What is pigmentation, its causes, and the best creams for its cure:
The skin is the largest organ of body. Its function is to protect our bodies from exterior pollutants and acts as a very strong barrier against the non-friendly elements of this planet. Along with this, it has a never-ending list of functions like water retention, temperature regulation, production of vitamin D, etc. The most bewitching part of the skin, of course, is that it doesn’t need anything to fix it. It is a self-repairing and self-reproducing organ.
But more often than not, we seem to forget that our skin does get exhausted after protecting our body and needs care and time too, like any other part of our body. With the right products and the right amount of self-care, our skin can be one of the most beautiful assets of our body. A healthy body and healthy skin are massive sources of confidence and self-esteem. Though what matters in a person is their inner personality but anybody who says they don’t wish for glowing and beautiful skin to flaunt would be lying.
Skincare is easier said than done. It takes a lot of your time; dedication and you may have to sacrifice some of your favorite foods and some of your most loved habits. This desire for younger-looking, firm, smooth skin makes the markets flooded with products designed to suit your needs.
However, before applying any product to your skin or even making a skincare regime for it, you have to know what your skin wants and how your skin will react to any application. For this, you have to delve deep into your skin problems. The most common problems that people face with their skin are acne, breakout, pigmentation, dryness, or tanning.
Out of all these, the least talked about is pigmentation. The question arises, “what is pigmentation or commonly known as hyperpigmentation?”
Our body has a certain set of skin cells called melanocytes. The primary function is to release pigments which are known as melanin. This melanin is responsible for our skin color and also protects our face and body from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the Sun. Pigmentation can loosely be defined as the natural color of our skin before the interference of any Sun rays, or any external factors like tanning creams, pollution, or medicines.
There are two types of melanin released in our bodies.
Eumelanin which is known as the real melanin which protects our body from the UV rays.
Phaeomelanin is also known as red hair melanin. It is typically present in people with fair skin and doesn’t protect our skin. On the other hand, has an adverse effect on it.
The composition and the ratio between these two types of melanin are what determines your skin’s natural color and how much or how well it will tan when exposed to the Sun. Hyperpigmentation is a very common disorder of our skin. In it, the skin becomes darker than its usual color and due to this, these patches of skin become more prominent. This is caused because the color-generating pigment melanin is deposited majorly in those parts, instead of freely flowing through the face and body.
Causes of hyperpigmentation:
Hyperpigmentation happens due to a diverse course of reasons. Some are external factors while some are your body’s internal reactions.
Sun exposure:
It is the most commonly found reason for hyperpigmentation. Color change due to the Sun is also known as tanning.
Hormonal changes:
Many women face hyperpigmentation when they have a change of hormones in their body like pregnancy, pre-menstrual syndrome, or even polycystic ovary.
Allergies:
While allergy is usually red marks on your skin, it can also range from brown to blackish spots.
Injury:
Some serious injuries, whether chemical or physical, affecting the melanocytes can also cause hyperpigmentation on your skin.
Obesity:
The reason why doctors stress so much on maintaining a healthy weight is that obesity can lead to some serious problems which include hyperpigmentation.
Smoking and drinking:
These harmful habits can affect your health as well as your skin in the long run.
Age:
If you are above 40, you may notice some freckles or some brownish spots near your T-zone, which may be a result of your aging.
Genes:
If your skin suffers from hyperpigmentation, it may have nothing to do with all the other factors and just maybe because of your forefathers’ genes.
While hyperpigmentation may lead to serious ailments which require medical care and attention, most of the cases can be cured by skin care and healthy living. Due to it being a common disorder these days, a range of products is available in the market. So, let’s quickly know the 6 best anti-pigmentation creams for your skin:
Re’equil skin radiance cream
Women have always loved the brand Re’equil for its unique products and their results. The skin radiance cream can be used by all skin types. It works wonders for dark spots, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. This cream is skin-friendly and has been dermatologically tested in labs. It has a moisturizing effect on your skin and comes with a calm fragrance. Apply this cream on the affected parts of your face and avoid exposure to sunlight after its application. This cream is free of any SLS and paraben and gives you an even skin tone – every girl’s dream.
Jovees anti-blemish pigmentation cream
Jovees is a 100% Ayurveda brand and treats skin with the goodness of herbal ingredients. The anti-blemish cream from Jovees Ayurveda is specially made for dry skin and skin with spots and blemishes. This cream reduces pimple marks, acne scars, pigmentation, dark spots, and blemishes. It contains an essence of saffron which improves your skin complexion. In addition, it visibly minimizes discoloration. Apply and blend on your face evenly, twice a day for an even skin tone.
ENN Tangy Anti Pigmentation and collagen-boosting face gel
The gel texture of this product gives you a cleansing yet gentle feeling on your skin. It is more of a massage gel than a cream. Its tangy nature comes from its key ingredient tomato which is known for its detoxifying and glowing properties. The most amazing part about this product is it is completely oil-free, therefore reducing any acne breakouts. Furthermore, it has aloe vera and Vitamin E which replenishes the skin and fades away any signs of pigmentation and discoloration. This also delays aging and regulates blood flow. Apply it in an upward circular motion to generate the goodness.
Avene D-pigment cream
This cream is specially formulated for sensitive skin. It has a liquid formula that is extremely safe and gentle on the skin. It reduces all problems related to hyperpigmentation like dark spots, dark patches, and uneven skin tone. Its active ingredient melanyde minimalizes melanin production, retinaldehyde provides a lightening action. It is fragrance and paraben-free so that your cells are protected. Apply a high SPF sunscreen in the morning and the Avene cream in the evening on the affected areas. Daily use of this will give you an even, glowing and radiant complexion.
Khadi freckle cream
Khadi is a brand that has been trusted and loved for many years. And its products do justice to its name. It is made from fully natural ingredients. It is infused with the goodness of aloe vera, saffron, lemon, sandalwood, ginger, castor oil, cucumber extract, and tamarind. It acts as a multifunctional cream in removing blackheads, acne breakouts, reducing skin coloration, and giving an overall glowing touch to the skin. It is unisex and can be applied to all skin types. Due to it being completely safe for the skin, this has quickly become a favorite for people with hyperpigmentation.
Organic harvest anti-pigmentation cream
Every product of this brand boasts 100% herbal and organic ingredients. This cream treats dark spots, acne, aging lines, uneven skin tone, and dryness. It is infused with the goodness of red guava extract which delays wrinkles and Sun damage, black currant seed oil which makes the skin firm and moisturized. Bearberry extract reduces melanin production. This cream is also known for brightening and lightening the skin. Apply all over your face liberally twice a day.
We understand that even though you think of yourself as beautiful, pigmentation can be a deal-breaker. The above products can give you the confidence to flaunt your skin. All these creams have been carefully selected so that every skin type can have at least one product to vouch for. But the most important thing is protection from excess sunlight.
Just remember, pigmentation or anything else, you are not alone in this. Have patience and never feel low. YOU WERE, ARE, AND ALWAYS WILL BE GLOWING!