Hyperpigmentation – Lightening Agents, Botanicals, Peels, Lazer, Diet, Home Remedies & Treatment

Skin Tone

The color of our skin is usually referred to as skin tone and this is majorly determined by a pigment called melanin present in our skin. Melanin is produced by a type of cells called melanocytes and the amount of melanin differs in each individual based on their genetic makeup.

There are 2 types of melanin which determine the color of our skin and hair called, eumelanin and phaeomelanin. The more eumelanin your skin has, the more darker it is and vice versa.

Eumelanin protects our skin from UV induced molecular damage, skin cancer and from deep wrinkles. On the other hand, phaeomelanin in skin, becomes free radicle and aggravates the damage caused by light.

What is Hyperpigmentation?

When skin color darkens on whole or as patches as compared to your natural skin color, it is called hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is a very common and harmless condition. This is majorly caused by UV radiation, which increases melanocytes and melanin.

Skin Lightening Agents

There are a lot of skin lightening agents available in the market including both botanical and non-botanical products. Non-botanicals are not chemicals and are not harmful. Yes, exceptions do exist and here in this article we will clearly discuss all kinds of ingredients famous in skin lightening with its advantages and disadvantages, including glutathione.

First comes Hydroquinone, which should be used only under strict supervision of a dermat. Second is Hydroxy acids, which works by exfoliating our skin and sloughing off the buildups. Third comes a varierty of vitamins, such as Vitamin A which isbasically retinol family, they are also known for their exfoliation and induces cell turnover.

The very popular niacinamide is a vitamin, yes, its Vitamin B3. Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is a very popular all-rounder which helps your in thep ath of clear skin. Vitamin C along with Vitamin E, are powerful antioxidants, which fights free radicles and helps in hyperpigmentation.

Do you know the reason why unpriscribed steriods can be dangerous? They can lead to skin thinning, poor skin barrier leading to pimples, poor wound healing, weak capillaries, leading to increased risk of infection.

And here’s what should be avoided,

1. Fluticasone
2. Flucinolone
3. Betamethasone
4. Clobetasol
5. Hydrocortisone and
6. Mometasone

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Botanicals for Hyperpigmentation

Botanicals, as said by everyone have minimal side effects and high safty profile. Most of the botanicals in the market are antioxidants. Ingredients such as kojic acid, alpha arbutin, liquorice, soy, pycnogenol, coffee berry, tomato, grape seed extract, green tea extract, marine algae, orchid extract, aloe vera, aloesin, cinnamic acid, flavonoids, mulberry and emblica are some of the botanicals.

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Chemical Peels

Chemical peeling is a procedure which is done by applying some kind of solution on our skin. This, to your shock, will for sure produce a minor tissue damage in our skin. But this damage is going to lead you to a better skin than before.

This solution may be an acid, fruit, botanical or even a milk extract. The type of peel to be used is decided based on the skin type and primary conditions focused on. All types of peel, whether fruit or milk is also a chemical peel since that extract is preserved using some kind of preservatives and chemicals.

Here are some of the most common chemical peels,

1. Glycolic acid, derived from sugarcane
2. Lactic acid, from fermented milk, yogurt and tomatoes
3. Mandelic acid from almonds, peaches and apricots
4. Arginine, derived from brown sugar
5. Kojic acid, from some particular species of fungus
6. Tretinoin, from retinoic acid

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Lazer Treatments

Yes, most of the dermats, suggests laser to be best solution for hyperpigmentation. Two types of lasers are used called Q-switched Nd:YAG Laser and Pico Laser.

Normally, 6 to 8 sessions are recommended with 2 months of interval. Laser also has some minimal cons since improper usage with an unprofessional may worsen your hyperpigmentation and can make your skin darker.

Diet

A diet for hyperpigmentation should basically focus on antioxidants and vitamins. Brightly colored fruits and vegetables, greens, green tea, soy, Vitamins like A, C and E can be included. Good proteins like tofu, panner and dal varieties can also contribute to good skin.

Do’s and Don’ts

Sun Protection not only means a SPF, but it also has lot many things like wearing mask, a cap or a hat, covered clothing etc., Along with this SPF of 50 should be used no matter where you are in both indoors and outdoors. Find a sunscreen for your skin and body and do not forget to reapply it twice a day.

Avoid using hair colors with PPD (paraphenylenediamine), daylight swimming, reduce sugar in your diet and also get your insulin resistance, hormones and sugar level tested.

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Are Glutathiones good?

Not everybody becomes fairer with the use of glutathione! Yes, Glutathione are potent antioxidants that is given for detoxification to patients with alcoholic liver disease, liver cirrhosis and fatty liver. Since it can reduce melanin to a certain extent, people think it helps in any kinds of pigmentation. But skin whitening is more of a side effect of glutathione.

For those people who experience skin lightening, all this effect will wear off if they stop using it. However, tablets or capsules of 500 to 1000 mg can be safely taken for about 3 months only as a potent antioxidant and not as a skin-lightening agent.

————— Glow Regime —————-