When it comes to pigmentation on skin, they are common among all age groups irrespective of genders. Even though they look different under every skin like spots, patches, skin tone, marks, etc they all come under this thing called “face pigmentation”. Varies from person to person, but they all fall under the same category. The sole reason for these pigmentation includes “Melanin”, which is nothing but the one which decides how our skin color will be.
Even though melanin is the one which decides the color, we are wholly responsible for how the melanin should be in our body. This depends on how our lifestyle has been working for the whole day. So, yes. You can keep the levels under check. And also pigmentation does appear in many forms, and initially identifying them will help you go in the right direction.
In this blog, you will know in detail about the root cause/reason for pigmentation, types, ways to prevent them, natural remedies, and everything in detail.
Common Reasons for Pigmentation on the Face
1. Sun Exposure
The biggest nightmare for pigmented skin is exposing them under UV rays. They decide to fluctuate your melanin levels and also will lead to even more darker pigmentation on the skin.
When the skin is exposed to light frequently without the right dose of protection, they will give sunspots, freckles, uneven skin tone, dark patches on skin, and more.
These spots are often referred to as sun pigmentation, which is mainly on skin areas which are exposed to sunlight. To protect, using SPF sunscreen while walking around in the sun is the best choice.
2. Hormonal Changes
When it comes to hormonal imbalance in the body, they do contribute directly to facial pigmentation. When hormones fluctuate, they tend to increase the melanin levels and lead to patches on the skin.
These hormonal changes commonly occur and are seen during pregnancy, birth control, menopause, and more which appears and commonly named as “Melasma” on cheek area, nose, and upper lip.
3. Acne & Inflammation on Skin
Post active acne on skin, they will often leave marks which is often referred to the term “Post Inflammatory Pigmentation”. When skin inflammation gets increased, the melasma also increases while leaving dark spots on the skin.
While these spots pop up, it will also lead to other skincare concerns like rashes, allergies, pimples, breakouts, and more. Treating them with beautifying serum initially is vital because, once the scar become ages, it is difficult to hide them!
4. Aging
As we age, the skin loses its ability to repair itself. So, the exposure to sun rays and the environmental damages do get accumulated for years and leads to skin pigmentation issues.
In such a way, the age related pigmentation will often lead to age spots, liver spots, and even skin tone discoloration. This is common among people under 30 years, and increases over time.
5. Genetics
At times, rather than skincare and lifestyle, there is genetics which decides how our skin will be! When your parents have issues like melasma, pigmentation, etc there are changes that you will get them too!
Genetical pigmentation does not go away easily, but when the routine is consistent and manageable they will be under control.
6. Harsh Skincare Products
When the skincare products you are using are not suitable for your skin, they will lead to damage and increase the pigmentation more. So, ensure using the right products and proper exfoliating routine so that they do not irritate your skin.
When wrong products are opted, they will lead to irritated and inflamed skin. For simple and everyday usage opting for vitamin C serum is the best choice.
7. Pollution-Environmental Damage
When the environmental factors like dust, smoke, pollution, etc are been exposed to skin, they will affect and enhance your melanin production in the skin.
Too much pollution being exposed to skin will lead to dull skin, uneven complexion, and even patches on the skin. Proper cleansing and the right product in PM routine can help in preventing the skin damages earlier.
Facial Pigmentation - Categories
Knowing the categories and types of pigmentation helps in making you choose the right kind of treatment for your skin.
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Type
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Description
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Sunspots
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Exists because of long-term sun exposure
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Melasma
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Hormonal pigmentation appearing in patches
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Post-inflammatory pigmentation
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Dark spots left after acne or skin injury
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Freckles
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Small brown spots often influenced by genetics
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Age spots
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Pigmentation that appears with aging
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Preventing Facial Pigmentation - Simple Steps
Knowing the way to prevent pigmentation is way better than going with the treatment. Going with the right kind of routine for your skin everyday helps:
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Ensure to use SPF Sunscreen in your morning skincare to cure and prevent the pigmentation on the skin. Opting for minimum SPF 30 Sunscreen is a better choice.
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Using proper cleansing, hydrating, and exfoliating is better to maintain a healthy skin barrier.
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When you get acne on the skin, treating them early is vital. This way, the breakouts will not cause marks on the skin.
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Keeping your plate healthy is important; Include fruits, colored vegetables, sprouts, green leafy, etc in your diet.
Ingredients That Help Reduce Pigmentation
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Ingredient
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Benefit for Skin
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Suitable For
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Vitamin C
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Brightens skin and reduces dark spots
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Dull and uneven skin
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Niacinamide
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Controls melanin production
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Pigmentation and acne marks
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Licorice Extract
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Lightens dark patches
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Sensitive skin
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Kojic Acid
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Helps fade stubborn pigmentation
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Hyperpigmented skin
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Alpha Arbutin
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Improves overall skin tone
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Uneven complexion
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Help Reduce Pigmentation - Natural Remedies
Even though there are lot of professional treatments available, there are natural ingredients which will help like:
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Aloe vera gel mask on skin.
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Potato juice as spot treatment
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Licorice paste or mask on the skin
The above set of ingredients helps in calming the skin while also improving your skin tone over time.
Conclusion
When it comes to facial pigmentation, they are because of various external skin concerns like sun exposure, hormonal changes,scars, genetics, and more. Even though it’s common, treating them before it worsens helps in managing them effectively.
Keeping your lifestyle under check helps in reducing the risk of pigmentation. So, take care of your skin regularly and you will get clearer, brighter, and even toned skin.