hyperpigmentation spots.

How to use:

1. Mix half a ripe avocado with 2 tsp of honey and 1 tsp of milk. Mash the paste to obtain a uniform consistency.
2. Apply the paste to the affected areas.
3. Wash the skin after the paste dries using lukewarm water.

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