Dermat-approved Ways to Get Rid of Pigmentation

If you have been dealing with hyperpigmentation or dark spots—whether it's from inflammation, the sun, or hormones—then you know just how
difficult it can be to cover or treat them. So to help you out we turned to the experts for the best advice on how to get rid of facial dark spots of all different kinds and causes. Dr Sonal Bansal, consultant dermatologist, DermaSpace Skin Clinic, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, New Delhi, says, “pigmentation can of different types, and the cause is how we deal with it.”

Dr Deepali Bhardwaj, dermatologist, cosmetologist and founder of Skin and Hair Clinics, says, “Besides causes pigmentation can occur on different layers. If it’s superficial, it can be treated with home remedies and sun screen. If it’s medium it can be treated with sunscreen, night cream and minimally invasive treatments like micro dermabrasion or chemical peels. But if it’s at a deeper level, you will need laser treatment. However, sunscreen has to be constant throughout to avoid pigmentation or to treat them.’

What causes pigmentation?

Pigmentation occurs due to an increase in the number of pigment-producing cells in the skin, or the pigmented substance they produce (melanin). Melasma is the most common form of facial pigmentation, and you're likely to get it between the ages of 20 and 40. Interestingly, it's not always brought on by sun exposure, in most cases, melasma is thought to be triggered by pregnancy, hormonal medication e.g. the contraceptive pill and medical conditions that cause altered hormone levels. Post-inflammatory pigmentation follows injury or inflammation of the skin, for example following a flare-up of acne or eczema.

How to treat pigmentation?

Once the cause has been identified, the treatment becomes easier. Dr Sonal lists out different treatments for different types of pigmentation.

If it’s hormonal especially after childbirth, you need to use sun protection every day and reapply it every 3 hours if you are being exposed to sunlight or if you sit next to a window at home or office. In addition, you also need to use de-pigmenting creams like Konica acid (2%), AHAs etc.

If it’s due to photo-tanning with triggers like cosmetic used on scalp such as hair dyes, mehndi, mustard oil, perfumes or fragrant cosmetics, strong face washes with add on chemicals that cause allergy, “then it need to be treated with sun protection, topical Tacrolimus and mild steroids,” says Dr Sonal.

There are at-home treatments that can be quite effective too. Dr Deepali suggests you mix 1part lemon juice and two parts tomato juice with sandalwood powder and apply on your whole face to treat pigmentation. But if you have dry or sensitive skin then apply the mixture only on the spots.

For those suffering from deep pigmentation, Dr Deepali also recommends PRP treatment, where the patient’s blood is drawn for extracting stem cells, which is then injected on the spot, this dissolves the pigmentation.

However, it is best to consult a dermatologist to assess the kind of pigmentation you have and then get treated as per the condition.