Are you noticing lighter or darker skin patches or uneven skin tones? What about brown spots? If so, you may be suffering from skin pigmentation.

 

What Is Skin Pigmentation?

Skin pigmentation comes in two forms, hypo-pigmentation, and hyper-pigmentation. The former is caused by a decrease in skin pigmentation revealing lighter skin patches than your normal skin color. The latter is when an overproduction of melanin is present causing darker patches or spots. We refer to these as age spots or liver spots.

 

Causes of Pigmentation

There are multiple reasons why you may have skin pigmentation. They include:

• Sun damage
• Stress
• Genetics
• Menopause
• Trauma
• Aggressive skin care
• Hormonal changes

 

Treatments for Pigmentation

There are multiple cosmetic treatments available for those who suffer from skin pigmentation issue. Over-the-counter lotions or medical grade topical creams and serums can be applied to the skin at home. Medical spas and dermatologists have treatments that can help, like chemical peels, laser treatments, and IPL procedures.

But for those who have mild cases and wish to avoid the expense and more aggressive treatments, there are some home remedies which have been around for decades if not centuries. These have been found to be somewhat effective using natural ingredients which we find in the kitchen. They are safe, easy, and inexpensive treatments for pigmentation on your face and neck.

 

Potato

The potato contains the enzyme catecholate which can help diminish overly pigmented skin areas like dark spots or blemishes. The treatment is simple and can be quite effective for light-skinned people.

First, you take a raw potato and cut it into thin slices. Next, add several drops of water to the slices and rub on your skin for ten minutes. Finally, rinse off with tepid water. Repeat this process four times daily for a couple of months and see the results.

 

Lemon

This citrus fruit is rich in vitamin C. It is considered a most effective natural remedy for skin pigmentation and a powerful antioxidant for protection against the sun’s UV rays.

The lemon’s natural bleaching agent may fade blemishes from your skin as well as age spots. The treatment process is simple.

First, extract juice from half a lemon and rub it on the affected area with a cotton ball. Rinse with tap water after ten minutes. Do this twice daily for several months until you see satisfactory results.

Some use lemon and honey to make a homemade facial mask. With a 1:1 ratio of both substances, you apply the mixture over your face and cover with a warm cloth for ten minutes. Remove completely with water. Repeat weekly for several months.

*note – people with sensitive skin should dilute lemon juice with water.

 

Apple Cider Vinegar

As with lemon, apple cider vinegar has bleaching properties that may be used to reduce dark skin patches caused by hyperpigmentation. This amazing home remedy substance has astringent properties which can help restore natural skin tones.

First, mix with water at a 1:1 ratio. Next, apply solution over affected areas and leave for three minutes and then rinse with water. Repeat twice daily for two weeks.

You can also mix with honey as with lemon and follow the same instructions.

 

Home Remedies are Easy

Sometimes we just don’t have the time or the motivation to bring ourselves to a spa or doctor’s office to deal with skin issues that are aesthetic eyesores but not a health concern. However, our appearance is important to us.

Home remedies can avoid the hassle and also the expense to go outside the home. Other cost-effective measures include topical creams and serums as mentioned before, or new technologies like LED light therapy, which can provide stunning natural results as well.