Skin pigmentation is a widespread problem in Singapore regardless of age and sex, and is especially a beauty concern among women. It manifests itself as dark or light patches of skin. To make things worse, they usually appears on the face.
It is not a life threating condition. Or is it? A friend once told me that the embarrassment and the constant low self-esteem that the affected individual has to go through is much worse than a life threatening condition! Some try various commercial facial products and heavy makeup just so their work colleagues would stop commenting on their facial imperfections, but to wake up the next day with even more spots on their faces. Some even change their jobs because of this.
Thankfully, you can actually do something at home to reduce your facial pigmentation. Home remedies are a dime a dozen when it comes to pigmentation. We all know that laser treatment for skin pigmentation is available throughout the world. Before you call your doctor, or even when you are in the midst of receiving a few laser treatment sessions, you can try these at home.
1) Potato
Yes, Potato. Potato contains catecholase, an enzyme that is believed to lighten skin tone. Slice a potato and put a few drops of water on the surface. Then, rub it on your face for 5 to 10 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day. Rinse it off with lukewarm water. You can also grate a potato and squeeze the juice out of it, and apply it on the pigmented area for about 30 minutes before washing it off.
2) Lemon
Lemon contains citric acid that whitens the skin. Basically, it acts like natural bleach. Slice a lemon and squeeze out some juice. Dilute it with a small amount of water. Rub it on your face with a cotton ball, and leave it on for about 10 minutes and then wash it off with water. Do it twice daily until you notice some improvement. You can also mix it with a small amount of raw honey before applying it to your face.
3) Cucumber
Cucumber juice is helpful in reducing skin pigmentation, freckles and blemishes. It is also a popular home remedy for dark circles. Apply it on your face for about 10 to 20 minutes and rinse it off with water. Do it twice daily. You can also mix it with honey or lemon!
4) Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera works excellently on hyperpigmented skin. It contains mucilaginous polysaccharides that cause older skin to slough off, leaving clearer looking and rejuvenated skin behind. Before going to bed, apply some fresh aloe vera gel on your skin and leave it on overnight. Rinse it off in the morning. Do this for a few weeks to see positive results. Read our guide on plants that look like aloe vera, as there are many benefits worth finding out for these plants.
5) Avocado
Avocado is rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, fatty acids and oleic acids, which can effectively help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation. Mash the fruit. Apply the paste on the affected area for about 30 minutes and rinse it off. Do it twice a day. Alternatively, you can slice the avocado and directly squeeze the juice on the affected area. You can also mix it with honey or lemon!
6) Papaya
You are in luck if you have a papaya tree in your garden. Grate the papaya and extract the juice, and apply it on the affected skin. Papaya contains enzymes used for skin exfoliation. Do it twice a day, and wait patiently for the results in 1 month.
7) Coconut milk
Fresh coconut milk extracts work wonderfully for skin pigmentation. Coconut milk is rich in protein that is essential in skin regeneration. Apply it on the affected for 30 minutes to 1 hour and rinse it off, and see the positive results in no time.
8) Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is excellent when it comes to reducing hyperpigmentation on your skin. It has skin whitening effect and helps to restore your skin’s natural colour. Mix apple cider vinegar with an equal amount of water and apply it on your skin for 1 to 2 minutes, then rinse it off with water. Do this twice a day.
9) Almond and milk
Dryness of your skin can cause skin pigmentation. Almond contains natural fatty acids that can nourish and moisturize your skin. Milk is also effective in moisturizing your skin. Soak almonds overnight, remove the skin and form a paste with milk. Apply this on pigmented areas or dry skin for 30 minutes, once daily.
10) Green leafy vegetable
You are what you eat, and you can eat your skin pigmentation away. Green leafy vegetables such as spinach and bak choy contain plenty of vitamin A which is essential for your skin. Include at least one green leafy vegetable in your meals every day, and you will find yourself having smoother skin with reducing pigmentation.
Along with these 10 tips, there are many preventive measures that you can take to avoid having skin pigmentation. For instance, avoid excessive sun exposure, and applying sun screen with SPF of at least 30 if you need to go under the sun.
Please remember that the ways described above usually require a period of time before you can see some results. If you want your skin pigmentation to go away quickly, it is best to consult your doctor for treatment such as laser. Let us all work towards having a healthy and pigmentation free skin!
Final Words:
Achieving clear and radiant skin is a journey that requires patience, consistency, and a touch of natural remedies. While the allure of quick fixes is tempting, remember that nature has bestowed us with a plethora of ingredients that can aid in skin rejuvenation.
Embrace these natural solutions, and in time, you’ll witness the transformative power of Mother Nature on your skin. Stay radiant and remember to always prioritize skin health over temporary solutions.
