how to remove dark spot and malasma

What Causes Dark Spots on the Skin?

                                                             

Dark spots and patchy pigmentation on the face are common and noticeable problems, especially for women.

The first thing to do is to figure out whether those are really patches of darker pigmentation or just your normal skin color which appears darker because of vitiligo (whiter patches in the surrounding skin area).

Pigmentation (caused by melanin) is what gives color to the skin. This pigmentation is usually uniform and symmetrical. However, sometimes it appears in uneven blotchy patches (called hyper pigmentation), most commonly seen on the bridge of the nose, the upper lip, in the area around the lips, on the forehead, and on the cheekbones
                                        
                                                              

Melasma (also known as Chloasma faciei, which describes dark areas of pigmentation in the skin) is a common complaint, especially among women. We don't know its exact causes, but we do know that it occurs when the skin's color-making cells (melanocytes) produce too much color. It is commonly found among woman who are experiencing hormonal changes (often during pregnancy) or experiencing hormonal disorders like polycystic ovarian syndrome, thyroid problems, or pre-menopausal or menopausal symptoms. Those who take oral contraceptives also sometimes develop melasma, and exposure to the sun can trigger this problem. Men also suffer from hyperpigmentation, often triggered by stress or diabetes. Some people—men and women—simply have a family history of this problem.

If you have dark patches on your skin, for whatever reason, there are many things you can do. Read on for a list of treatment options
                                                         

How to Prevent and Lighten Dark Spots on Skin

Melasma may be treated by the following methods:

• A bleaching cream containing hydroquinone or tretinoin which help to fade pigmentation. Apply until the dark spots fade away. Talk to your doctor about getting a prescription if the over-the-counter solutions are not strong enough.
• Laser treatment, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels.
• Using a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 daily.
• Washing with mild soaps/cleansers.
• Applying fruit creams that contain lactic acid and glycolic acid, which nourish the skin and help even out its pigmentation.
• Applying castor oil once a day, 30 minutes before bathing.
• Applying a face pack of multani meetti (yellow mud) with rose water.
• Using the gel of an aloe vera leaf.
• Drinking plenty of water to flush the toxins from your body.
• Washing your face with only tap water or rose water and letting it air dry.
• Rubbing raw, ripe papaya juice or pulp on the skin.
• Applying the juice from a slice of lime

                                                         

Things to Avoid to Reduce or Prevent Dark Spots

• Avoiding creams, lotions, cleansers, and chemical ingredients which irritate the skin.
• Avoiding waxing, which may cause skin inflammation which can make hyperpigmentation worse.
• Refraining from taking contraceptive pills or hormone replacement therapies. Talk to your doctor about alternatives.
• Avoiding exposure to the sun by wearing a hat or staying inside.

Hyperpigmentation is often extremely stubborn and difficult to get rid of but not impossible. Adhering to a careful and regular regime of a combination of these home remedies can really help