Simple Home Remedies For Skin Whitening
By Dr Anuja Bodhare +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr Anuja Bodhare
Last updated: Oct 22, 2024 Published on: Apr 25, 2022
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By Dr Anuja Bodhare +2 more
Table of Contents
We all face issues related to our skin at various points in our life. The colour of the skin plays an important role in a person’s appearance. The skin contains cells called melanocytes. These melanocytes are responsible for producing melanin, a pigment that imparts colour to the skin. When the skin turns darker than normal due to overproduction of melanin, this condition is called hyperpigmentation.1. Tanning is the skin’s response to damage caused by harmful rays of the sun. The skin turns darker because of melanin, which is produced by the skin to prevent further skin damage.2
Skin whitening agents may be used when the skin has turned darker than usual and in case of hyperpigmentation. Some skin colour changes can return to normal without any treatment.1
Did you know?
Skin colour is the result of the presence of melanin in the skin. The skin turns darker than normal due to the overproduction of melanin. Melanin overproduction is a consequence of sun exposure and tanning.1,3
When the skin is overexposed to ultraviolet radiation (UVA), it protects itself from sun damage by producing melanin. The formation of more melanin is what makes the skin darker than usual.2
If your skin has turned darker than your usual skin tone, you might be having skin darkening.1
Skin lightening creams should be used under medical supervision without which they may cause more harm than benefit in the form of scarring, excess darkening or excess lightening of the skin, with sometimes visible blood vessels on the surface of the skin. Caution is advised while using Skin lightening creams.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D. in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology
Home remedies for skin whitening are as follows:
The ultraviolet (UV) rays are the major component of sunlight that causes hyperpigmentation. Consumption of coffee and tea might be beneficial for reducing skin hyperpigmentation. The polyphenols present in coffee might be responsible for this benefit.4 You can make a mask or paste using fresh coffee grounds and apply it directly to your skin. You can use facemasks with tea and apply them directly to the affected area.
Saffron has skin-whitening and tan-lightening properties. It can be taken with milk to impart a glow and lighten the skin color. It also provides protection from damage due to the sun’s UV rays.5 You can put saffron in your homemade facemasks to get benefits.
Grape seeds are rich in antioxidants like vitamin C and Vitamin E. The antioxidant property of grape seeds is helpful in dealing with hyperpigmentation. The antioxidant activity inhibits the enzyme responsible for producing melanin.5
The presence of certain chemical constituents in green tea provides protective benefits to the skin against harmful UV radiation present in sun rays.5 You can put green tea in your face pack and apply it to the affected area.
It is used as a skin-lightening agent that can manage hyperpigmentation. It is also used as an ingredient in many herbal cosmetics because of its anti-aging and antioxidant benefits.5 Its seed oil can be used on the skin to get the benefits.
Liquorice root contains glabridin, which is referred to as whitening gold because of its skin whitening properties. Glabridin is a common ingredient of many cosmetics meant for skin whitening. Liquorice exerts a skin whitening effect by stopping an enzyme essential for melanin formation.6 You can use liquorice root to make powder. This powder can be applied directly to the skin to get the benefits. You can also include this powder in your facemask recipes.
It may help prevent hyperpigmentation of the skin. You can follow these steps to avoid sun damage:
Though there are studies that show the benefits of the given herbs and home remedies in this condition, these are insufficient and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of these herbs and home remedies on human health. Thus, these should be only taken under the guidance and supervision of your Ayurvedic physician.
Grape seed extract contains proanthocyanidin, which is a powerful antioxidant. Although, there are no studies on the topical use of grape seed extract, but oral intake for 6 months has been found beneficial in patients with melasma . Also grape seed extracts has many beneficial health effects apart from skin lightening.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD(Pediatrics)
You should consult a dermatologist if you notice:
You must not rely on home remedies for the treatment of this condition you should consult a qualified doctor for any advice for the condition.
Skin darkening and hyperpigmentation can have many underlying causes that stimulate the overproduction of melanin in the skin.1 There are home remedies that might be useful in lightening the tan and giving skin whitening effects. These are commonly found ingredients, like tea, coffee, and saffron.4, 5 Skin whitening is a personal choice, and it should not depend on somebody else’s opinion. But if you experience a severe form of hyperpigmentation or unexplained skin darkening, you need to contact a dermatologist.1,7
Also Read: Natural Home Remedies for Hyperpigmentation
Coffee is a good home remedy for skin lightening, as it is helpful in reducing hyperpigmentation. Herbal remedies like saffron, grape seeds, liquorice, green tea, and Beefsteak plant might also be beneficial in skin whitening and preventing skin damage.4–6
Overexposure to UV radiation present in the sunlight causes the skin to produce melanin. This melanin turns the skin darker to prevent further damage to the skin.2
Hyperpigmentation can have many causes: pregnancy, use of certain drugs, build-up of iron in the body (haemochromatosis), skin inflammation, Addison’s disease, and birthmarks.1
If you experience sudden or unexplained skin darkening, you should seek immediate medical help.1
Though not normal, hyperpigmentation is a common condition. It may make people self-conscious, but specific lifestyle changes and treatments may be helpful in managing hyperpigmentation.7
You can start by protecting your skin from the sun; it may help prevent hyperpigmentation. You can follow these steps to avoid sun damage: Applying sunscreen every day; Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB and has an SPF of 30 or higher. You can also wear protective clothing or hats before going out in the sun. If you use sunblock, use a physical blocker like titanium oxide or zinc oxide.7
The patches of dark brown or light brown skin that appear during pregnancy are called melasma. It appears because of the overproduction of cells that make melanin. Melasma is a relatively common, harmless, and normal occurrence that might fade on its own after a few months. You can seek medical help from a dermatologist as well.8
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability, or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
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