Skin Pigmentation Home Remedies To Reduce Dark Spots

While we all know skin pigmentation is usually harmless, it doesn’t stop the fact that we would rather live without them.

In fact, many Singaporeans say the same — more than 58% of Singaporean women aged 35 to 44 stated that pigmentation and dark spots were their primary skin concerns.

That might be why skin pigmentation treatments, hyperpigmentation treatments and melasma treatments are skyrocketing in Singapore!

However, this doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do to treat skin pigmentation at home.

In this article, we’ll answer your questions about what causes these dark skin pigmentation spots and the various home remedies you can try to treat them!

What is skin pigmentation and what causes it?

Skin pigmentation is a common skin condition that causes specific areas of skin to become darker than its surrounding skin.

A few of the common causes of skin pigmentation include:

• Excess of melanin production in the skin cells
• Excess exposure to the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays
• Previous trauma to the skin such as scars, acne marks and skin blemishes
• Hormonal changes for women during pregnancy or menopause
• Medical conditions or medical treatments, such as chemotherapy
• A family history of hyperpigmentation

What home remedies can you use to treat pigmentation? 

While home remedies don’t necessarily treat skin pigmentation directly, they have been proven to be effective in preventing and treating the cause of skin hyperpigmentation in the first place!

Some of the home remedies that you can try include:

Reducing the effect of scarring with aloe vera 

For some, dark spots from hyperpigmentation can stem from scarring, which can be especially apparent on those with more melanin-rich skin.

As scars are unpredictable, the most important thing is to treat right away with aloe vera!

That’s because the more pliable your skin is, the less chance there is that scars will occur, so adding moisture back into the skin with aloe can reduce the appearance and prevent new ones from forming.

A tried and true ingredient, aloe has been used for generations to improve the skin’s health from the inside or outside.

Don’t have an aloe plant on hand? Aloe vera gel can be found in most pharmacies at an affordable price!

Soothe your skin and reduce uneven spots with almond oil  

Another skin-strengthening ingredient that can be used both in the kitchen and on the complexion is almond oil!

However, the almond oil commonly used to cook isn’t quite the same as that used on the skin, which is often fortified with additional vitamins and minerals.

Look out for almond oil that has Vitamin E and niacin to help with hyperpigmentation and improve skin tone. As a bonus, it is also non-comedogenic (meaning it won’t clog your pores)!

Give BHA and AHA cleansers a try  

Typically, cleansers with beta hydroxy acids, like salicylic, and alpha hydroxy acids, like glycolic and lactic, are marketed to teens and those who suffer from acne (if your pigmentation is coming from acne scars, this is perfect too!).

However, it can also help other skin types by gently exfoliating the surface and unclogging pores, which makes way for newer, brighter skin!

 Give concentrated spot treatments   a try too

Spot treatments allow you to target pigmentation marks more effectively with a concentrated dose.

Today, there are a ton of brightening ingredients to look for, but some of the more effective ones on the market right now are peony and licorice root extract, kojic acid, vitamin C and E, niacinamide, and alpha arbutin.

Ask your doctor or dermatologist for hydroquinone  

The last step for home remedies before proceeding to clinical treatments is a prescription hydroquinone cream.

Hydroquinone reduces the production of melanin in your skin. However, it has some side effects, including increased exposure to UV radiation, sensitivity to sunlight, and irritation

Hence, proceed with caution and be extra protective of the skin while using it.

Do I still need to visit aesthetic clinics for treatments? 

The honest answer? It depends. While it’s true that home remedies can help with minor and surface pigmentation (such as sun spots), an ideal treatment for pigmentation involves both steps of home remedy and care as well as specialist assessment and treatment.

In fact, most patients respond well to a combination of prescription and revised skincare regime!

Get started with pigmentation treatments for hyper pigmentation and melasma at SL Aesthetic Clinic

Now that you’ve found the home remedies that can help with your skin pigmentation, remember that you can take it one step further if you’ve noticed that your skin hyperpigmentation isn’t going away!

That’s why you should start your journey to an even skin stone today. If you’re self-conscious about any sign of pigmentation of your skin, we’re here to help.

With our panel of medically-trained and certified doctors recognised by the Singapore Medical Council’s Aesthetic Practice Oversight Committee (APOC), you’re in safe and able hands!

Visit SL Aesthetic Clinic or call us at +65 9850 71112 to start your journey to the skin you desire and deserve!