Dark skin can be a bane for people who crave a fair complexion. Though a
lot of people have naturally dark skin, darkening of skin could also be
due to hyperpigmentation and various other reasons. A dark colored skin
has more of skin pigment Melanin, as compared to a fair skin.
Unfortunately, increased quantity of melanin can cause the skin to look
blemished and patchy.
Dark Skin Symptoms
The symptoms for dark skin include a dark brown to blackish skin. This
could be coupled with blemishes or dark patches on the skin.
Dark Skin Causes
The causes for a dark skin or complexion could be many. Some of the most
common ones are - Heredity People who have a dark skin often have
children who are dark-skinned too. The genes seem to pass on from
generation to generation.
Hyperpigmentation
In this condition the skin produces too much of the pigment melanin, causing the skin to become darker than usual.
Skin disorders
Conditions such as Lichen Simplex Chronicus is a skin disorder that
causes severe itching that leaves the skin thick, dark and patchy.
Sun rays
Over exposure to sun causes the skin to tan. This is a natural
mechanism, wherein to protect itself from the harmful UV rays of the
sun, the skin produces more of the pigment melanin which shields the
penetration of UV rays into the skin.
Home Remedies & Tips for Dark Skin
Here are some simple home remedies that you can do to lighten the skin
tone and get a lighter complexion. However, they must be done regularly
and best results are obtained if they are inculcated as a part of daily
routine.
Mix 1 tsp of milk powder, 1 tsp of honey, 1 tsp of lemon juice, and ½
tsp of almond oil. Apply on face and wash off after 10-15 minutes. This
pack helps bring shine to the skin and also removes tan. Mix oatmeal
with curd and tomato juice and apply on the face. Keep it on for 20
minutes and then wash it off with cold water. It helps remove the tan
and lightens the skin.
Place sliced raw potato on the face. It helps reduce blemishes and other marks.
Applying turmeric powder along with lime juice removes the tan. Lime juice is a natural bleach.
Dried orange peels mixed with curd also help reduce blemishes and scars. Wash off this mixture with cold water after 15 minutes.
Soak 4 almonds overnight. Grind into a fine paste using milk. Apply on
face and neck and leave it overnight. Wash with cold water in the
morning. Do this daily for 15 days, followed by twice a week.
A tbsp of gram flour mixed with 2 tsp of raw milk and 2-3 drops of lime
juice works well for lightening dark skin. Apply this mixture and leave
it for 15 minutes before washing off. Repeat for 4 weeks and follow up
with once a week.Apply a paste of fresh ground mint leaves and leave it
for about 20 minutes. Wash with cold water, continue for 15 days.
Apply a mixture of grated tomato with 2-3 drops of lime juice on the
face. Leave it for 20 minutes before washing off. Do this twice a day
for 15-20 days for best results.
Balanced Diet
Although there are no particular foods that will lighten your skin
instantly, a balanced diet definitely helps by giving your skin a
healthy glow. Drinking an optimum amount of water hydrates your skin and
keeps it blemish free.
Avoid excessive consumption of heavy and oily foods.
Incorporate whole cereals, pulses, fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet.
Drink at least 4-5 liters of water every day. Water washes out the toxins from the body