What is hyperpigmentation?
Hyperpigmentation is a skin disorder manifested by dark areas on the skin. This is normally caused by increased secretion of melanin, the pigment responsible for determining skin and hair color. There are a number of factors that can misbalance the secretion of melanin in the skin and the most common include exposure to sunlight, pregnancy, some diseases, aging or trauma. This results in hyperpigmentation, i.e. brown spots on the skin all over the body, but predominantly on the face.
The causes of melanin misbalance are divided in two groups – internal and external. Internal factors that cause melanin secretion disorder are typically inherent to people with dark skin tone. On the other hand, the external factors include exposure to sunlight and chemicals. It’s the sun’s ultraviolet rays that cause the appearance of temporary or permanent discoloration including strains, spots and freckles. The face and hands are most affected with this condition as they are more exposed to sun than other parts on the body.
Melasma is a hyperpigmentation of the skin that occurs during pregnancy, but in rare cases can also affect men. As these brown spots appear on the face, usually on the nose and cheeks, it’s often referred to as the mask of pregnancy. This condition normally disappears on its own after pregnancy and has no side effects.
Natural remedy for hyperpigmentation
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp. turmeric powder
- 1 tsp. lemon juice
Directions:
After blending the ingredients well, apply the mixture on the affected skin.
Leave it on for about 15 minutes or until it dries. Rinse it off with cold water.
It’s also important to avoid sun exposure after this treatment. In fact, the best time to do the treatment is before having a shower.
You can do the treatment every day, even twice a day, if possible. The first results will be visible in short time.
If your skin is very sensitive, add some water to the lemon juice or substitute it with milk.
This remedy is commonly used in Indian natural medicine. It’s extremely efficient because of its potent ingredients – the lemon juice is a great exfoliator, whereas turmeric lightens the skin, has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and makes the skin radiant.
