Archive for the ‘Pigmentation’ Category

Acne Pigmentation Treatment

Thursday, April 14th, 2011

Pigmentation is the skin’s response to excessive exposure to the sun. The skin produces excess melanin when it senses overexposure. Other skin disorders that could be caused by overexposure to the sun include cancer in its worst form and aging wrinkles in the mildest form. This melanin production is usually not uniform across the skin and results in pigmentation on the skin. There are many types of pigmentation treatment.  Pigmentation treatment would include both chemical and home remedy options.

Prevention is of course pigmentation treatment that could be used by people all over the world. Using sun screen and staying covered when in the sun for large parts of time will always work in good stead. If you feel a sun burn coming along, you should even take protective and preventive measures.

Acne Pigmentation Treatment includes lasers and chemical peels. Microdermabrasion is an effective technique to get rid of pigmentation due to acne. Chemical peels and laser resurfacing are other ways of pigmentation treatment as a result of extreme acne.

Facial Pigmentation Treatment as well as skin pigmentation treatment includes treatment for age spots which includes cryotherapy. If you are not sure what treatment works for you, a dermatologist will definitely be able to help you. Lasers help burn away dark spots. Cryotherapy freezes this burnt skin. Acidic peels also gently help the spot fade away. In the case of facial pigmentation, microdermabrasion is an effective technique that helps remove discoloration and pigmentation. You can even microdermabrasion at home with kits that are available for home microdermabrasion.

Home Remedies for Pigmentation Treatment

There are peels from aluminium oxide crystals which are also called the power peel and known to have very good results in eliminating pigmentation. There are even chemical peels that burn the skin but have been known to cure pigmentation. Hydroquinone is a common cream available at all chemists and is considered the most effective for any kind of pigmentation.

•    Applying lemon juice repeatedly on pigmented areas has also been known to help. A mixture of lemon juice and honey is also very beneficial for these scars and marks.

•    Application of tea tree oil on affected areas, especially those areas affected by acne, is beneficial. Tea tree oil has anti bacterial oil and if also very effective in reducing the redness or irritation of the skin.

•    Oils like olive oil and lavender oil are known to be very good for the skin and its fatty acids work very well with the skin.

Combining vitamin E with these oils is another effective home remedy that works very well.

How to Get Rid of Pigmentation on Face

Tuesday, February 15th, 2011

The problem of pigmentation on face can be referred to as one of the most stressful skin conditions that a woman can experience. Face pigmentation is usually characterized by dark spots and blemishes on facial skin. Some of the common factors that could lead to pigmentation on the face include excessive tanning or exposure to the sun, melasma, age spots, freckles and acne marks. In some cases, the skin could react to certain cosmetics, thereby leading to pigmentation on the face. Since this condition can lead to a lot of stress and embarrassment, it is common for people to consult a doctor for treatment of pigmentation on the face. However, not everyone can afford to undergo treatment and therefore, the use of home remedies for pigmentation on the face are also quite popular.

Home Remedies for Pigmentation on Face

There are several common home remedies for pigmentation on face, which gradually help reduce the discoloration and may also eventually help the spots to lighten and fade out completely. Given below are some of the most common home remedies for pigmentation on the face:

•    Mix some fresh cream, with a pinch of turmeric powder and apply the mixture on the face, rubbing it all over in even strokes. This mixture should be left on for at least 15 minutes or so, before it is rinsed off, with some cold water.

•    In a bowl, combine equal parts of honey, organic yogurt as well as lemon juice. Blend all the ingredients thoroughly and apply the resultant mixture on the affected skin. For maximum effectiveness this mixture should be left on to the skin for around 15 to 20 minutes, before being rinsed off with cold water.

•    With the tip of the finger, apply some almond oil on to the affected areas of the skin. This oil should not be washed off within a short while and therefore, people generally apply it just before bedtime, so that it can stay on overnight.

In addition to the remedies for pigmentation on the face that are mentioned above, it is very important to follow a regular skincare routine, which includes a regular exfoliation process. A proper diet is also very important for healthy and glowing skin and therefore, all people should eat a high amount of foods that contain vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. Drinking around 10 to 12 glasses of water a day is also known to be very helpful.

How to Get Rid of Skin Moles Naturally

Friday, January 21st, 2011

Skin Moles

Hyper pigmentation of the cells leads to skin moles. Factors such as excessive exposure to sunlight and genetics may be responsible for the development of skin moles. A mole is actually a collection of pigmented cells. It is slightly raised from the surface of the skin and may be brown or black in color. Some moles may be round in shape, while others may be irregular. An individual may have any number of skin moles on the body. These moles may be detected at birth or may be observed later during puberty.

The methods of removing skin moles include surgical and laser techniques. Surgical methods involve shaving or cutting procedures. Skin moles that are quite deep may be removed through laser techniques. This involves multiple sessions in order to remove the mole completely. Skin moles removal also includes certain natural treatments. Surgical procedures may carry the risk of scarring and hence these natural remedies are preferred by many individuals.

Natural Treatment for Moles

Natural methods are also affordable and carry a smaller risk of side effects.

•    Flaxseed powder is known to help in skin mole removal. A small amount of flaxseed may be ground into a powder and then mixed with honey. This paste may be applied to the moles thrice a day.

•    The sap extracted from a banyan tree trunk can also be used to remove a skin mole. The sap may be applied to the moles thrice every day.

•    Natural treatment for moles also involves application of a mixture of baking powder and castor oil. Apply this paste to the affected areas with the help of a cotton swab and allow it to remain overnight. This treatment may be continued daily until the mole disappears.

•    A paste of grated radish is another beneficial remedy for removing skin moles.

•    One can even use garlic or onion paste on the moles everyday to encourage them to disappear.

•    The juice extracted from dandelion roots may also be applied to skin moles.

•    Fruit juices are known to help in removal of skin moles.  Fig, pineapple and grapefruit juice may be applied to the moles thrice a day.

•    One could also grind some cumin seeds into a fine paste and apply to the skin moles.

•    Another way of getting rid of skin moles is to roast some pomegranate peels for about five minutes and then grind them into a paste. Add some lime juice to this mixture and apply twice a day to help treat the condition.

How to Get Rid of Hyperpigmentation Naturally

Friday, September 24th, 2010

Hyperpigmentation refers to a common condition, where dark patches become evident, on a person’s skin. It is a well-known fact that the skin usually gets tanned and darkens with excessive exposure to the sun. The darkening of the skin in patches is usually the result of the improper pigmentation of the skin. A hormone known as melanin is responsible for the color of our skin. An excess or a deposit of melanin in any part of the skin can cause that patch of the skin to appear darker than the rest of the skin. This condition is quite common across the world and can be seen in people of almost any race. These dark skin patches can most commonly been seen on the face, hands, chest or other areas exposed to the sun.

Causes of Hyperpigmentation

One of the most common causes of hyperpigmentation in people is hormonal changes, since the endocrine system influences the manufacture of melanin to a great extent. The hormone that is emitted by the pituitary gland, which produces melanin, is Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (MSH). Progressing age is one of the most common causes of hyperpigmentation, where liver spots are noticed all over the skin.

There are other causes like hemochromatosis, Nelson’s syndrome and Addison’s disease that cause the overall darkening of the skin. Diseases like polycystic ovarian syndrome (in women) and severe insulin resistance could also result in the appearance of dark patches across the skin, due to acanthosis nigricans. Many women also notice darker patches of skin on the face, or the “Mark of Pregnancy”, when they are pregnant.

There are other lesser known causes of hyperpigmentation too, which include the deposit of silver in argyria. This is commonly seen in people who use colloidal silver often, as a form of alternative treatment. This can cause the skin to turn bluish gray in color.

Hyperpigmentation Treatment

There are several hyperpigmentation treatment options, which may include topical therapies, laser resurfacing, intense pulse light, hydroquinone creams, medication, micro-dermabrasion, acid peels as well as other home remedies for hyperpigmentation. However, most people prefer opting for a natural treatment for hyperpigmentation, which includes the use of an effective sunscreen, exfoliating dead skin regularly, stimulating the growth of new cells and lightening the uneven color of the skin by using home remedies.

However, before choosing to go in for any hyperpigmentation treatment, it is important to consult a doctor as well as a skin specialist. This is essential as your doctor or skin specialist would be able to provide you better hyperpigmentation treatment options; one’s that would apply to your skin type.

Dark Pigmented Skin - How to Get rid of Dark Pigmentation

Thursday, October 1st, 2009

A person’s natural skin complexion is determined by the amount of melanin that is produced by their skin cells. Skin complexion is largely a matter of heredity. However, excessive exposure to direct sunlight can sometimes make the skin look darker and lead to the appearance of dark spots and patches. This makes the skin look dull and robs it of its natural glow. Sometimes, nutritional deficiencies in the diet, digestive disorders, regular consumption of strong medicines, and stress and anxiety may also give rise to irregular and uneven skin pigmentation.

Home Remedies to Treat Dark Pigmented Skin

There are several simple home remedies to treat dark pigmented skin. As a fundamental rule, never step out into the sun without applying a sunscreen lotion suited to your skin type. This helps defend your skin against harmful ultraviolet radiation and prevents darkening of the skin. In order to bleach your skin naturally, you may rub it gently with a thin slice of freshly cut lemon. The acidic nature of lemon juice lightens the skin naturally and gives you a glowing complexion. You may also use a slice of tomato in a similar fashion in order to make your skin fairer and firmer.

Another effective remedy for dark pigmentation is to mix two tablespoons of sandalwood powder, a teaspoon of turmeric powder, some sour cream and a little rose water, and apply this paste on your skin. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes before washing your face gently with lukewarm water. This gives your skin an even tone and makes it look smoother and fairer. If your face looks blotchy, you should cover it with thin slices of potato or apply the juice extracted by crushing a raw potato on your skin. Wait till your skin begins to feel dry and then wash your face with cold water. The natural bleaching property of potato makes it an excellent remedy for dark spots and patches on the skin.

For another remedy, soak about 10-15 almonds in a cup of water overnight and grind them to a fine paste the next morning by adding a little fresh milk. Massage your face with this paste and wait for 15 minutes before rinsing it away with water. In a couple of weeks you will observe a remarkable improvement in your complexion. You may also make a natural face pack by mixing two tablespoons of dried and powdered orange peel with a small bowl of curd and apply this mixture on your face thrice a week. Rinse it off after 15 minutes of application to get soft, glowing skin.

Leucoderma Treatment - How to Cure Leukoderma

Monday, September 7th, 2009

Leucoderma Causes

Leucoderma refers to a condition in which the certain parts of the skin lose the natural coloring pigment, melanin and consequently turn pale. This causes the appearance of tiny spots which gradually spread and merge together into ugly white patches on the skin, mostly on the arms, neck and back. Leucoderma is caused by excessive stress and anxiety, chronic gastric ailments, illnesses like jaundice and typhoid and burns.

Home Remedies to Treat Leucoderma

There are a few natural remedies that you may follow at home to treat leucoderma. An effective remedy for restoring pigmentation to the white patches on the skin is to grind 50gms of radish seeds with three tablespoons of vinegar and smear this paste on the affected areas. This paste should be allowed to dry completely in air for at least half an hour before being washed off with water. You could also soak 500gms of pounded turmeric in 8 liters of water overnight and boil the mixture the next morning till its volume is reduced to one liter. Now add 500 ml of mustard oil to this solution and boil till a thick viscous liquid extract is obtained. Collect this extract in a bottle and massage the pale patches on the skin with this decoction every day to treat leucoderma.

Psoralea seeds are also known to be an effective natural remedy for leucoderma. These seeds should be soaked in the juice of ginger for three days. The ginger juice should be replaced every day. Following this, the seeds should be husked with hands, dried in shade and then powdered. One teaspoon of this powder should be mixed with a cup of fresh milk and consumed every day. Simultaneously, a paste made by adding a little water to this powder should also be applied on the white patches. Alternatively, you could also soak equal quantities of psoralea and tamarind seeds in water for four days and then shell and dry them out in shade. The seeds should then by powdered and mixed with a little water. Apply this thick paste on the affected areas.

Another popular remedy for leucoderma is to mix some red clay found on the banks of rivers with ginger juice and apply this paste on the affected areas. The high level of copper that such clay contains helps bring back color to pale patches on the skin. It is also useful to drink water kept in a copper vessel overnight.

Causes of Pigmentation and Preventing Pigmentation Problem

Monday, August 17th, 2009

Causes of Pigmentation

The natural complexion of the skin is determined by the amount of melanin that the skin cells produce. Sometimes, melanin is unevenly distributed in the skin, with the result that certain parts of the skin look darker than the rest. Dark spots and patches appear on the skin, giving it a blotched, blemished look. This condition is generally referred to as hyperpigmentation, and may be caused by a variety of factors, which include hormonal changes during adolescence, pregnancy and menopause, nutritional imbalances, prolonged exposure to sunlight, and the natural process of ageing.

Home Remedies to Prevent Pigmentation Problem

There are a few simple measures and remedies that you may follow at home to solve this problem. Drink at least 10-12 glasses of water every day. This flushes out toxins from the system, keeps the skin naturally well moisturized and prevents the appearance of dark spots and patches. Also, eat lots of fresh fruits and raw vegetables, as they contain essential nutrients that keep the skin healthy, glowing and unblemished. You should also always remember to apply a sunscreen lotion or cream that suits your skin type before stepping outdoors. Besides, massage your skin with cocoa butter once or twice every day for a couple of days. Not only does this moisturize your skin naturally, but it also acts as an antioxidant that improves blood circulation and thereby rectifies irregularities in the distribution of melanin in skin cells.

Daily application of cocoa butter will bring about a marked improvement in your complexion in just a couple of weeks. Similarly, rubbing the skin gently with a thin slice of lime is an effective remedy for irregular pigmentation. The acidic nature of lime juice lightens the skin and makes dark spots and patches disappear in a few weeks. You may also mix equal portions of lime juice and honey and massage your skin with this mixture to tone up your skin and give it a smoother look. Alternatively, extract the juice of a raw potato by mashing it to a pulp and dab your skin with this juice twice every day. Potato juice acts as a natural bleaching agent and is useful in treating hyperpigmentation. Applying cucumber juice or pulp on the skin regularly also lightens the skin tone as well as gives it a smoother, firmer appearance. For another remedy, apply a little sour cream on the affected areas every night before going to bed. In addition, you may also apply the pulp of a ripe avocado on your skin to treat hyperpigmentation.

Pigment Marks - How to Get Rid of Pigmentation Marks on Face

Monday, July 27th, 2009

Pigmentation of the skin can be caused due to multiple reasons. It could be due to excessive exposure to the sun or it can be caused due to skin rashes or some other skin diseases. In fact, there are factors like pimple scars as well that can cause hyper pigmentation of the skin. Today, many medical treatment options are available, though some might be too expensive to get rid of the pigmentation problems.

Remedies to Remove Pigmentation Marks

However, you can also go for some homemade remedies that can improve the condition of your pigmented skin. One of the most useful mixtures that you can and should use to reduce the discoloration and hyper pigmentation of your skin is cream and lemon juice. It is regarded as a very effective homemade therapy for pigmentation problems. You can also use lemon juice in combination with basil leaves to lessen the pigmentation on your skin. In fact, this is also helpful to reduce the dark circles beneath your eyes. Apart from lemon juice, one of the other very effective kitchen ingredients that you can use for removing a tan due to pigmentation is cucumber juice. This can not only reduce the pigmentation but also combat the existing pimples or acne on your skin. Cumin seeds are another good ingredient for pigmentation removal. What you can do is boil some cumin seeds and then wash your face with the cumin seed water. Do this regularly and you can see the difference. The next solution that you can try is grind dried orange peels, mix it with water and then apply the paste on the affected areas. Not only does this clear up the pigmentation but will also help you get rid of the pimples on your skin.

The next solution for removing pigmentation is using a paste of guava and banana and applying it all over your face. Overall, it also helps you to improve your complexion. One of the other remedies is using fresh radishes. Add fresh radishes to your diet and see the difference in your skin complexion. It also helps to get rid of the pimples. Lastly, you also need to follow a proper diet regime and also ensure that your skin gets to breathe some fresh air daily by not using cosmetics that form a pancake on your face. These two factors are very essential because they help in maintaining a healthy body and that’s what constitutes a healthy skin.

How to Reduce Facial Pigmentation

Monday, June 8th, 2009

Facial Pigmentation

Facial pigmentation is most probably simply a tan due to the high level of exposure to the UV rays of the sun. This is a natural process and cannot really be described as a problem. Real pigmentation problems can of course be of two kinds: hyper-pigmentation, a condition in which areas of the skin become darker than others due to increased production of melanin by the skin cells, and hypo-pigmentation, which refers to the condition wherein some areas of the skin become lighter due to a drop in the melanin production. In most cases the abnormal pigmentation occurs due to 2 major factors – prolonged exposure to the sun resulting in skin damage, or extreme hormonal changes in your body.  In your case, your question seems to imply that you either suffer from hyperpigmentation or have a simple tan. For a tan, all you need to do is avoid exposing your skin to sunlight – avoid spending time in the sun, and when you really must be outdoors during the day, wear a sunscreen lotion and also wear a hat or cap.

Treating Facial Hyperpigmentation

Treating hyperpigmentation depends on how long you’ve had this condition, and also on the causes. If you are unaware of what is causing the problem, you should consult a skin specialist, as topical treatments and home remedies will be useless as long as the underlying problem persists. Once the underlying problem has been addressed, your skin will gradually return to normal, and you can speed up this process by using some home remedies.

First of all, while washing your face, it is important that you use a mild soap and not a harsh one that will dry your skin. Exfoliating is also an important routine for skin care, since it removes the dead skin cells and makes room for new healthy skin to grow. Honey is known to be one of the most effective ingredients for skin care, and lemon juice is a natural cleanser and bleach. You can mix honey with lemon juice, sandalwood powder, rice flour, and even turmeric powder to make an exfoliating paste. Gently massage your face with this paste, and leave it on for a few more minutes, before washing it off with lukewarm water. You can then splash a bit of cool rose water on your face. In addition, make sure that you diet is balanced healthy, as any nutritional deficiencies will hamper your skin’s ability to repair itself.

Skin Pigmentation Problems And Hyperpigmentation

Tuesday, March 3rd, 2009

Causes of  Skin Pigmentation And Hyperpigmentation Problem

Our skin gets its color from the pigment melanin, which is produced by special cells in the skin that are known as melanocytes. The amount of melanin that is produced by the skin is determined by one’s genes, and this is your natural skin color. If you naturally have dark skin, there is nothing you can do to make it light. If you naturally have very light skin, there is still a limit to how much the color can change, but it is possible for your skin to darken to some extent. Normally, this happens through a process known as tanning – melanin protects the skin from sun damage, and when skin is exposed to sunlight, it produces more melanin so as to provide more protection. As a result, skin becomes darker and you get what is known as a tan.

In some cases however, skin may darken through mechanisms other than tanning. Some of these are related to exposure to sunlight, but some are caused by other factors. In some cases, excessive, regular exposure to sunlight over several years causes damage to the skin, and as a result, dark patches appear. These dark patches are a response to sunlight, but they are different from a tan, which is always even. The patches of pigmentation are known as sun spots, and they are the result of uneven production of melanin when the skin is exposed to sunlight. These spots most commonly appear on the hands and face, which are the parts of the body that are usually exposed.

Post Inflammatory Hyper-pigmentation

Unnatural pigmentation also occurs as an after effect of inflammation. This is most commonly seen in people who have pimples. Some pimples leave behind dark spots that are sometimes referred to as pimple scars; however, these are not really scars, they are simply spots of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. The same darkening of skin can be seen in other infections, such as chickenpox scars, and marks left behind by wounds. These marks do not require any treatment, and fade away with time.

One more common type of hyperpigmentation that occurs is in pregnant women. Due to the changes that occur in the body during pregnancy, women often develop patches of dark skin. In addition, a line of dark skin develops on the abdomen, and this is known as linea nigra.

A number of other diseases and conditions can also lead to unusual pigmentation of the skin. These include various hormonal abnormalities, fungal infections, and insulin resistance.