“We cannot take hyperpigmentation as a simple cosmetic issue, because it can evoke emotional stress”, says Dr. S Yasmin, MD Ayurveda, Hyperpigmentation refers to the formation of darker colour patches on the skin and these patches can occur due to various reasons.
In Ayurveda, Dr. Yasmin informs us that the condition of hyperpigmentation is known as Vyanga. Vata and pitta dosha as well as mental factors including Krodha (anger), shoka (grief) and shram (exhaustion) are the main culprits of hyperpigmentation. Following are the reasons, and the line of treatment as per Ayurveda.
Main Reasons For Hyperpigmentation
Our ayurvedic expert Dr. Yasmin explains 12 common factors that can be the reason for hyperpigmentation:
- Sun can cause brown or dark patches to appear due to too much melanin formation, as a protective mechanism, on the skin.
- Hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, delayed periods, medicines and even contraceptive pills can cause pigmentation.
- Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) can also be a cause. The body’s response to injury is inflammation which triggers melanin production, resulting in brown spots and patches. Some cases where PIH can be seen are acne, scars, insect bites, cuts or abrasion, post-laser treatments, post peels, etc.
- Anaemia- iron, foil acid, vitamin B12 and vitamin D deficiency.
- Family history
- Liver disorders
- Suppression of natural urges like vomiting
- Heavy facial exercises like singing, reading loudly, etc. immediately after meals.
- Daytime sleeping
- Blood vitiating factors such as consuming wrong food combinations.
- Factors aggravating the pitta dosha like fear, anger, grief, etc.
- Consumption of excessive pungent, sour, spicy and salty food.
Also Read: Eat According To Your Doshas
Some Ayurvedic Remedies For Hyperpigmentation
- External application of herbal pastes like manjistha and honey paste, javitri and milk paste, a paste of fresh rind/peel of pomegranate with milk, etc. Butter application is also helpful.
- Facial massage with oils like gingelly oil, kumkumadi tailam, butter and sathadoutha ghrita (ghee). For kumkumadi tailam, take 4-5 drops of oil and rub it between your palms. Now gently massage it over your face for 5 minutes.
- Nasal drops are usually effective for all disorders above the neck region. It helps to let out toxins through the nasal or oral route. Installation of nasal drops with anu taila or kumkumadi taila.
- Oil pulling with gingelly oil on an empty stomach for 5-10 minutes.
- Lemon juice with warm water once a week on an empty stomach early in the morning helps purify the blood and detoxify the body.
Blood detoxifiers, blood soothers and complexion enhancers are also used. Some of them are:
- Kumaryasava
- Chandanasava
- Mahamanjisthadi kashayam
- Chandraprabha vati
- Sarivadyasava
- Mahatiktam kashayam
- Lodhrasava
- Kaishore guggulu
- Khadirarishta
- Gandhaka Rasayana
However, these are to be taken under an ayurvedic doctor’s advice only. During pregnancy, take a pinch of kumkuma along with milk, especially during the 5th and 6th month to prevent melasma. But it is advised to speak to a doctor first.
Some General Tips:
- Avoid direct sun exposure between 9 am to 6 pm
- Apply 2-3 drops of ghee or coconut oil over your face and neck before stepping out in the sun.
- Apply cucumber juice, tomato juice or aloe vera gel after sun exposure.
- Wear sunglasses, a hat and loose, light colour clothes and carry an umbrella when stepping out.
- Keep yourself hydrated throughout the day. Drink at least 2-3lts of water every day, because dehydrated skin is more prone to hyperpigmentation.
- Avoid exposure to wind while travelling.
- Avoid perfumes, colour cosmetics like blush-on, and fragrances like lavender, as these absorb UV rays and can cause hyper-pigmentation.
- Improve your lifestyle, quit smoking, avoid excess consumption of tea and coffee, eating curd at night or eating stale food. Avoid repeated usage of hormonal pills to postpone periods.
- Have adequate sleep every day and sleep only at night. If you wish to sleep during the day, take a nap only, do not sleep for hours.
