City residents more prone to hyperpigmentation: Experts recommend home remedies

Cosmetic products like concealers and colour correctors are magic wands that help us hide dark patches and other kinds of skin discolourations dark circles acne and blemishes However these little premium sticks and tubes are temporary fixes and far from treating the skin condition from its roots Dark patches that gradually develop on our faces are a case of hyperpigmentationSkin experts say hyperpigmentation mostly affects people who reside in urban areas While hyperpigmentation may seem like a minor skin condition it is essential to treat it in time to avoid severe skin diseases If you have been profusely looking for tips to get rid of those dark patches sitting on your face we have skin gurus dishing out skinfriendly tips to help you manage hyperpigmentation effectively Causes of hyperpigmentationDr Rinky Kapoor consultant dermatologist cosmetic dermatologist and dermatosurgeon The Esthetic Clinics says ldquoDark spots or patches on the face also known as hyperpigmentation can be caused by various factors including overexposure to the sun hormonal imbalances especially during pregnancies certain medications genetic factors and skin injuries Pigmentation refers to discolouration on your face One common abnormality that leads to darkening of the skin is excessive melanin productionrdquoMelanin is a pigment that gives skin its colour and when produced in excess due to factors like sun exposure or hormonal changes it can result in dark spots on the face Hyperpigmentation is an extension of this skin condition that further leads to darkening of the skin or forms of dark spotsDr Dinyar Workingboxwalla skin guru Beauty by BiE elucidates ldquoHyperpigmentation is becoming more prevalent among urban individuals The primary reasons behind this trend are the rise in environmental pollutants heightened stress levels and lifestyle factors typical of urban livingrdquoHe goes on to state ldquoExposure to pollution can lead to oxidative stress on the skin which can contribute to hyperpigmentation Moreover urban dwellers often face high levels of stress due to fastpaced lifestyles which can disrupt hormonal balance and exacerbate skin issues Unhealthy habits like smoking inadequate sleep and poor diet further aggravate pigmentation problems Additionally urban individuals tend to spend more time outdoors increasing their exposure to harmful UV rays without proper sun protection leading to suninduced hyperpigmentation Overall the combination of these factors makes hyperpigmentation increasingly common among urban populationsrdquoOther reasons for dark patches on the faceAlthough hyperpigmentation is the most common cause of dark patches developing on the skin there can be other conditions too behind this These include1 Melasma Also known as chloasma melasma is a skin condition that appears on the chin forehead upper lip and cheeks It is most commonly detected in pregnant women or people facing hormonal changes2 Age spots Also known as sun spots they are flat brown spots typically found on those areas of the face or body that are overtly exposed to sunlight and lead to chronic sun damage3 Tinea versicolor Pityriasis versicolor This fungal infection causes patches on the skin to become lighter or darker than the surrounding areaOther conditions such as acne or eczema can also trigger this response in the skin causing dark spots that may take time to fadeMedical treatment for hyperpigmentationDermatological treatments for dark patches involve a combination of therapies to effectively manage and lighten the areas of discolourationKapoor shares ldquoMedical treatment options for this condition typically include topical creams containing ingredients such as hydroquinone retinoids vitamin C and corticosteroids which help in regulating melanin production in the skin Even chemical peels or laser therapies may also be recommended by dermatologists to reduce the appearance of dark patchesrdquoAdditionally Workingboxwalla also lists microdermabrasion and light therapy as treatments for hyperpigmentation ldquoMicrodermabrasion is a minimally abrasive technique that removes the top layer of skin to even skin tone Light therapy is an intense pulsed light IPL therapy that can target pigmentproducing cells and lighten dark patchesrdquoHome remedies for effective management of hyperpigmentationldquoWhile hyperpigmentation can be addressed by inoffice procedures theres a treasure trove of home remedies at your disposal Think of it as a natural firstaid kit for your skin However remember consistency is keyrdquo says WorkingboxwallaThese remedies as suggested by the skin guru work best when incorporated into your daily routine1 Natural lighteners Aloe vera gel buttermilk and yoghurt are all rich in lactic acid which gently exfoliates and brightens2 Antioxidant power Green tea boasts incredible antiinflammatory and lightening properties Soak a cotton pad and swipe it across affected areas3 Sun protection This is nonnegotiable Daily sunscreen with SPF 30 or 35 is your best defence against worsening pigmentationBe it medical treatments or home remedies it takes time to see the desired results Skin experts hail consistency and patience as key to treating any skin or cosmetic condition Kapoor states ldquo Factors such as skin type the severity of discolouration and the chosen treatment approach all play significant roles in determining the timeline for achieving clear skin Its essential to understand that quick fixes are often temporary solutions that may not yield lasting results Instead adopting a holistic approach that combines skincare products with lifestyle changes like wearing sunscreen daily maintaining a healthy diet and managing stress levels can accelerate the fading process of dark patchesrdquoAdding to this Workingboxwalla says ldquoIt typically takes several weeks to a few months to fade dark patches on the skin depending on various factors such as the cause of the pigmentation skincare regimen and individual skin response Consistent use of targeted treatments along with sun protection can expedite the process Always consult with a dermatologist for personalised advicerdquoSerious repercussions of ignoring the conditionsIf left untreated or ignored dark patches on the skin can potentially lead to serious consequences Apart from being a cosmetic concern these dark spots could indicate underlying health issues such as hormonal imbalances or skin disordersKapoor says ldquoIgnoring these patches may increase pigmentation making them more difficult to lighten over time Some dark patches may be precancerous lesions that require immediate medical attention By neglecting to address these spots promptly individuals are putting themselves at risk of developing skin cancer Early detection and treatment are crucial in preventing further complications and ensuring optimal healthrdquoSeconding Kapoor Workingboxwalla too says ldquoIf left untreated or ignored dark patches can lead to worsening hyperpigmentation increased risk of skin cancer and longlasting damage to the skins texture and tone Its crucial to address dark patches promptly to prevent further complications and maintain healthy skin Always prioritise your skin health and seek professional advice if neededrdquoHomemade masks for hyperpigmentationBy Kapoor1 Turmeric and yoghurt maskTo make this pack mix a teaspoon of turmeric powder with two tablespoons of plain yogurt Apply the thick paste to your face and leave it on for 1520 minutes before rinsing off with warm waterTurmeric has natural skinlightening properties while yogurt helps in moisturising and soothing the skin and manages hyperpigmentation2 Oatmeal and honey scrubMake this scrub by mixing a tablespoon of ground oats with one tablespoon of honeyMassage it onto damp skin in circular motions for a few minutes before washing it off with lukewarm waterOatmeal gently exfoliates the skin removing dead cells that can contribute to hyperpigmentation while honey acts as a natural humectant that keeps the skin nourishedBy Workingboxwalla1 Lemon and honey face packIn a small bowl mix a tablespoon of lemon juice and honey Apply the mixture to the affected areas and leave it on for 1015 minutes Rinse off with lukewarm waterLemon juice contains vitamin C which helps brighten the skin and fade dark spotsHoney has antibacterial properties and helps moisturise the skin promoting healing and reducing inflammation2 Aloe vera and cucumber face packFor making this face pack use two tablespoons of aloe vera gel and a tablespoon of cucumber juice Mix aloe vera gel and cucumber juice until well combined Apply the mixture to the face and leave it on for 1520 minutes Rinse off with cool waterAloe vera has soothing and healing properties that help reduce inflammation and promote skin regeneration aiding in fading dark spots Cucumber juice contains antioxidants and silica which help lighten pigmentation and hydrate the skin giving it a refreshed appearanceBesides these topical remedies focus on other lifestyle factors such as diet and stress management as they too play a significant role in managing this conditionCommon mistakes to avoidLastly both Kapoor and Workingboxwalla suggest certain mistakes you must avoid making in the process of your skincare 1 Overexfoliating Excessive exfoliation can strip the skin of its natural oils leading to irritation and dryness Stick to exfoliating 23 times a week Also opt for gentle exfoliants2 Skipping sunscreen Neglecting sunscreen can result in premature ageing hyperpigmentation and increased risk of skin cancer Apply sunscreen daily even on cloudy days Look for sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and reapply throughout the day especially if youre spending extended time outdoors3 Using harsh products Harsh cleansers or skincare products can disrupt the skins pH balance and cause irritation Opt for gentle pHbalanced formulas suitable for your skin type Further Using skincare products that are not suitable for your skin type can worsen existing concerns or cause new issues to arise Take the time to understand your skins specific needs ndash whether its oily dry sensitive or combination and choose products formulated to address those concerns4 Picking blemishes Picking blemishes can worsen inflammation increase the risk of scarring and spread bacteria Resist the urge to pick and instead treat blemishes with targeted spot treatments5 Neglecting hydration Dehydrated skin is more prone to fine lines dullness and irritation Drink plenty of water and use a moisturiser to keep the skin hydrated and suppleYou can maintain healthy glowing skin by avoiding these common mistakes and adopting a consistent skincare routine tailored to your skins needsConsulting with a dermatologist can also help determine the best skincare routine tailored to your needsDisclaimer This information does not replace professional medical advice Consult a qualified specialist or your physician for personalised guidance