The skin gets its natural colour due to its melanin content. Melanin is a coloured pigment produced by specialised skin cells called melanocytes. Its production in the skin is influenced by the amount of UV or sun exposure; as a natural protective mechanism of the skin. When the melanin is in excess, the skin appears darker than usual. This is termed hyperpigmentation. On the other hand, less melanin production results in skin lighter than normal, a condition called hypopigmentation.
Excess skin pigmentation or hyperpigmentation is an outcome of various factors including high UV radiation exposure, trauma to the skin, hormonal changes, inflammatory acne breakouts, birthmarks, and acquired pigmentation. It can be categorised as superficial, deep, and mixed dermal pigmentation. Thankfully, there are many remedies and dermatologist-recommended Pigmentation Treatment in South Delhi available for excessive skin pigmentation. This page discusses various natural and clinical/cosmetic pigmentation treatments offered by top dermatologists at Soul Derma Clinic, an advanced and premium skin clinic in India.
Following are the ways by which an individual can get their pigmentation removed
First one can try out home remedies.
Best Natural Home Remedies for Pigmentation Removal
- Aloe vera- Aloe vera has aloesin, a skin-lightening component that works to inhibit melanin production in the skin.
- Green tea extract- Researchers have found green tea has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and can provide skin-lightening and depigmenting effects.
- Avocado mask- Avocados are enriched with Vitamin C, fatty acids, and oleic acid- all of which can provide a great natural remedy for hyperpigmentation.
- Milk and turmeric mask- Milk is known for its cleansing and moisturising properties while turmeric is renowned for its anti-inflammatory and bleaching properties. Together, they cleanse and exfoliate the skin to fade off dark spots.
- Apple cider vinegar- Apple cider vinegar is a superb astringent and is lauded for its anti-pigmentation properties.
- Lemon and honey- Lemon is a good bleaching agent and honey is a natural moisturiser. Their pairing helps fade away pigmentation while leaving skin soft.
Most Effective Pigmentation Treatments by Dermatologists
Dermatologists can help treat pigmentation effectively as per the cause and severity of the pigmentation issue. The options they offer for pigmentation removal include:
- Topical skin lightening creams- The topical skin products that claim to lighten the skin usually have ingredients like Vitamin C, Kojic acid, Hydroquinone, Azelaic acid, Retinoids, Corticosteroids, Niacinamide, Soy, N-acetyl glucosamine, and Arbutin. They need to be applied for months to effectively treat mild skin pigmentation.
- Laser therapy- When laser light is focused on the dark spots or patches, the melanin absorbs the light and converts it into thermal energy. This thermal energy shatters the skin-pigmented cells and fades the dark spots/patches. The broken-down melanin pigments leave the skin via the lymphatic system.
Generally, the laser devices most effective for pigmentation removal have wavelengths ranging from 532 nm to 1064 nm. Multiple laser sessions spaced a few weeks apart are usually needed to get the desired results.
- Chemical peels- During a chemical peel treatment for pigmentation, a non-toxic mask of acid is applied to the affected areas of the skin. There are three peel types, based on their strength and skin-penetration ability: superficial, medium, and deep peels.
Depending upon the extent or type of pigmentation, the type of peel is chosen. An example of a peel effective for mild pigmentation removal is the glycolic acid peel. For moderate and deep pigmentation removal, the chemical peel options include salicylic acid peel, kojic acid peel, and trichloroacetic acid peel. Mild and moderate peel treatments need to be repeated to get optimal fading out of pigmentation while deep peels can give the desired results in a single treatment. One can talk with Best Skin Specialist in South Delhi at Soul Derma for more details on chemical peels for their pigmentation or skin tanning removal.
- Microdermabrasion- This is a skin resurfacing technique in which a minimally abrasive tool is used to gently sand the skin and suction out cell debris. There are different methods to perform microdermabrasion, based on the microdermabrasion device used. Diamond microdermabrasion involves the use of a diamond-tipped wand to exfoliate the skin. In crystal microdermabrasion, micro-fine ablative crystals are sprayed onto the skin and the dead skin cells are removed with vacuum suction. Hydra dermabrasion is the latest method wherein there is a simultaneous infusion of medicinal products in the skin and exfoliation without the use of abrasive crystals. With every microdermabrasion session, lighter skin appears than before.
- Microneedling- This treatment involves rolling multiple microneedles over the pigmented skin. The skin needling device helps create multiple micro-wounds in the skin that boost collagen remodelling and microchannels in the skin that later can help improve the absorption of skin-lightening topicals when applied later.
Can pigmentation be prevented?
Although there are ways to get rid of pigmentation, some tricks and tips can prevent hyperpigmentation and even reduce it. These include:
Always wear broad-spectrum sunscreen before heading out during daytime hours.
- Keep your body well-hydrated at all times and eat nutritious meals.
- Practise a good, consistent skincare routine as per skin type.
- Avoid over or frequent sun exposure and even tanning.
Pigmentation is now a common skin concern and can be treated with the help of experts. Get in touch with a dermatologist and pigmentation treatment doctor at Soul Derma for more information on effective treatment for pigmentation removal.