Most women desire that flawless, fair skin. But our skin type is such that hyper-pigmentation is a common problem.

More so because, most of us still do not slather on a sunscreen when going out in the sun.

Hyper-pigmentation is generally a harmless, superficial condition caused by an uneven production and distribution of melanin (the brown pigment under our skin that is responsible for our skin color).

It happens due to over-exposure to the sun, and other causes such as genetic make up, skin allergies, hormonal changes and acne.

Types of pigmentation

• Tanning: An overall darkening of the skin, when exposed to the sun for long hours. When the UV rays hurt the epidermis, it tries to protect the deeper layers of skin by producing extra melanin which in turn makes the skin color darker.

• Age spots: Flat, gray, brown or black, age spots appear when melanin clumps together in one small area.

• Melasma: It looks like age spots but appears in a larger area. Melasma occurs due to hormonal changes. For instance, during pregnancy it appears on the cheeks, forehead and even abdomen. Taking birth control pills or undergoing hormonal treatments can increase your risk of getting melasma.

• Dark patches: They happen due to injury to the top layer of the skin. Acne is one of the major reasons for dark blemishes on the skin.


The kind of treatment you need depends on the extent of your pigmentation. Before you pick up an OTC de-pigmentation cream, it is best to consult a dermatologist. Here is a checklist of active ingredients that you can look for in different brands.

• Hydroquinone: It is effective and safer in case you have sensitive skin. Most cosmetic skin-lightening products use a 2% concentration, while prescription creams have 4% or more. It also has antioxidant properties.

• Tretinoin: It is an acidic form of Vitamin A (retinol). A 0.05% to 0.1% tretinoin creams promotes faster cell growth leading to an even skin color.

• Kojic acid: It is a by-product in the fermentation process of malting rice involved in the manufacture of sake, the Japanese rice wine.



• Azelaic acid: It is extracted from grains such as wheat, rye and barley. It is great for treating acne-induced dark patches and skin discoloration. Look for a 20% concentration.

• Vitamin C: It improves cell turnover, thus removing the darker upper layers.

• Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs): In the form of lactic acid and glycolic acid, AHAs help in reducing discoloration by improving cell turnover and exfoliation.


• Chemical peels: Dermatologists say peels are the safest and the best way to do away with superficial pigmentation. These peels gently burn the top layer of discolored skin and allow the newer layers to show through. A treatment with tretinoin and Vitamin C works well for curing melasma. However, you will need at least 6 to 8 sittings before visible results start to show.

• Micro-dermabrasion: In this, the dermatologist literally sands down your skin's surface layer by directing a steady flow of micro crystals while brushing your skin with a rotating brush. This is harsher than a peel, but effective nevertheless in removing deep-seated dark patches due to acne.

• Laser therapy: Laser beams wipe away sun spots and deep tan by destroying extra melanocytes under the skin. This is an excellent method to treat deep tan and age spots.

Home Rx

• De-pigment pack: Juice of 1 lemon, a pinch of turmeric, a grated cucumber, and cup finely powdered almond, a grated raw potato. Mix together; apply on the area. Keep on for 30 minutes. Rub gently and rinse.

• Anti-tan pack: 3 tsp sandalwood powder, juice of lemon, rosewater or cucumber water, and cold milk. Blend together and apply on the face, neck, back and arms. Let it dry, wash off and follow up with a moisturizer.

• Age-spot scrub: Blend 2 teaspoons of oatmeal with honey and yoghurt to make a paste. Apply on the skin. Leave on for 20 minutes. Then gently scrub and rinse with lukewarm water.

• Fruit power: Mash 8 strawberries/half a papaya with 3 tablespoons of honey. Apply on the face, arms, neck and legs. After 15 minutes rinse with cold water for instant brightening.

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