Pigmentation is the colouring of your skin that can change due to multiple reasons. Some of them are sun exposure and hormonal changes. If there is a skin pigmentation problem, you will notice uneven skin tone, or dark patches on your face and other parts of your body. Are you wondering how to remove pigmentation from face? First, you should find out the cause of this problem to know the right kind of treatment for it. Your doctor may suggest applying creams or chemical peels that may help improve your skin health. Trying out some home remedies like turmeric, aloe vera gel, and yoghurt may also help.

What is pigmentation on the face?

If you want to learn how to reduce pigmentation from face is important. You should know what it means. It refers to the colouring of a person's skin, but you need to understand melanin first. It is a type of pigment produced by specialised skin cells called melanocytes. "When these skin cells get very active, they produce too much melanin, leading to darker patches on the face, known as hyperpigmentation," says cosmetic and aesthetic surgeon Dr Shweta Mishra.

Excess melanin causes hyperpigmentation. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

Pigmentation on the face can be mostly seen on the forehead, cheeks, or nose. It can range from mild spots to severe patches, often caused by multiple factors. "There can be blotchiness, freckles or sunspots after exposure to the sun, or red post-inflammatory marks from acne or injuries," says the expert.

What are the causes of skin pigmentation problems?

Before learning how to remove pigmentation from face, know what causes it:

1. Sun exposure

Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays triggers the skin to produce more melanin as a protective response. "Over time, this leads to the development of sunspots, freckles, and uneven skin tone," says the expert. During a 2023 study, published in the Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine journal, the risk of developing skin pigmentation was the primary concern of sun exposure among participants.

2. Hormonal changes

Before you learn about how to reduce pigmentation on face, think about your hormones. Hormonal fluctuations, often during pregnancy or while using oral contraceptives, can result in skin pigmentation during pregnancy. "Also known as the 'mask of pregnancy,' these dark, and patchy areas are usually noticeable on the cheeks, forehead, or upper lip," says the expert.

3. Skin injuries

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or PIH occurs when the skin produces a lot of melanin in response to an injury, such as acne, cuts, burns, or eczema. These dark spots can persist for many months if not treated on time. Early care for skin injuries and soothing agents can minimise the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

4. Ageing

With age, the skin's ability to regenerate slows down, leading to the accumulation of pigmented cells. "Age spots pop up due to long-term sun exposure and natural ageing," says Dr Mishra. These are mostly seen on the areas exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, and neck. So, while learning how to remove pigmentation from face, think about your age too.

5. Genetics

A genetic predisposition can make some individuals more prone to skin pigmentation problems. Conditions like freckles often run in families. While these may not always require treatment, understanding the genetic tendency can help in preventive care, such as regular use of sunscreen.

6. Certain medications

Certain medications, including chemotherapy agents, and antibiotics, can trigger pigmentation problems as a side effect. Known as drug-induced pigmentation, this problem is temporally associated with medication use, as per research published in StatPearls in 2023. So, while learning about how to remove pigmentation from face, think about the medications you are taking.

How to remove pigmentation from face?

From home remedies to medical treatments, you can try several ways to get rid of skin pigmentation on your face:

1. Aloe vera gel

Want to learn how to remove pigmentation from face? Go for this green-coloured plant that contains aloesin, a compound that inhibits melanin production. A 2002 study, published in Clinical And Experimental Dermatology, showed aloesin treatment suppressed pigmentation by 34 percent in participants. "Regular application of pure aloe vera gel helps fade dark spots and soothe your skin," says Dr Mishra. Use the gel directly from the plant or buy a high-quality store-bought gel.

2. Potato juice

Potatoes are rich in catecholase, an enzyme known to lighten skin tone. So, while learning how to reduce pigmentation on face, remember the goodness of potatoes. To use, rub a slice of raw potato on the affected area or apply potato juice with a cotton ball.

3. Lemon juice and honey

"Lemon juice, loaded with Vitamin C, acts as a skin brightener, while honey moisturises and soothes the skin," says the expert. Want to know how to reduce pigmentation on face? Then mix equal parts of lemon juice and honey, apply to pigmented areas, and leave the mixture on for 15 minutes before rinsing.

4. Turmeric and milk

Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and skin-lightening properties. During a 2010 study, published in The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, researchers found that a formulation containing turmeric extract reduced the appearance of hyperpigmented spots by 14.16 percent in four weeks. "Mix it with milk that contains lactic acid, known to gently exfoliate and brighten the skin," says Dr Mishra. Combine turmeric powder with milk to form a paste and apply it to your face. Remember the power of turmeric and milk while learning how to remove pigmentation from face.

5. Green tea extract

Want to learn how to remove pigmentation from face? "Think of antioxidant-loaded green tea that help to reduce hyperpigmentation by neutralising free radicals," says the expert. Use brewed green tea as a toner or apply cooled green tea bags directly to the pigmented areas.

Learn how to remove pigmentation from face. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

6. Yogurt and oatmeal mask

Yogurt contains lactic acid, which exfoliates dead skin cells, and oatmeal provides gentle scrubbing action. "Together, they help reduce pigmentation and improve skin texture," says the expert. Mix yogurt and finely ground oatmeal to form a paste, apply it to the face, and leave it on for 20 minutes before rinsing. Don't forget this face mask while learning how to remove pigmentation from face.

7. Chemical peels

Chemical peels use acids like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or lactic acid to exfoliate the top layer of skin. This is why you should remember these peels while learning how to remove pigmentation from face. They are useful in the treatment of mild acne, and post-inflammatory pigmentation, according to research published in the Journal Of Clinical And Aesthetic Dermatology in 2010.

8. Laser therapy

Want to know how to remove pigmentation from face? Go for this therapy for your face. "Laser treatments, such as Q-switched lasers, are effective as they target and break down melanin clusters in the skin," says the expert. This method is precise and effective for deep pigmentation, like melasma or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, but should be performed only by a qualified professional.

9. Microdermabrasion

This procedure involves gently exfoliating the skin using a specialised device to remove dead cells and pigmented layers. "It is a non-invasive, safe, and effective solution for mild to moderate pigmentation," says Dr. Mishra. It works by stimulating collagen production, leaving the skin smoother and more even-toned. So, think of this procedure while learning how to remove pigmentation from face.

10. Topical creams

You may be told to use creams containing hydroquinone, kojic acid, azelaic acid, or retinoids to lighten pigmentation. Hydroquinone is an effective compound for treating hyperpigmentation disorders, as per research published in Cureus in 2023. "These creams work by slowing melanin production and promoting cell turnover," says the expert. So, while learning how to remove pigmentation from face, don't forget the creams.

11. Mesotherapy

This treatment involves injecting skin-brightening agents, such as enzymes, or hyaluronic acid, directly into the problem areas. During a 2024 study, published in the Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences, mesotherapy was found to be an effective treatment option for pigmentation problems. "It works well for people with stubborn skin pigmentation problems that don't respond to topical treatments," says the expert. So, think of mesotherapy while figuring out how to remove pigmentation from face.

Your skin colour may get affected by sun exposure or ageing or medications. Stop wondering how to remove pigmentation from face. Check with a dermatologist and go for medical treatments or home remedies like aloe vera gel, lemon, and turmeric.

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