7 Home Remedies to Get Rid of Hyperpigmentation and How to Use Them

• Three of the most common forms of hyperpigmentation are sun spots, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation and melasma.
• Although research on the topic is currently limited, preliminary findings suggest that simple home remedies may be beneficial in treating all three types.
• Evidence indicates that two natural ingredients, Vitamin C and soy extract, are effective in treating hyperpigmentation.
• Some purported at-home remedies, such as apple cider vinegar, are ineffective and may instead cause severe irritation when applied to the skin.

Hyperpigmentation is a condition characterized by the appearance of scattered areas of darker skin compared to one’s natural skin tone. Although hyperpigmentation is usually best treated with over-the-counter (OTC) topicals and professional procedures, these treatment options tend to be expensive.

Some natural ingredients have proven to be safe and effective treatment options for hyperpigmentation. These ingredients can be used to create DIY facial cleansers or applied directly to the affected areas to help reduce or eliminate hyperpigmented areas of skin. Home remedies also offer a more cost- and time-effective alternative to conventional treatments. 

What Causes Hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is caused by an increase in the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for the color of hair and skin. This increase in production occurs unevenly across the skin, leading to the formation of melanin clusters. These clusters result in the appearance of scattered, dark spots

Hyperpigmentation typically appears in one of three forms. In each, the increase in melanin production has a distinct underlying cause.

• Sun spots, also known as age spots or liver spots, are the result of the skin increasing melanin production as a protective measure in response to damage incurred from ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
• Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation is the result of an increase in the activity of melanocytes (the cells responsible for the production of melanin) during the skin healing process. Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation tends to occur more frequently in those with darker skin tones, as their melanocytes are more active, and more likely to produce higher counts of melanin when the skin has been inflamed.
• Melasma is a form of hyperpigmentation caused by hormonal changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy.

Do Home Remedies for Hyperpigmentation Work?

Preliminary research suggests that a number of natural ingredients show promise as treatment options for hyperpigmentation. There is also a wealth of anecdotal evidence supporting the use of home remedies for treating hyperpigmentation.

All three types of hyperpigmentation can be addressed to some degree using at-home options. However, melasma is more difficult to treat at home, as it is primarily caused by hormonal imbalances, which typically require prescription medications to address. Home remedies can only target the symptoms of melasma rather than the underlying cause.

Most at-home hyperpigmentation remedies work by naturally dispersing clustered melanin, disrupting the formation of melanin or by reducing inflammation. Certain treatments also work to reduce some of the visible signs of UV damage, reducing the appearance of sun spots.

Best Home Remedies for Hyperpigmentation

A number of natural ingredients can be used to make natural face cleansers, which can be applied once or twice daily to help address hyperpigmentation. Consistent use is important as most natural products take 8 weeks of regular use before you begin to see noticeable results. 

Some ingredients are better suited to address some types of hyperpigmentation. Identifying the type of hyperpigmentation you are experiencing will help you to select the best possible treatment option.

Remedy	Sun Spots	Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation	Melasma
Vitamin C	Yes	Yes	Yes
Aloe vera	Yes	No	No
Soy extract	Yes	No	Purported
Licorice extract	Yes	No	Purported
Green tea	No	No	Yes
Turmeric extract	No	No	Purported
Mulberry extract	No	No	Yes

Vitamin C

There is evidence that vitamin C can lighten skin and treat hyperpigmentation by preventing melanin production.

Citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons and limes are rich natural sources of vitamin C, and  their juice can easily be incorporated into DIY cleansers and toners. Papaya is another rich source, and a popular ingredient in DIY face mask recipes.

Lemon juice can be safely applied to the face by following these steps:

1. Wash the hyperpigmented treatment area with warm water to remove surface debris
2. Gently massage the lemon juice into the skin for several seconds
3. Wait 10 minutes; wash off with warm water

Most skin types should be able to tolerate a nightly application of lemon juice. However, those with sensitive skin may experience irritation. Start by applying the juice a few times per week and manage your usage based on your skin’s response.  

Aloe vera

The aloe vera plant contains aloesin, a compound that may play a role in treating hyperpigmentation. Aloesin inhibits the activity of tyrosinase, the enzyme that stimulates melanin production, thereby reducing melanin and encouraging skin lightening. 

Aloe vera can be applied by following these steps:

1. Wash the hyperpigmented treatment area with warm water to remove surface debris
2. Apply a thin layer of pure aloe vera gel to the skin 
3. Allow the gel to dry; leave on overnight
4. In the morning, rinse off any residual gel with warm water

This process can be repeated each night until the hyperpigmentation fades.

Soy extract

Many trial studies support the use of soy extract for treating hyperpigmentation. One study demonstrated that a moisturizer containing soy improved and lighten skin tone. 

Soy extract is available form specialized organic vendors in powder form. This powder can be blended into a paste and applied to the skin by following these steps:

1. Blend two parts soy extract powder with one part moisturizing oil, such as jojoba or almond oil, to form a smooth paste
2. Wash the hyperpigmented treatment area with warm water to remove surface debris
3. Gently massage the paste into the skin
4. Wait 15 minutes; rinse with warm water

You can start with a once-a-day treatment to determine how skin reacts. However, most individuals—including those with dry and sensitive skin—should be able to apply this soy extract blend twice per day due to its safe, gentle properties.

Licorice extract

Licorice extract contains glabridin, a chemical compound found to combat hyperpigmentation by inhibiting the activity of tyrosinase. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which could potentially make it a suitable preventative measure for hyperpigmentation due to inflammation.

Licorice extract is usually accompanied by application instructions that should be followed closely for optimal results. These instructions typically include the following steps:

1. Wash the hyperpigmented treatment area with warm water to remove surface debris
2. Apply the licorice extract directly to the area with a cotton swab
3. Leave the extract to dry
4. Wait several hours, rinse with lukewarm water

This process can be performed nightly until hyperpigmentation begins to fade – typically around the eight-week mark. 

Green tea

One study found the topical application of green tea extract cream effectively and dramatically reduced the appearance of melasma in 60% of patients. Another study found evidence suggesting green tea extracts can inhibit the activity of tyrosinase, thereby slowing melanin production.

Green tea can be safely applied at home by following these steps:

1. Steep one green tea bag in boiling water for 3–5 minutes
2. Remove the tea bag and cool in the fridge
3. Wash the hyperpigmented treatment area with warm water to remove surface debris
4. Lightly rub the tea bag on skin
5. Allow the treatment area to dry; wash after 1 hour

This treatment can be applied both morning and evening for all skin types. 

Turmeric extract

Turmeric contains the compound curcumin, which has been found to reduce the appearance of dark skin on the face. Curcumin has also demonstrated potential as a treatment for acne, which can sometimes lead to postinflammatory hyperpigmentation.

When applying turmeric extract at home, follow any included instructions. These instructions typically include the following steps:

1. Wash the hyperpigmented treatment area with warm water to remove surface debris
2. Apply a small amount of turmeric extract to the area with a cotton swab
3. Allow the extract to dry; leave overnight
4. In the morning, rinse with warm water

Alternatively, turmeric paste may provide similar results. To make a turmeric paste, mix one part dry turmeric to two parts water in a saucepan. Simmer the mixture until it forms a paste and then leave to cool. This paste can be applied directly to the hyperpigmented area and left on overnight, every night. 

However, it is worth noting that turmeric can leave yellow stains on both material and skin. Many commercial varieties of turmeric also contain artificial yellow coloring, which can increase the risk of staining. For this reason, choose organic turmeric  for topical use, as it is less likely to contain artificial coloring.

If applying turmeric extract or paste does stain your skin, you can apply a sugar scrub, or warm coconut or vegetable oil into the stained area and then wash the area with soap. When applying turmeric overnight, be sure to cover your treatment area to reduce the risk of it coming into contact with clothes or bedding.

Mulberry extract

Mulberry is rich in antioxidants, and has been found to inhibit the activity of tyrosinase. Preliminary studies suggest it may be effective in reducing the appearance of melasma.

Mulberry root extract is available in liquid form, and can be applied to the skin by following these steps:

1. Wash the treatment area with warm water to remove surface debris
2. Apply a small amount of mulberry extract to the treatment area using a cotton swab
3. Wait 10 minutes; wash with warm water

Mulberry leaf powder is another commercially available form of mulberry extract. This powder is typically intended for oral consumption, and the effects of its topical application have not been thoroughly studied. However, the powder can be used to make a DIY face mask formula.

Home remedies to avoid

Home remedy chemical peels including apple cider vinegar, should be avoided. Apple cider vinegar lacks evidence supporting its use for treating hyperpigmentation. It is sometimes recommended as a replacement for a professional chemical peel, but can be dangerous to use and poses the risk of a chemical burn.

Alternatives to home remedies for hyperpigmentation

While home remedies may sometimes be effective in treating hyperpigmentation, over-the- counter (OTC) products and treatments are better studied, and have been proven to be both safe and effective.

OTC creams containing vitamin B-3 or niacinamide have shown potential as a treatment option for sun spots, melasma and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. Niacinamide disrupts the process that triggers melanin production in the body, which can help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation.

Alpha hydroxy acids such as lactic and citric acid are derived from milk products and citrus fruits, respectively. They address hyperpigmentation by acting as superficial chemical peels. While these peels can remove excess melanin, they must be used carefully as they can also cause or worsen postinflammatory hyperpigmentation in some individuals. 

Retinoids are among the most effective treatments available for addressing melasma and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. Derived from vitamin A, retinoids vary in potency – from OTC products such as retinol to stronger formulations that require a prescription. 

When applied topically, retinoids promote the skin’s natural cell turnover rate and disrupt the melanin production process to help eliminate hyperpigmentation.

When to See a Dermatologist

If both DIY and OTC treatments fail to provide satisfactory results after six months of regular use, a dermatologist may be able to offer you a prescription strength option to address your hyperpigmentation. 

In some cases, darker pigmented areas of skin may actually be early signs of skin cancer. You should see a dermatologist or doctor if you notice dark spots that:

• Become irritated
• Bleed
• Have irregular edges
• Change in size, shape or color

Takeaway

Hyperpigmentation, caused by clusters of excess melanin, appears as scattered areas of dark  skin. There are a number of home remedies with the potential to treat it, and although most have only preliminary evidence supporting their use, some options such as Vitamin C and soy extract topicals have many studies supporting their effectiveness.

At-home hyperpigmentation treatments function either by inhibiting the formation of melanin or by brightening skin that has already become darkened. When selecting an at-home remedy, it is important to choose one that is well suited to addressing your particular form of hyperpigmentation. 

If home remedies do not improve your hyperpigmented skin, OTC options such as retinol, niacinamide and alpha hydroxy acids have been shown to be effective alternatives.