Shedding Light on Dark Spots: Your Guide on How To Remove Dark Spots From Skin
Are you troubled by persistent dark spots on your face that refuse to fade away? Are you searching for “easy way to remove skin pigmentation”? Do you find yourself increasingly frustrated with the ineffectiveness of numerous creams and treatments? If so, it's a good time to explore an Ayurvedic perspective on tackling these stubborn dark spots naturally.
Rather than relying on temporary solutions, understanding the underlying causes and adopting holistic remedies can offer long-lasting results. In this article, we will delve into main reasons for dark spots on your skin and the Ayurvedic approach to addressing dark spots, providing you with effective and natural methods to restore your skin's radiance and regain your confidence.
Your skin has cells that produce a pigment called melanin. This pigment is what gives colour to your skin, eyes and your hair. You would be surprised to know that every person’s skin has a similar number of melanin producing cells (called melanocytes) in a particular skin area. The cause for the diversity in skin colour around the world is the way the melanin producing cells behave in different people in different circumstances.
Providing colour to the skin is just one of the purposes of melanin. In addition, it also is responsible for protecting the skin from the exposure to the sun. When your skin is exposed to the sun, more melanin is produced. Sometimes, more melanin is produced in certain areas of your skin, resulting in dark spots.
KINDS OF SKIN PIGMENTATION
Dark spots are a kind of skin pigmentation. Skin pigmentation is a broader term that includes dark spots, dark circles, skin patches, general darkening of the skin, freckles, melasma and other conditions. Each of these conditions develop due to different reasons.
As you have read above, dark sports are caused when some parts of the skin produce more melanin than others. Dark circles under the eyes are a common kind of skin pigmentation that makes us look dull, tired and sleepless. Skin patches could also be a kind of skin pigmentation. Freckles can be seen at a young age and are due to sunlight exposure. Melasma causes patches of skin to be darker than your normal skin colour and typically occurs on the face. Injuries and inflammation could also cause dark spots.
COMMON REASONS FOR DARK SPOTS
Hormonal fluctuations
Hormonal fluctuations during menopause can disrupt melanin production, leading to hyperpigmentation. Estrogen and progesterone imbalances can trigger irregularities in pigmentation, resulting in dark patches or spots on the skin.
Sun Exposure
Prolonged and unprotected sun exposure is a major contributor to skin pigmentation. Ultraviolet (UV) rays stimulate melanocytes, leading to the production of excess melanin. Over time, this can cause sunspots, freckles, and uneven skin tone.
Genetics
Genetic predisposition can play a significant role in skin pigmentation. Some individuals are more prone to developing hyperpigmentation due to their genetic makeup. This means that if your parents or close relatives have pigmentation issues, you may be more susceptible to it as well.
Inflammation and Skin Trauma
Skin inflammation resulting from acne, eczema, or other skin conditions can trigger melanocyte activity, leading to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Similarly, skin trauma, such as cuts, burns, or surgical scars, can cause pigmentation irregularities during the healing process.
Side effects of Medications
In some people, dark spots could be caused by side effects of certain medications like NSAID’s, anti-inflammatory drugs and oral contraceptives.
Diabetes
Diabetes could be a reason for some areas of the skin to produce more melanin than other areas and could lead to dark spots.
Skin irritations due to usage of certain products
Some products like perfumes or chemical based hair products leave can cause skin irritations and could lead to appearance of dark spots.
Age
Age spots are common as you grow older. These are caused by hyper pigmentation caused by photodamage and are visible in people with lighter skin tones.
Smoking
Studies have found that tobacco smoke causes skin pigmentation. This could be the reason for higher skin pigmentation occurring amongst smokers. Darkening of the lips and gums are visible symptoms of pigmentation induced by tobacco smoking.
HOME REMEDIES FOR DARK SPOTS
Ayurveda offers natural remedies to address skin pigmentation concerns. Here are some beneficial herbs under Ayurveda to address skin pigmentation
TURMERIC
Turmeric is known for its healing, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin present in turmeric exhibits UV protective properties and studies found curcumin can inhibit production of dark spots causing melanin.
Make a thick paste out of two teaspoons of turmeric with curd and besan. Apply it to skin as a face pack and rinse off with lukewarm water after 10 minutes and pat dry your skin.
LICORICE ROOT
Licorice Root Extract helps tackle hyperpigmentation by inhibiting the production of melanin. In addition, it is rich in antioxidants that help soothe the skin and fight signs of ageing. It is also a skin lightening alternative. Mix 1 teaspoon of licorice powder and half a teaspoon of sandalwood powder and half a teaspoon of honey with some yogurt to make a smooth paste and apply as a face mask. Wash the mask off when dry and pat dry your skin. Use twice a week for visible results.
ALOE VERA
Aloe vera is a miracle solution for all your skin problems. This magical ingredient helps lighten dark spots on your skin. Apply aloe vera juice or gel directly over dark spots and leave on for 30 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water and pat dry. You can use a skin toner and a moisturiser after this. You can also leave the aloe vera on your skin overnight.
MANJISHTA
Manjistha, also known as Indian Madder is an Ayurvedic herb that helps purify blood and can treat the skin from within. It pacifies pitta effectively and supports healthy and younger-looking skin. Manjistha powder can be mixed with honey and used as a face pack. Leave on your face for about 20 minutes before washing and pat dry your skin after washing. Manjistha capsules are available and can be consumed up to twice daily to treat dark spots, after consulting with your ayurvedic physician.
MASOOR DAL
In addition to making yummy dal, you can use Masoor dal to treat your skin. Masoor dal face masks are a commonly used treatment for pigmentation. It acts as a bleaching agent and helps exfoliate your skin while lightening scars, spots and pigmentation. Make a fine paste of red lentils soaked overnight (about 50 grams of lentils) Apply as a face pack and rinse of with cold water after 20 minutes.
SANDALWOOD
Sandalwood is known for its immense soothing and healing properties. It is an effective remedy for suntans, acne and dark spots. Mix one teaspoon of sandalwood powder with orange juice to form a thick paste and apply over affected areas. Rinse off with lukewarm water after 20 minutes and pat dry.
SAFFRON
Known for its skin lightening and brightening properties, saffron can be used to reduce pigmentation and address dark spots. Soak a few strands of saffron in water, add two teaspoons of turmeric to make a paste and apply on your face to reduce pigmentation and dark spots.
GREEN TEA
Green Tea extracts are a wonderful home remedy for pigmentation. Rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, it can help alleviate photoaging of your skin and protect against dark spots. Boil a pot of water and steep a green tea bag in it for a few minutes. Remove the bag and rub the bag over the dark spots on your skin. Placing the green tea bag under the eyes can remove dark circles and helps treat eye bags.
MILK AND HONEY
A combination of milk and honey can act as a natural skin brightener. Mix equal parts of milk and honey, apply the mixture to the pigmented areas, and leave it on for 20 minutes before rinsing off. Milk contains lactic acid, which helps exfoliate the skin, while honey moisturizes and promotes skin rejuvenation.
NEEM
Neem, known for its antibacterial and detoxifying properties, can be beneficial for skin health. Chewing Neem leaves every morning, bathing with Neem water or applying Neem paste to the skin area can help reduce pigmentation.
USE PRODUCTS DESIGNED TO AID IN FIGHTING PIGMENTATION
To prevent facial pigmentation, your gentle facial skin needs protection from the harmful rays of the Sun. For this, the best skin care product for pigmentation would be a Sun Block product with a high SPF. What could be better than a product that protects your skin while also nurturing and healing it? Formulated with gold Bhasmam, saffron, lotus, processed cow’s ghee and other precious herbals to protect you from the sun, the Swarna Radiance Cream helps shield you from the harmful rays of the sun while keeping you hydrated. Known for its anti-aging and radiance properties, this light-textured cream comes with an SPF50 sun protection making it an ideal day cream offering protection from the sun while giving your face a nice illuminating glow.
Additionally, the Zuame Swarna Radiance Clay Masque is loaded with the goodness of berries and anthill soil, helping deal with dark spots and pigmentation while the fragrance and the spa effect lift your senses.
Other products that help in dealing with pigmentation are the Face Massage Oil that helps brighten the face while relaxing your senses and the Zuame Exfoliating facial scrub that helps cleanse your skin of dead cells while providing moisture and helps set the skin for the next step of your beauty regime, be it a facial massage or a moisturising cream.
AN AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE ON SKIN PIGMENTATION CAUSES
According to Ayurveda, skin pigmentation issues are primarily linked to imbalances in the Pitta and Vata doshas. Pitta represents fire and water elements and governs metabolism, while Vata represents air and space elements and controls circulation. An imbalance in these doshas can lead to melanin overproduction and subsequent pigmentation irregularities.
Ayurvedic practitioners recommend a holistic approach to balance these doshas and improve skin health. This includes following a Pitta-pacifying balanced diet, practicing stress management techniques, getting adequate sleep can help reduce Pitta and Vata imbalances.
Protect your skin from the sun
Avoid stepping out during peak sun hours in summers. Try covering yourself with wide brimmed hats, sun glasses and full sleeves to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun, in case you have to step out. Use a natural sun screen cream or lotion. Wash your face immediately once you get back.
Balanced Diet
Follow a Pitta-pacifying diet by consuming cooling foods such as cucumber, coconut water, and leafy greens. Include antioxidant-rich foods like berries and fresh vegetables to combat free radicals and support skin health.
Stress Management
Chronic stress can exacerbate dosha imbalances and impact skin health. Practice stress management techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises to promote relaxation and balance the doshas.
Adequate Sleep
Prioritize quality sleep as it allows the body to rejuvenate and repair. Establish a consistent sleep routine and create a peaceful sleep environment to support overall skin health.
Quit Smoking
Smoking has been found to increase skin pigmentation. Quit smoking for better skin.
CONCLUSION
Dark spots and other forms of Skin pigmentation, though not a cause of concern medically, can significantly impact the confidence and self-esteem of women. Understanding the causes of this condition, including hormonal changes, sun exposure, genetics, and skin trauma, can help women take proactive steps to address it.
Natural remedies such as those listed above, such as turmeric, saffron, licorice, manjishta, sandalwood offer effective solutions to lighten pigmentation and restore the skin's natural radiance. Use of natural products crafted for pigmentation would help save time and effort and could provide results quickly.
Incorporating Ayurvedic perspectives by balancing Pitta and Vata doshas through diet, stress management and good sleep can further enhance overall skin health.
By adopting these natural remedies and holistic practices, women can deal with dark spots effectively, regain their skin's vitality and embrace their inherent beauty.
Do note that skin pigmentation could be due to a large number of factors and if your are not sure of what is causing your skin pigmentation, it's always best to seek professional hep from your Ayurvedic Vaidya or doctor or dermatologist.