Skin pigmentation is a common problem in winter, especially among people with darker skin tones. Darker complexions have an increased chance of hyperpigmentation and brown spots during winter due to less tanning opportunities. This article will teach you how to counter the effects of these problems by using natural ingredients that can be found at home or in your pantry right now.

Although the winter sun is pleasant, it may cause Skin Pigmentation-
The skin has amazing defense mechanisms. Cells that create melanin, the pigment that gives the skin its color, are found in the epidermis’ deeper layers. Melanin is a pigment that shields the skin from the sun’s rays. When exposed to the sun, it grows and travels up to the top layers of the skin, eventually reaching the skin’s surface. This is why the skin tans when exposed to the sun. This all results in skin pigmentation which can effect over all look of the skin.
How skin pigmentation happens?
We like soaking up the sun in the winter. Because the melanin is transmitted in an uneven way, this not only causes the skin to get browned, but it may also result in dark spots or pigmentation of the skin. Although the source may be internal, light exposure makes it noticeable on the face as dark areas. The spots grow more visible and permanent as a result of repeated exposure to the light. The skin loses moisture and gets dry in the winter. This increases the visibility of the skin pigmentation which are hard to ignore!
Related: All to know about skin pigmentation
Use sunscreen to protect yourself
The sun protection is the initial part of the therapy. The sole solution is to use physical protection such as an umbrella or hat, as well as to apply sunscreen before going out in the sun. Choose a sunscreen with at least an SPF of 20 or 25. To give time for the sunscreen to be absorbed by the skin, apply it 20 minutes before sun exposure. If you spend more than an hour in the sun, you should reapply it. The sun’s effects are amplified near water bodies and snow, which reflect the sun’s rays. As a result, it’s even more critical to protect the skin and reapply sunscreen every 20 to 30 minutes.
Moisturizers should not be overlooked.
The skin should be maintained moisturized at all times throughout the winter, particularly if it is normal to dry. After cleaning, apply a nourishing cream to the skin and massage it in with a few drops of water at night. The skin’s capacity to retain moisture is improved as a result of this.

Scrubs and masks are beneficial to prevent sun damage-
Scrubs and masks also aid in the removal of dead skin cells and the pigment they contain. This aids in the progressive lightening of the dark spots. External treatment may permanently erase pigmentation if it is followed up with protective care. Even when the pigmented spots have faded, sunscreen or sun block should be used. In reality, to protect the skin from sun damage and premature aging, sun protection is an essential aspect of contemporary aesthetic care.
Workable home beauty cures effective for Skin Pigmentation-
Scrub
- Combine 3 tablespoons almond meal (ground almonds) and half cup yogurt in a mixing bowl (curd).
- Apply to the face and neck as needed.
- Gently rub, paying careful attention to the dark regions, and then Rinse it off.
- It also aids in the removal of tan.
In case of sunburn
- In fact, applying cold milk to the skin using cotton wool on a regular basis not only soothes it but also maintains it supple.
- If worn on a regular basis, it will lighten the skin color with time.
For blemishes
- Using a cream, combine a large amount of coarse salt.
- Only apply to the regions with black streaks or blotches, and gently massage in.
- Rinse it off.
- After that, apply cold milk and rinse after 15 minutes.
- This should be done twice a week.

For pigmentation
- Apply a pinch of turmeric (haldi) to curd on the whole face once a day.
- After 20 to 30 minutes, wash it off.
Mask
- To make a thick paste, combine 3 tablespoons oats, 1 teaspoon ripe papaya pulp, and 1 teaspoon curd.
- After 20 minutes, wash off the product.
- Both dry and oily skin types will benefit from this mask.
(Shahnaz Husain, the founder of the Ayurvedic beauty movement and the leader of a worldwide network of franchise businesses and 375 formulas, is the author of this article.)
How do you get rid of sun pigmentation?
Professional treatment
Laser resurfacing. During laser resurfacing, a wand-like device is used to deliver beams of light that remove sun damaged skin layer by layer
Intense pulse light (IPL). IPL uses pulses of light energy to target sunspots on the skin.
Cryotherapy.
Chemical peels.
Microdermabrasion
How can I overcome pigmentation problems?
There are many steps you can take to help improve your skin. You should start by getting a broad spectrum SPF sunscreen when outside or deciding that the sun is not for you, wear cotton clothing as much as possible and avoid shaving in areas with high concentrations of melanin like on the legs where there is a higher chance of over-exfoliation and irritation.
Does skin pigmentation go away?
Hyperpigmentation is a lifelong condition. Treatments can help clear some dark spots and lessen others. But they might take a few months or a year to work. And other spots can appear over time, especially if you don’t protect yourself from sun damage.
Does Vitamin C help with skin pigmentation?
It helps in fading away the pigmentation.
Vitamin C inhibits melanin synthesis by downregulating the activity of an enzyme known as tyrosinase. It’s widely used in dermatology for depigmentation of hyperpigmented spots on the skin.
How do you fade hyperpigmentation fast?
Committing to a dark-spot-correcting serum with any and all of the brightening ingredients we mentioned before (vitamin c, retinol, tranexamic acid, kojic acid)—can significantly speed up the process and help fade dark spots even faster.
Does hyperpigmentation get darker before it fades?
Yes. Active treatment accelerates cell turnover, pulling pigmented cells to the surface at a faster rate. This increases the concentration of melanin in the epidermis, which can create a temporary darkening of the spots. The darkening means the pigment is coming up and is ready to be shed away.