Melanin is a pigment, which is responsible for your skin color. Due to some external and internal factors melanin production increases resulting in dark spots. Here you’ll learn about benefits of aloe vera for hyperpigmentation.
What is Hyperpigmentation?
Melanocytes are responsible for producing melanin, which absorbs sunlight and protects your skin from harmful UV rays.
Damage to cells that produce melanin may result in excess or little melanin, which then paves the way for dark and white patches respectively. (1)
As mentioned above, sunlight, allergic reaction, certain medications, genetic, hormonal changes and skin ailments are held responsible for skin discoloration.
Pigmentation falls into three categories as mentioned below.
- Brown spots (caused due to excess sunlight)
- Melasma
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Is Aloe Vera Good for Hyperpigmentation?
According to researchers aloe vera is packed with an enzyme that can treat dark spots and make your skin glow.
Excellent thing is, it’s damn easy to prepare aloe vera for hyperpigmentation. All you must do is peel its leaf and start rubbing over affected areas.
Prior to that let’s check its nutrients.
- Study states that topical application of aloe gel can protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
- Sticky nature of this home available gel will help to remove impurities and dead cells piled over the skin.
- Gibberellins housed in aloe gel exhibits antibacterial and healing abilities, which help to fade the appearance of scars caused due to acne or eczema.
- It’s rejuvenating property improves your skin texture.
- Astringent agents housed in aloe vera cleanse your skin and shrink skin pores.
- Glucomannan and gibberellins hormones present in aloe vera gel exhibit anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Also, they promote collagen production.
- Its ability to absorb excess sebum over the skin helps to prevent clogging of skin pores.
- Glycol-protein reduces inflammation associated skin ailments.
- Antioxidant agents present in the gel help to reduce wrinkles, fine lines and restrain free radicals.
- Apart from that it also improves blood circulation and stimulates cell regeneration.
- Study also states that aloe vera gel binds moisture on the skin and nutrients in it promotes elastin production.
How to Use Aloe Vera for Hyperpigmentation?
To reap the nutritional benefits of aloe, cosmetic industries started manufacturing aloe vera gel; we don’t recommend these products because of the refined process they use. Take fresh aloe leaf and start topically rubbing over your skin. You can also make aloe vera face mask to apply on face.
Below mentioned are different recipes, go with the one that goes well with your skin.
#1 Aloe Vera and Seaweed
Packed with anti-inflammatory, moisturizing and cleansing abilities, seaweed is gaining some serious kudos in the cosmetic world.
B-complex vitamins residing in this marine extract can lighten the appearance of dark spots and improve your skin complexion.
- Extract the seaweed juice from a small portion of fatty stems.
- Mix 1 tablespoon of seaweed with 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel and ½ tablespoon of raw honey.
- Mix thoroughly and apply the mask on pre-washed
- Leave it to dry naturally for 20 minutes and then rinse it off with water.
#2 Honey and Aloe Vera Gel for Hyperpigmentation
Manuka honey is prominent for hydrating, cleansing, anti-inflammatory and healing abilities.
- Peel the thick green skin of aloe vera leaf from all sides to obtain gel like substance.
- Now wash your face or skin and smoothly rub aloe gel over pigmented skin at night and rinse it off with water in the morning.
- Alternatively, mix 2 tbsp of blended aloe gel with 2 tbsp of manuka honey and apply over affected area. Repeat this process regularly.
#3 Aloe Vera and Apple Cider Vinegar
Alpha-hydroxy acids present in ACV helps in skin rejuvenating, exfoliation and to treat skin ailments. Glycol present in ACV can cleanse your skin and improve your skin texture.
- Dilute 1 tablespoon of ACV with water.
- Also, add 1 tablespoon of aloe gel and mix thoroughly.
- Wash your face and pat dry using a soft cloth.
- Apply the mask on your skin and rinse it off after 20 minutes.
#4 Aloe Vera Toner
This DIY recipe helps to cleanse dead cells, protect your skin from UV rays and also prevent pigmentation.
- Prepare 1 cup of green tea by boiling water and by adding 2 tea bags.
- Add 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel to prepared green tea and mix thoroughly.
- Apply this toner on your face using a cotton ball.
- Repeat this simple process regularly till you see positive results.
- Optionally, you can also add rose water and lemon juice to above toner.
#5 Aloe Vera Gel and Tea Tree Oil
Nutrients in tea tree essential oil help to lighten the appearance of dark spots, acne scars and improve complexion.
- Add few drops of tea tree EO with 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel.
- Mix thoroughly and apply it over pre-washed
- Rinse it off after 15-20 minutes with water.
Note: If you’re allergic to any of these ingredients then avoid mixing and just use aloe vera gel.
#6 Aloe Vera and Turmeric for Skin Hyperpigmentation
Prominent for its skin whitening properties, turmeric powder is packed with assorted nutrients. It exhibits antibacterial, antiseptic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Mix 2 teaspoon of aloe vera gel with 1 teaspoon of gram flour and ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder.
- Mix thoroughly and apply it on pre-washed
- Rinse it off with water after 15-20 minutes.
#7 Consumption of Aloe Vera Gel
Vitamins and minerals packed in aloe vera gel can benefit your overall health and skin. Mix this sticky gel with orange juice and drink it twice in a week.
Vitamin A, E, B, zinc, niacin and other nutrients in it help to thwart radicals and toxins inside your body that may damage your cell membrane.
Aloe Vera for Skin Whitening – Does it Work?
First, what is skin whitening?
It’s a simple process to remove higher concentration of melanin and provide even skin complexion, also known as skin lightening or skin bleaching. Most people turn to chemical ingredients when they hear about this process. Yes, there are many pricey products, which has no or minimum side-effects with an excellent effect over the skin. But, if you’re like those who’d like to pamper your skin and use natural remedies, then aloe vera stands first in the aisle.
Secret nutritional profile of aloe vera includes Lignin that hydrates your skin, anthraquinone, and amino acids, which helps to shed dead cells and enhances regeneration of new cells. It easily gets absorbed by your skin as soon as you apply it. (2)
It’s anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties keeps skin allergies at bay. Antioxidant agents housed in aloe gel tightens the skin, thwarts free radicals and reduces premature aging signs.
How to Use Aloe Vera for Skin Whitening?
- Topically apply aloe vera face mask regularly.
- Alternatively, you can directly peel the fresh aloe leaf and smoothly rub over face or skin.
- Other natural ingredients like cucumber or honey can be added to blended aloe gel.
- Many people are not aware of this but you can consume aloe vera gel, directly swallow the gel or blend it with any citrus fruit juice. This way it’s beneficial for both health and skin.
Conclusion
Assorted properties in aloe vera gel can treat chronic skin diseases. Antioxidant and anti bacterial agents packed in aloe gel are enough to make your skin radiant and supple. Directly apply the fresh gel over affected area or make your own face mask. Regular application is important for fast recovery.
Did you ever use aloe vera gel for hyperpigmentation? Share your experience with us.