Foods that Can Cause Skin Pigmentation Foods that contain copper are leafy greens, like spinach, kale, and mustard greens, as well as whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, asparagus, and summer squash.
Foods rich in Vitamin A –
The intake of vitamin A helps to increase the creation of a melanin in the skin called anecdotal melanin. Hence, one should consume food that is rich in vitamin A such as sweet potatoes, carrots, oranges, vegetables, fruits, fish and meat etc.
What causes hyperpigmentation? Skin gets its color from a substance called melanin, which is made by skin cells. When those skin cells are damaged or unhealthy, they can produce too much melanin. The melanin can clump, causing that area to appear darker.
If you want to reduce the appearance of dark spots there are three types of food to steer clear of: sugary foods, fried foods, and foods that contain a lot of soy.
Three of the best vitamins for lightening dark spots are vitamin C, vitamin B12, and vitamin E. Vitamin C helps your skin produce more collagen while inhibiting the formation of melanin. Vitamin B12 also promotes collagen formation while supporting the growth of new skin cells.
Triggers include sun exposure, hormonal changes, and trauma to the skin, for example, due to acne or an injury. Picking at scabs and spots may make it worse. Some face creams can irritate the skin, leading to further hyperpigmentation.
The deficiency of vitamin B12 can cause specific skin manifestations, such as hyperpigmentation, vitiligo, angular stomatitis, and hair and nail changes [1].
Chemical peels, laser therapy, microdermabrasion, or dermabrasion are all options that work similarly to rid skin of hyperpigmentation. These procedures work to gently remove the top layer of your skin where the dark spots lie.
Green tea. Green tea and its main active ingredient, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), may help alter pigmentation of the skin in some cases.
It contains a compound called aloin which is helpful in suppression of tyrosinase which further leads to reduction in the production of melanin. 6– Use of lemon juice– As we all know lemon juice contains vitamin C which is good for the skin, studies have found that it helps in reducing pigmentation as well.
Apple cider vinegar is a simple yet effective home remedy to treat pigmentation. Apple cider vinegar is acidic in nature since it is made through fermenting apple juice. This acidity comes from acetic acid, which is known to be a natural bleaching agent. For this reason, it is a recommended treatment for pigmentation.
Chronic, long-term stress can manifest on the skin as hyperpigmentation. A hormone called Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is produced and secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, often in response to biological stress. This hormone triggers melanogenesis, the process of skin pigment production.
People with darker skin are naturally more susceptible to dark spots. The skin is already creating melanin, which is what gives it a darker color, and when hormones or trauma trigger an increase in this melanin production, you are more susceptible to hyperpigmentation.
When iron levels are low, the body may not be able to produce enough melanin, which can lead to changes in skin pigmentation. Iron deficiency can also lead to a condition called anemia, which can cause paleness or a yellowish tint to the skin.
The underlying hormone responsible for triggering the melanocytes is melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH). This hormone increases the production of melanin, which is responsible for darkening your skin.
Rosehip seed oil, vitamin E oil (found in almond oil) and argan oil are some of the best carrier oils to use in your everyday skincare routine to reduce the appearance of dark marks.
Sources of Vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is naturally present in foods of animal origin, including fish, meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products [5]. In addition, fortified breakfast cereals and fortified nutritional yeasts are readily available sources of vitamin B12 that have high bioavailability [12,13].
Spicy and Fried Foods – inflammatory foods
Spicy foods and/or fried foods are also highly inflammatory in the body. Those foods should be limited as they can also trigger hyperpigmentation of the skin.