Skin Pigmentation (Hyper & Hypo Pigmentation) – Causes, Treatments & Skincare Tips

ABSTRACT

Pigmentation is a major concern today, and it is determined by genetic, ethnic, and physiological factors. Human skin pigmentation and melanin synthesis are highly variable. Melanin is a pigment that provides color to human skin while also protecting it from harmful UV radiation. During the day, our skin is exposed to electromagnetic wavelengths of solar radiation, including visible light (UV-A and UV-B). UV-B rays induce skin pigmentation by increasing melanin synthesis, whereas UVA rays cause visible pigmentation. To protect our skin from these harmful radiations, people use chemically synthesised topical creams, which can have side effects. Somehow, human skin is sensitive and shows reactions to many products.

WHAT EXACTLY IS THE PIGMENTATION OF THE SKIN?

Pigmentation simply refers to a change in skin color. Skin pigmentation disorders primarily influence the color of the skin. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including sunlight, genetics, and certain chemically induced medications.

HOW DOES MELANIN AFFECT SKIN PIGMENTATION?

Skin pigmentation refers to melanin production, specifically how much melanin the body produces, which is the primary determinant of the color of the skin, hair, and eyes. Melanin is produced by epidermal units in the human skin. This process is referred to as melanogenesis. Keratinocytes and melanocytes, which are found in the epidermis’ basal layer, are primarily responsible for skin pigmentation. Melanocytes in the skin’s epidermis produce two types of melanin: eumelanin and pheomelanin. Eumelanin is a brown-black pigment that causes darker skin tones. This pigment protects the skin from sunburn and absorbs UV rays from sunlight. Darker skin tones correspond to higher levels of this pigment production. Eumelanin can also protect the skin against cancer, which is an added benefit.

Pheomelanin – This reddish yellow pigment causes lighter skin tones. This pigment does not absorb UV rays, but it does have some benefits, including controlling body temperature and keeping the body cool in hot weather by reflecting heat away from the body. Melanoma and other types of skin cancers are preventable.

TYPES OF SKIN PIGMENTATION DISORDERS

1. Hypopigmentation occurs when the skin tone changes and becomes lighter.
2. Hyperpigmentation occurs when it becomes darker.

Cause Of Hypopigmentation

Hypopigmentation, also known as hypomelanosis, is defined by a decrease in melanin production. This type is extremely common in both children and adults. Hypopigmentation can be caused by normal aging, environmental factors (cumulative sun exposure), inflammatory causes, autoimmune conditions, or infectious causes such as fungal, chemical, or malignant diseases, as well as inherited conditions. Prior skin symptoms could include blisters, infections, burns, and chemical exposures.

Numerous hereditary disorders are also involved, including:

1. Albinism is derived from the Latin word albus, which means white. This is a heritable condition that results from autosomal recessive inheritance. It is associated with decreased melanin levels in ectoderm-derived tissues, resulting in a reduction in skin pigmentation. This condition primarily affects the skin and hair.

Symptoms: The skin may burn easily in the sun, and some people with albinism will develop pink freckles and moles as a result of reduced or no melanin production. Also, their hair color will change from white to brown, and albinism may impair their vision.

2. Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease that does not spread and can affect people of any age, gender, or ethnicity. The situation is photosensitive.

Symptoms: Skin color loss typically begins on the hands, face, and areas near body openings and genitals. The eyelashes, scalp, brows, and beard became white or gray. The tissues that line the mouth and nose have lost their color.

3. Pityriasis alba is commonly seen in adults and children. The word pityriasis is derived from the appearance, such as the fine scales, and the word ‘alba’ refers to the pale color.

Symptoms: The lesions are typically found on the face, cheeks, and arms, and are more common in people with dark skin.

Causes of Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation indicates increased melanin production. Melasma is one type of hyperpigmentation that is also known as chloasma. This type is more common among women, particularly during pregnancy. The most common cause of hyperpigmentation is sun exposure, which increases melanin production.

1. Melasma: is a skin problem that is more common in women than in men. Melasma stimulates melanocytes with the female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone, resulting in an excess of melanin pigment when the skin is exposed to sunlight.

Symptoms: Most people develop gray-brown patches on the cheeks, chin, nose bridge, forehead, and above the upper lip.

2. Lentigo: A small pigmented spot on the skin with a clearly defined edge surrounded by normal-looking skin. These are particularly common on sun-exposed areas such as your face and back of your hands.

Symptoms: They may be tan, brown, or black in color. A lentigo causes no pain. One may notice the signs when they become older; the spots are darker than the natural color.

HOME REMEDIES

There are several home remedies that might help with the skin pigmentation disorder. Following are the remedies explained below:

1. Can Turmeric Help Remove Pigmentation?

Turmeric is an age-old remedy that is helpful with skin issues. By adding turmeric to your skincare routine, you can brighten your skin tone and reduce dark spots and pigmentation. There are so many skincare products available on the market that contain turmeric. But it is best to use raw turmeric extract with the curd or milk. One can directly apply this as a paste. This might work for skin pigmentation.

2. Does Coffee Remove Pigmentation?

Coffee has exfoliation properties; it removes dead skin cells and gives your face a good glow. Also, coffee has many anti-inflammatory compounds, such as melanoidins and chlorogenic acid. The chlorogenic acid also helps reduce hyperpigmentation.

3. How Does Yogurt Or Milk Help With Pigmentation?

Milk or yogurt contains lactic acid; applying yogurt or milk directly to the pigmented area with a soak ball of cotton is helpful, and repeating this process two times a day may help in improving the skin spots.

4. How Do Green Tea Bags Help With Skin Pigmentation?

The green tea leaves contain gallic acid and ellagic acid. The major active ingredient of green tea is epigallocatechin-3-gallate; this can help with the pigmentation of the skin in some cases. Applying a wet green tea bag to the pigmented area for a few minutes every day can help. Green tea can also effectively reduce melasma, which is a severe form of hyperpigmentation.

5. Aloe Vera Can Also Reduce Hyperpigmentation

The active ingredient in aloe vera is called aloesin, or aloin, which could help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation by destroying the existing melanin cells and also prevent further formation of melanin in the skin. One can make the gel from the fresh leaves and directly apply it to the face.

WHAT ARE THE BEST FRUIT EXTRACTS FOR REDUCING SKIN PIGMENTATION?

The fruit extracts are a non-comedogenic way to rejuvenate the skin by removing dead skin cells, which promotes moisture and delivers antioxidants. It is better to use the fruit extracts in skin care rather than using the lab made chemical products.

• Citrus fruits like lemon, orange, strawberries, pineapple, kiwi, and grapes work magically on pigmented skin. Vitamin C is very essential for the skin and it helps reduce dark spots, hyperpigmenttation and acne. When fruit extracts are applied to the skin, they help revitalize the skin by dissolving dead cells from the surface, which retains the skin’s moisture.
• Lemons act best as antioxidants and have skin lightening properties that protect the skin from UV rays. They also reduce dark spots.
• Papaya consists of enzymes, beta carotene, vitamins and phytochemicals that directly help with scars and uneven skin pigmentation. These ingredients help with skin lightening effects, maintain skin tone and provide good texture to the skin.
• Bananas contain vitamin A, which is essential for healthy and youthful looking skin. Applying banana peel to the skin may help reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation, as it contains enzymes and natural acids such as citric acid and lutein.
• Juices like aloe vera are also best for reducing pigmentation, as they contain minerals and nutrients.

AYURVEDIC OVERVIEW

In Ayurveda, skin pigmentation is related to ‘vyanga’, derived from the root words vi (refers to vikriti) and anga (refers to a normal body part). The ayurvedic literature texts have defined this disorder as a disease that manifests over the face due to an imbalance of vata and pitta doshas. They produce painless (neeruja), thin (tanu), bluish/black brown (shyama), and circular patches (mandalanvita). Factors such as sun exposure, hormonal imbalances, inflammation, and genetics may all play a role.

Planet Ayurveda understands the importance of taking a comprehensive approach to treating hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation that takes into account both external symptoms and internal imbalances.

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR SKIN PIGMENTATION BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda offers the best of herbal remedies. It deals with the natural herbs that are extracted from the plants. These herbal-formulated products give relief for diseases like skin pigmentation, depigmentation, albinism, vitiligo and many more skin related diseases. Planet Ayurveda assisted with great herbal remedies for all of these diseases, with all formulations being natural and free of chemicals.

PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION

1. GLEAMING SKIN, HAIR, AND NAILS FORMULA

The gleaming skin, hair, and nail formula of Planet Ayurveda is made with herbs like Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), Pit papda (Fumaria indica), Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus) and Ghrit kumari (Aloe barbadensis). This helps in clearing the toxins from the body, provides nourishment to the skin, hair and nails, and also strengthens the hair.

Dosage: Take one to two capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

2. MANJISHTHA CAPSULES

These are made with the standardised extract of Rubia cordifolia (manjistha).The herb manjistha possesses potent skin brightening properties, and this herb helps in inhibiting the production of melanin, which is responsible for the skin darkening. These help to maintain healthy blood circulation.

Dosage: Take one to two capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

3. NEEM CAPSULES

The neem capsules of Planet Ayurveda are made with the standardised extract of Neem Latin (Azadirachta indica). The neem herb has extraordinary advantages for skin, body and hair. It is known for its bitter taste and blood cleansing power.

Dosage: Take one to two capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

4. GANDHAK RASAYAN

Planet Ayurveda’s Gandhak rasayan is made with Shuddha gandhak or purified sulphur. This promotes healthy skin while also reducing scars and preventing them from returning. It eliminates all the toxins and is very useful in managing skin pigmentations.

Dosage: Take one to two tablets twice or three times per day with lukewarm water after meals.

5. ALOE VITALS

The aloe vitals of Planet Ayurveda are made with the standardized extract of Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) also known as ghrit kumari. This is good for maintaining healthy skin and a healthy metabolism. It pacifies all three doshas and is the natural product used to reduce skin inflammation.

Dosage: Take one to two capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

6. NAVKARSHIK CHURNA

The Navkarshik churna of Planet Ayurveda is made with ingredients such as Amla (Emblica officinalis) or Indian gooseberry, Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Bahera (Terminalia billerica) or Belleric myrobalan, Vacha (Acorus calamus) or sweet flag, Neem (Azadirachta indica) or Margosa tree, Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) , Katuki (Picrorrhiza kurroa), Daruhaldi (Berberis aristata) or barberry and Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) also known as Indian madder. The amalaki is rich in vitamin C , so it helps in removing the toxins and is beneficial for skin. It improves the immunity and acts as an immunomodulator.

Dosage: take one teaspoonful twice daily, after meals, with plain water.

7. BABCHI OIL

The babchi oil of Planet Ayurveda is made with the babchi seed (Psoralea corylifolia). This is used for external application on the skin and helps to keep the vata and kapha doshas in a balanced state. Babchi oil is a potent natural remedy for various health and skincare concerns.

Dosage/Usage: For local applications. Or as directed by the physician. Babachi oil can be used with coconut oil and applied locally.

Some Herbal Skin Care Products From Planet Ayurveda As Discussed Below:

1. GREEN TEA ALOE VERA SCRUB

The green essential gel scrub of Planet Ayurveda is made with hand picked green tea and refreshing aloe vera gel. This is a gentle but effective formulation used as a facial cleanser. The ingredients present are Aloe gel (Aloe barbedensis), green tea extract (Camellia sinensis), Allantoin, Glycerin, etc.

Method of application: Mix a small amount of scrub with a few drops of water in the palm of your hand, lightly massage on to the skin’s surface, then rinse with lukewarm water. Follow with an appropriate mask. Use this twice a week. Always exfoliate in circular motions in an upward direction.

2. ROSE TONER

The rose toner of Planet Ayurveda is made with key ingredients like (gulab) rose extract and oil (Rosa domestica), (pudina) mint oil (Mentha peprita), and green tea extract (Camellia sinensis). This rose toner is particularly good for all skin types, including sensitive and maturing skin.

Method of application: after cleansing , mist 3-4 pumps directly on the face with a cotton pad or palm and pat on the face. Let it dry or wipe with the cotton pad.

3. CUCUMBER TONER

The cucumber toner of Planet Ayurveda is made with (kheera) cucumber extract (Cucumis sativus), aloe vera extract (Aloe barbedensis), and (pudina) mint oil (Mentha peprita). This toner helps with oil control, pore tightening and also acts as a deep cleanser with natural herbs.

Method of application: After cleansing, mist 3-4 pumps directly on the face with a cotton pad or palm and pat the face. Let it dry or wipe with the cotton pad.

4. ROSE ALMOND HONEY CLEANSING SCRUB

The rose almond honey is made with finely ground almonds and delicate rose petals extracted, combined with the moisture retaining honey and aloe vera gel. The key ingredients involved in rose almond honey scrub are Rosa extract (Rosa domestica), almond oil (Prunus dulcis), aloe gel (Aloe barbedensis), honey and glycerine. This scrub gently exfoliates and removes dead skin cells.

Method of application: Mix a small amount of scrub with a few drops of water in the palm of your hand, lightly massage on to the skin’s surface, then rinse with lukewarm water. Follow with an appropriate mask. Use this twice a week. Exfoliate your face and neck every three days. Always exfoliate in circular motions in an upward direction.

CONCLUSION

Skin pigmentation is one of the most common medical concerns. This article concludes the treatments and home remedies discussed in the Ayurvedic literature context. Many people use topical ointments and chemical drugs to treat hypo- and hyperpigmentation. Planet Ayurveda gives the best and most holistic approach to skin related disorders and other health concerns. With herbal remedies and ayurvedic health experts suggestions, one can be treated for these disorders. One can be fully cured with herbal medicine by taking persistent herbal diet plans as given by ayurvedic health experts.