Jan 21, 2022

4 Steps on How To Get Rid of Pigmentation on Face

Skin pigmentation is darker patches of skin that occur from excess melanin production. This type of hyperpigmentation can affect your face and the rest of your body. The exact cause of a spike in melanin varies.

Some people develop pigmentation from acne scars, sun damage, or hormone changes. If you're struggling with pigmentation, you're not alone. It is a very common skin condition, and there are many different ways to treat it.

We are going to go over everything you need to know about pigmentation. You will soon have a better understanding of your options to get rid of the discoloration on your face.

Causes of Pigmentation

Before we dive into treatment options, let's review why pigmentation happens. There are a few common causes this skin condition develops, and knowing the reasons can help you prevent it from recurring.

Inflammation: Skin trauma can cause inflammation and discoloration. Trauma isn't just an injury. It can be acne, bug bites, and even scratching. When your skin becomes inflamed, it sends pigment-producing cells into overdrive. Once you heal from the injury, you're left with a dark spot.

Sun Exposure: You probably already know the sun's UV rays can be harmful to your skin. One of the potential side effects of over-exposure to the sun is pigmentation. Your body boosts melanin production as a way to protect itself from the sun, resulting in sun spots.

Melasma: The dreaded pregnancy mask, or melasma, is when brown patches occur on a pregnant woman's skin. This type of pigmentation is the result of hormonal changes in the body. However, it can occur in men dealing with hormonal changes. It can also be triggered by sun exposure and genetics.

Medical Conditions or Medication: Pigmentation can be the result of certain medical conditions or medications. One example is Addison's disease, which is an adrenal gland disorder that can trigger melanin production.

Some drugs like antibiotics or some chemotherapy drugs can also cause pigmentation. If you think a condition or medication could be causing your dark spots, consult your doctor.

At-Home Pigmentation Treatment

When you notice pigmentation on your face, you can try some at-home treatments. There are several remedies believed to help this skin discoloration. You can give them a try and see if you notice any improvement.

Apple Cider Vinegar

The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar may be able to lighten pigmentation. You'll want to combine the vinegar with water in a bowl or container. Next, apply the mixture to your dark patches and allow it to sit for a few minutes.

Finally, wash the vinegar off your face using lukewarm water. You'll want to repeat this process twice a day until you see improvement.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera has natural depigmenting compounds that can lighten the skin. It is a nontoxic treatment and can work effectively for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Try it:

Take pure aloe vera gel and apply it to pigmented areas at night.
Rinse your face with warm water when you wake up.
Repeat these steps until you get desired results.

Green Tea Extract

Green tea extract is another natural remedy for fighting pigmentation. You'll need to find the extract and follow the directions on how to use it in your skincare routine. You can also use tea bags, although they may not be as effective.

Black Tea Water

One animal study found that black tea water lightens the pigmentation on guinea pigs. They applied the black tea water twice a day, six days a week for four weeks.

You can try this method at home by:

Combine a tablespoon of fresh black tea leaves with a cup of boiling distilled water.
Steep the tea for two hours and then take out the leaves.
Take a cotton ball or cotton pad and soak it in the tea water.
Apply the tea to pigmentation twice a day.
Repeat these steps twice a day for four weeks.
Try Retinoids

Retinoids and retinols are derived from vitamin A and can be very beneficial to treating pigmentation. It easily penetrates the layers of your skin and stimulates cell turnover. They don't only help with discoloration but also acne and wrinkles.

Retinoid creams increase collagen production and cause new blood vessels to develop. The result is an improvement in skin color. It can also soften rough patches and decrease dead skin cells.

You have to consistently use it for three to six months before noticing improvement. You may also experience dryness and skin irritation when you start using a retinoid. Doctors recommend using it every other day, in the beginning, to allow your skin to adjust.

This medication also makes your skin sensitive to the sun, so wearing sunscreen or sun protection every day is vital. When you struggle with pigmentation, you should already be using SPF. Choose a sunblock with SPF 30 or higher for proper protection.

You can get a prescription for retinoid or use over-the-counter products. However, non-prescription options are not as strong. If you don't see any results after a few months, you may need to see a dermatologist to get a prescription retinoid.

3. Get a Chemical Peel

A chemical peel, such as one containing glycolic acid, can be an excellent option for getting rid of pigmentation on your face. The peel uses acids to remove the top layer of the skin. Some chemical peels penetrate deeper into the middle layer of your skin and produce better results.

Although you can get a chemical peel over-the-counter, you need to see a professional for dramatic results. You may experience irritation, redness, and blistering. It takes about seven to 14 days to heal after you get a peel. Discuss the possible side effects and healing process with your dermatologist.

A chemical peel is a great option for people struggling with age spots, sun damage, melasma, and blotchy skin. Peels also help treat acne and diminish fine lines and wrinkles. They are ideal for people with fairer skin tones. They also give you much quicker results than other treatments.

4. Cover With Makeup

Makeup can give you the appearance of even flawless-looking skin. While it's not going to treat pigmentation, it can give you your desired complexion. Choose a foundation that offers medium to full coverage.

One option is HIDE Premium Foundation. It provides buildable coverage and can cover almost anything, from psoriasis to dermatitis. The soft-matte finish and liquid formulation work with all skin types.

You will also need a high-quality concealer, like HIDE Premium Concealer. It is ultra-lightweight so that you can wear it all day with an undetectable finish. The concealer is also shine-proof and sweat-resistant.

Start by applying an even layer of foundation over your face, don't forget to blend it onto your neck. You can use a foundation brush or damp makeup sponge to blend.

Next, apply a concealer the same shade as your foundation to areas you have pigmentation. You can also apply it to your under-eyes and other imperfections. Blend it out into your foundation to achieve an even complexion. You can set your base with a translucent setting powder or setting spray before or after finishing the rest of your makeup.

Pigmentation Be Gone

You don't have to live with pigmentation with so many treatments and therapies available. Some options take time to work, so you will have to be patient, and be careful of what you try if you have an underlying medical condition. In the meantime, there's always makeup to cover any discoloration.

HIDE products will make covering pigmentation easy. The coverage will last all day and won't irritate your skin. You can have the complexion you've always wanted!