Melanin is the pigment that gives your skin its color. Melanin is the pigment responsible for the color of your skin, hair, and eyes. When skin cells are exposed to the sun, melanin is created. The more time you spend in the sun, the more melanin you create.
Eumelanin, which gives skin a brown hue (tan), and pheomelanin, which gives skin a red tint (burn), are the two types of melanin. A tan is the consequence of regular sun exposure. It causes the skin to produce more melanin, which gives it a brownish tan and protects it from the sun’s rays. Excessive sun exposure raises pheomelanin levels, which causes the skin to burn, degrades the natural skin barrier, and raises cancer risk.
Hyperpigmentation and dark spots can develop from excessive melanin production in patches or sections of the skin, resulting in an uneven skin tone and texture. Finding how to reduce melanin becomes a priority at this point, but it’s critical to do it properly and without causing any damage to your skin.
7 Dermatologist Approved Ways To Get Rid Of Melanin on Skin
Getting rid of melanin is impossible unless it is for certain diseases. Melanin has a very important function in your body. It literally protects you from skin cancer! But excessive melanin or the overproduction of melanin in patches or in the form of dark spots or hyperpigmentation can be a major bother. But worry not! If how to reduce melanin, dark spots and hyperpigmentation is your concern, the following tips can help you achieve your skincare goals:
- Get a good skincare routine. Taking good care of your skin should be a no-goner. Having a manageable morning and evening skincare routine which promotes cell proliferation can repair and rejuvenate your skin, brighten your skin, and get rid of the excess blotchy melanin. We advise exfoliating your face 2 or 3 times a week with AHAs or BHAs in the morning, followed by a good pH balancing toner (optional) and then you can apply a good antioxidant serum, a hydrating moisturizer and layer it with a protective sunscreen. For the nighttime, you can skip the sunscreen. After a few weeks of following this routine, you’ll see the visible brightening of your skin.
- Never miss on sunscreen! Have you ever heard the ancient proverb, “Prevention is better than cure?” Yes, it is accurate! Sunrays trigger melanin, and UV rays are known to cause skin damage, so always apply at least two fingers’ worth of decent sunscreen with at least SPF 30. A mineral-based sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium is also recommended. Reapply sunscreen every 2-3 hours as well.
- Try Retinol or Alpha Arbutin. Retinol is a tricky skincare chemical but it’s also one of the most effective skincare chemicals available in the market! We recommend you apply pea-sized amounts of retinoid creams or serums at nighttime and leave it for 40 minutes before layering it up with a good moisturizer. Retinol increases the cell turnover rate and tackles acne, dark spots, and pigmentation, giving you even-toned skin. Always do a patch test before making Retinol a part of your skincare routine. Alpha Arbutin can be substituted for
- Make skin acids your friends. Skincare acids, often known as face acids, are exfoliating compounds that are commonly used in skincare. Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) are the two types of acids utilized in cosmetics. Both groups succeeded in removing the fluid that binds cells to the skin’s outer layers, revealing a smoother, brighter surface. It can get rid of that stubborn hyperpigmentation, dark spots and acne scars. You might notice some skin peeling depending on the concentration of the acid. Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Salicylic acid, Ferulic acid, Kojic Acid and Lactic Acid are some of the popular face acids.
- Try Benzoyl Peroxide. Benzoyl Peroxide is one of the most common OTC Treatments for acne. But apart from tackling active acne, due to its skin peeling abilities, it can peel off the dark spots and hyperpigmentation, giving you a radiant, even complexion.
- Make hydration your priority! The health of your skin depends upon how hydrated it is. Without proper hydration, your skin cells die, leading to a dull appearance. It’s important to keep your skin well moisturized. Niacinamide and Hyaluronic acid are the most popular choices. Niacinamide also helps to get rid of tan. It also blocks excessive melanin production. Products with NMF complex can too be used for moisturization.
- Go for chemical peels. If that hyperpigmentation and dark spots seem to never go away, you might try your hands in chemical peels. We recommend getting chemical peels done by a professional dermatologist, although at-home chemical peels too are available in the market. Chemical peels can get rid of the outer skin layer of your skin, taking away every dark spot and hyperpigmentation that’s present in the layer, giving you new bright skin!
Conclusion
How to reduce melanin is a tricky question as hyperpigmentation is one of the most stubborn skincare problems to deal with. Various skin lightening or skin brightening procedures can limit or reduce the production of melanin in your skin for a short time. The majority of the products that claim to have the answer for how to reduce melanin, act by inhibiting the enzyme that produces melanin. You can’t reduce your body’s total melanin production unless you apply sunscreen and minimize your sun exposure. Because melanin synthesis is genetically determined, the permanent decrease is not achievable. If you suffer from excessive melanin production, such as hyperpigmentation, consult a doctor about ways to minimize melanin in the afflicted regions. They can advise you on the best therapies or solutions for your specific needs.
