Pigment spots are the result of hyperpigmentation/hypopigmentation of the skin. They occur when specialized skin cells release too much or too little of the pigment melanin. The dye is the same one that tans us after sunbathing.
If too much melanin is released, brownish discolorations (pigment spots) are visible on the skin. This is in contrast to the release of too little melanin. White spots are then visible. The latter is described under the term white spot disease (vitiligo). It is not possible to remove the white spots, only the appearance can be attenuated with UV therapy.
Natural treatment of pigmented spots
The skin should be protected from sunlight to prevent the development of these spots. If the pigment spots do appear, they are usually completely harmless and are only removed for aesthetic reasons. Even simple household remedies can be used to bleach the pigment spots.
A good natural product is aloe vera gel or juice. Regular application of cream should reduce the pigment spots. Castor oil is also suitable for bleaching (massage in 2 times a day).
Juices from fruits and vegetables, such as onion juice, garlic, tomato or lemon juice should also be effective against pigment spots. These ingredients can be used to make various recipes that are said to be effective. These products are especially suitable for external use. A healthy diet with fresh fruit and vegetables containing vitamin C and E should prevent “from the inside” against the pigment spots.
Removal by bleach
Cosmetic skin care products are the next step in the removal of pigmentation marks. Some patience is required for this method, because the spots only disappear after a few weeks of use. With this method, a number of products with different ingredients are offered to restore an even skin appearance.
Kojic acid is an ingredient that is supposed to distribute the melanin in the skin and inhibit its further production. After two months of use, the number of spots should decrease without causing many side effects. A little faster the active ingredient Dioic Acid reduces the pigmentation spots (after 4 weeks) by decreasing the melanin production and reducing the spots.
Furthermore, azelaic acid is considered helpful by inhibiting the enzyme for the formation of melanin. As a result, the pigment spots decrease after two to three months, but azelaic acid has the unpleasant side effect of causing skin irritation and inflammation. Another freely available preparation is B-rescorcinol.
The active substance inhibits the skin cells that produce melanin (melanocytes). B-rescorcinol is available in numerous forms: as serum, cream or pencil. If the preparations are used consistently, the first successes can be seen after eight to twelve weeks.
A prescription-only active ingredient is vitamin A acid, also known as tretinoinum. This active ingredient causes the pigment spots to fade after six weeks, but vitamin A acid irritates the skin. With all cosmetic products it is important to protect the skin additionally with sun protection factor to prevent the formation of new spots.
