Your skin color is determined by a pigment produced by the skin, known as melanin. The amount of melanin in your skin is determined by three factors, genes, sun exposure, and hyperpigmentation. People who trace their family line to tropical regions generally have darker skin than compared to others. This is nature’s way of protecting them from the harsh UV rays of the sun. However, people retain this skin coloration even after moving to other places where the sun light is not as harsh as in the tropical regions. Sun exposure also causes skin to darken and this can be remedied very easily. Hyperpigmentation is a condition where your skin produces more melanin than usual. This abnormal amount of melanin causes dark patches, uneven looking skin coloration, and dull looking skin. This condition too can be treated with some simple home remedies.
For sun darkened skin, you can use a sun block every time you step out of the house. Be sure to read the label on the lotion or cream as it will indicate how powerful the sun block is. Invest in a lotion that contains active ingredients, as this will help get rid of dark spots and patches. Look for a product that contains PA+++ and SPF 30-plus. Please note that SPF 30-plus provides maximum protection from the harmful UV rays of the sun as per FDA guidelines. You may need to touch up or reapply the sun block if you stay out too long in the sun. Also consider wearing a hat or carrying an umbrella to protect your face from harsh sun light. Use a light jacket to protect your arms from sun exposure.
If your skin has become dark due to hyperpigmentation, you could consider exfoliating to remove the dark and dead skin layers. Regular and gentle exfoliating gives skin a natural glow. Buy a solution with a base content that contains mandelic acid or L-lactic acid. These are active ingredients that stimulate the skin to shed pigmented and dead skin cells. Some skin care products can also trigger hyperpigmentation by irritating the skin, therefore, be very careful about the amount of pH concentration and AHA or alpha hydroxyl acids present in these products. If AHA values are above 15 percent then there is a chance that they could irritate your skin and trigger hyperpigmentation. Be careful about using chemical based products that promise lighter skin. These contain harsh chemicals that could damage your skin and make it thin