Every year, International Skin Pigmentation Day is observed on May 25.
Skin pigmentation can be broadly classified as hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation, the former is about dark patches, whereas the latter is about light patches.
Every year, skincare experts mark May 25 as International Skin Pigmentation Day. This day aims to raise awareness about skin health and precautionary treatments that can prevent skin disorders related to pigmentation. International Skin Pigmentation Day was first announced in 2020, by skincare company Lullage. Skin pigmentation can be broadly classified as hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation, the former is about dark patches, whereas the latter is about light patches.
Not all types of skin pigmentation are harmful, for instance, keratosis pilaris is a harmless condition in which the skin develops red-brown bumps. However, in many cases, skin pigmentation can signal issues such as skin infection or sun damage. If you notice unnatural changes in your skin pigmentation accompanied by itching or inflammation, then it’s best to seek advice from a dermatologist.
Here are some home remedies to reduce skin pigmentation at home:
- Aloe vera gel: Put some clear aloe vera gel on the pigmented area at night and then wash it with water the next morning. One can use direct aloe vera from a plant or a medicated version of it from a chemist. Aloe vera has aloin, which has natural depigmenting properties. It also promotes skin healing and reduces scarring and sun damage.
- Use a honey and lemon juice mixture: Mix equal parts honey and lemon juice and put it over a pigmented area. After 15 to 20 minutes, rinse this off. Lemon juice has concentrated levels of citric acid and vitamin C, which have natural bleaching properties, whereas honey has moisturising properties. Together, these two ingredients help reduce pigmentation without stripping the skin of its moisture.
- Red onion: Cut a piece of red onion (Allium cepa) and rub it over the pigmented area. Rinse the juice with lukewarm water after 15 minutes. Red onions are packed with antioxidants, phytochemicals and antibacterials, which enhance cell turnover and reduce pigmentation.
- Milk: Milk and buttermilk are known to effectively lighten skin discolouration, thanks to the high dose of lactic acid present in them. Take a cotton ball or a clean piece of cotton cloth, soak it in milk or buttermilk and put over the pigmented area one hour before taking a bath.
- Tomato juice: You can rub tomato juice over the pigmented area, especially if the pigmentation is the result of sun damage. Rinse the tomato juice after 20 to 30 minutes. Tomatoes have lycopene, which helps recover skin from oxidative damage.
However, it is important to conduct a patch test. If you experience any adverse reactions, immediately wash the area and avoid using the ingredients on your face.