Pigmentation refers to the color of your skin and it is determined by the amount and the type of melanin. It is a pigment made by specialized skin cells and there are changes in melanin production that can cause pigment disorders such as hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation and depi-pigmentation.
What causes skin pigmentation?
One’s skin tone is the result of a complex process during which the special cells inside the skin’s outer layer produce melanin. The special cells also contain organelles called melanosomes and the variations in one’s skin color depend on the size, amount and the functioning of tiny melanin factories.
Types of skin pigmentation disorders
The skin pigmentation disorders involve several abnormal changes in the skin color such as darkening and lightening. These types of conditions result from excess, uneven and reduced melanin production. Melanin is the pigment that gives skin its color. Following are the types of skin pigmentation disorders-
1. Hyperpigmentation
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Melasma.
It appears brown or has gray-brown patches on the face. Triggers- Exposure of sun, pregnancy, hormones and birth control pills. Common in- It is common in women during or after pregnancy.
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Post-inflammatory pigmentation.
One can see dark spots after acne, burns or eczema. The inflammatory response leads to excess melanin and it is more common in dark skin tones.
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Freckles.
Freckles appear in flat, brown spots which are commonly seen on the face. It is common in fair skinned individuals.
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Nevus.
These are dark pigmented skin growths and they should be monitored for changes.
2. Hypopigmentation.
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Vitiligo
One can see irregular white patches owing to the loss of melanocytes. The body attacks pigment-producing cells and it can stabilize unpredictably.
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Albinism
It appears as a total or partial absence of pigment in skin and hair. It affects melanin production from birth.
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Pityriasis Alba
It is pale and has slightly scaly patches and it is linked to eczema.
3. Mixed pigmentation
Lichen Planus Pigmentosus.
It is dark and has slate-gray patches in sun-exposed areas.
Why ayurvedic cream for pigmentation?
Choosing an ayurvedic cream for pigmentation can turn out to be lucrative for more reasons than one! Ayurvedic creams are made from plant-based extracts and they are less likely to irritate sensitive skin. They target the root cause and Ayurveda doesn’t just focus on the external systems. Ayurveda views pigmentation as a result of imbalances in doshas. These creams work by detoxifying and cooling the skin and blood and they also help balance internal factors that cause melasma. These creams are non-toxic and can be used safely. Moreover, these creams have fewer side effects as they are free from parabens and steroids.
Following are the ayurvedic cream for pigmentation-
| Product Name | Key Ingredients | Main Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Kumkumadi Tailam | Saffron, Sandalwood, Manjistha | Reduces pigmentation, improves skin glow, nourishes skin |
| Vicco Turmeric Cream | Curcumin (Turmeric extract) | Inhibits melanin, fades dark spots, heals scars |
| Roop Mantra Cream | Neem, Basil, Lemon, Cucumber | Brightens skin, removes blemishes and pigmentation |
| Kumkumadi Night Cream | Kumkumadi oil, Aloe Vera, Sandalwood | Lightens dark spots, soothes skin, hydrates at night |
| Biotique Bio Coconut Cream | Coconut oil, Almond oil, Lemon leaf | Moisturizes, reduces dark spots and uneven tone |
1. Kumkumadi Tailam
Kumkumadi Tailam is the cream coined as ‘miraculous elixir’. This oil when applied regularly, makes your skin glow and helps you get rid of pigmentation. Known for its rejuvenating properties and renewing the skin cells, the oil consists of 20-26 ingredients. All these ingredients work towards perfecting the skin.
The classical formulation contains saffron, sandalwood, lotus extracts, licorice and manjistha.
How to apply the cream
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Cleanse your face gently and pat it dry.
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Take around 2-3 drops of the oil on your palm.
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Gently massage the oil into your face using circular motions.
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Leave the oil overnight.
It is important to take the patch test as one might be sensitive to the oil. For oily and acne-prone skin, one should start with 2-3 times a week. It is important to avoid direct exposure of the oil to the sun immediately after application.
2. Vicco turmeric cream
The cream helps reduce pigmentation and evens out the skin tone. The cream is inclusive of turmeric extract which is known for its ability to reduce melanin production. This leads to a reduced appearance of hyperpigmentation. The cream contains the below ingredients-
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Curcumin
It is an active compound in turmeric and it is known for its ability to inhibit melanin production. Melanin is the compound responsible for dark spots and uneven skin tone.
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Promotes new skin cell growth
The skin helps fade dark spots and scars over time.
3. Roop Mantra Ayurvedic cream
This herbal ayurvedic cream is the most popular herbal skincare product for addressing various kinds of skincare issues such as pigmentation, dark spots and dull complexion. The cream consists of 12 natural ingredients known for their skin-enhancing properties. Following are the natural ingredients present in the cream-
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Neem- It is known for preventing acne and blemishes.
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Basil- It purifies the skin and reduces pigmentation.
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Lemon- It brightens the skin and reduces the dark spots.
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Cucumber- It hydrates and cools the skin.
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Carrot- The vegetable improves the skin texture.
4. Kumkumadi night cream for pigmentation
The cream is designed to target pigmentation issues such as uneven skin tone and dark spots. The creams harness the power of Kumkumadi Tailam and it also has a potent blend of herbs such as sandalwood, Manjistha and saffron. These ingredients are known for their healing properties. Following are the benefits of using the cream-
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Reduces dark spots- Licorice and saffron present in the cream lightens the hyper-pigmented areas and also promotes an even skin tone.
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Enhances skin glow- The regular use of the cream imparts a natural radiance by improving the skin texture and clarity.
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Soothes inflammation- Sandalwood and Manjistha present in the cream possess properties that calms irritated skin.
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Hydrates and nourishes- Ingredients like aloe vera provide an essential flow for skin repair during the night.
5. Boutique bio coconut cream
This cream is used as an ayurvedic moisturizer formulated to address the pigmentation issues such as dark spots, blemishes and uneven skin tone.
The cream is also enriched with ingredients such as almond oil, coconut oil and lemon leaf extracts.
Following are the key ingredients in the cream-
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Coconut oil- It is known for its moisturizing and skin-brightening properties.
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Almond oil- It acts as a natural blood purifier and helps to detoxify the skin.
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Lemon leaf extracts- It provides astringent properties and also aids in reduction of dark spots.
Top Q&A Section (FAQs):
Q1. Can Ayurvedic creams really treat pigmentation?
Yes, Ayurvedic creams address pigmentation by balancing doshas and improving skin detoxification. Ingredients like saffron and turmeric reduce melanin naturally.
Q2. How long does it take to see visible results with Ayurvedic creams?
Most users see improvement in 4–6 weeks with regular use, depending on skin type and condition severity.
Q3. Are there any side effects of using Ayurvedic pigmentation creams?
Generally, these creams are safe. However, always do a patch test first and consult an Ayurvedic practitioner if you have sensitive skin.
Q4. Which is better: Kumkumadi Tailam or Vicco Turmeric?
Kumkumadi Tailam is more potent and luxurious, ideal for night use and deeper repair. Vicco is a good daytime budget option.
Q5. Can these creams be used by men?
Yes, all these Ayurvedic creams are unisex and suitable for men and women alike.