Instagram says these 5 hacks can reduce hyperpigmentation. Experts break them down

Social media seems to have answers to everything nowadays, especially when it comes to beauty matters. Have acne? Eat garlic every day, and bam—your acne will vanish. Smelly underarms? Use phitkari (alum), and you won't have to avoid wearing sleeveless clothes anymore.

Skinfluencers on Instagram, today, claim to have solutions to all your problems, with many promoting a recurring theme: natural and DIY.

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The latest problem that Instagram Reels is trying to solve is hyperpigmentation - a condition that almost 80 percent of us Indians face.

But what is hyperpigmentation?

Dr Rinky Kapoor, a consultant dermatologist and dermato-surgeon at The Esthetic Clinics in Mumbai, says that hyperpigmentation is caused by the overproduction of melanin, which is responsible for providing pigmentation in the skin.

Now, there can be various factors that cause hyperpigmentation and trigger the production of excess melanin. Dr Raina N Nahar, a senior consultant of dermatology at Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mumbai, says that it can be caused due to:

Hormonal imbalances

Our hormones gambolling in our body is probably responsible for half of our woes (from irregular sleep cycles to painful periods). Hormonal imbalances can cause melasma. Photo: Pexels

Similarly, if you have PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) or PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) chances are quite high that you might have melasma, or hyperpigmentation due to hormonal changes.

UV Radiation

Did you apply your sunscreen today?

If not, let us tell you, exposure to sunlight can stimulate melanin production, leading to sun-induced hyperpigmentation and, well, skin cancer.

Environmental Factors

Factors like tanning and exposure to pollutants can aggravate pigmentation issues.

'Indians are more prone to hyperpigmentation'

Dr Kapoor says that Indians or dark-skinned individuals are more prone to hyperpigmentation, as melanin is higher in our skin. Indian skin tones are more prone to hyperpigmentation. Photo: Istock via Pexels

“Skin conditions [due to our genes] like melisma, sun spots, and hyperpigmentation are common in Indians,” says Dr Rinky Kapoor.

The viral DIYs

Now, as we told you, there are various DIYs that are currently gaining traction for the ultimate solution for hyperpigmentation.

We picked five such viral ones, and let us break them down for you, if they work or not.

Apple cider vinegar Rice flour+honey+ curd mask Baking soda+lemon+gram flour Rose petal+curd Turmeric+honey+yogurt

Let’s start with the most viral one - Apple cider vinegar.

1. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar or ACV is basically crushed apples, yeast, and sugar. However, since it is made through the process of fermentation, it has a high concentration of acetic acid.

Today, ACV is promoted as the solution to all of your problems including weight loss, acne and even hyperpigmentation. Hundreds of products are also launched in the market with ACV as the main ingredient, but that’s a different story altogether. Apple cider vinegar is highly acidic, which may cause side effects. Photo: Unsplash

But does it help with hyperpigmentation? Experts say NO.

“Apple cider vinegar is highly acidic which can cause skin irritation, burning sensation, and dryness especially when directly applied to the skin,” says Dr Kapoor.

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However, Dr Nahar clarifies that since ACV contains acetic acid, which has antibacterial properties, it can help balance the pH of your skin, which might be helpful to some extent, but when used in the form of home remedies, like face masks, we end up using the wrong concentration, which might further damage our skin.

2. Rice flour+honey+curd mask

Achieving glass-like skin is a dream of many women nowadays, thanks to the hype created by K-pop. However, not everyone can afford Korean skincare products. Meanwhile, rice, a staple found in almost everyone’s home, is being promoted as a dupe for these high-end products on social media.

Now, anecdotal evidence and social media lore suggest that one of the ‘best ways to treat hyperpigmentation is rice flour’, and a face mask made using rice flour, honey and curd is a superb solution. This mask promises to not only work on your hyperpigmentation but also on acne marks and scars. Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, it kind of is.

Rice flour contains something called phytic acid which might have some effects. However, there’s very little scientific evidence that shows it works.

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For instance, a small 2019 study shows that phytic acid is as effective at treating acne and hyperpigmentation as glycolic acid and salicylic acid. Rice flour contains phytic acid. Photo: Pexels

“The real problem with these DIY hacks is we don’t have any scientific studies. If it works for you, good, but there’s no proven fact that it will,” says Dr Nahar.

Dr Kapoor says that rice flour is a popular ingredient used in various DIY masks, but the overuse of rice flour with honey and dairy products like curd can create allergic reactions on the skin, making it more sensitive.

3. Baking soda+lemon+gram flour

Gram flour as a facemask has been an Indian household staple for ages and for all the right reasons.

Gram flour contains natural skin-lightening agents like zinc and some enzymes. Zinc has anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce the appearance of dark spots. The enzymes in gram flour can help in the gradual lightening of dark areas by promoting skin regeneration, but again, don’t expect overnight results from it.

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Now, the face pack of baking soda, lemon and gram flour receives a thumbs down from experts.

Dr Kapoor says that using baking soda on the face can interfere with your skin’s pH levels, causing inflammation and constant itching. She further says that ingredients like lemon can increase photosensitivity and also pose a potential risk of rashes and skin burns.

4. Rose petal+yogurt

An extensive 2018 study shows that rose petal extracts are good for your skin. In this study, the rose petals, known for their biological activities, were tested for their effects on solar UV-induced skin inflammation.

The study shows that the extract has significant antioxidant activity, which reduces inflammation and hyperpigmentation.

“Rich in anthocyanins, polyphenols, and flavonoids, the extract has potential as a natural antioxidant in mitigating skin inflammation,” the study concludes.

But before making this pack, be sure that you’re not allergic to yogurt.

5. Turmeric+honey+yogurt

Turmeric is a go-to ingredient for several face masks, including celebrities (remember Priyanka Chopra's desi face mask recipe?)

Similar to other natural remedies, there are not many scientific studies to prove turmeric face masks' efficacy. However, Dr Nahar says turmeric does have anti-inflammation properties and might reduce your hyperpigmentation.

One study found that a turmeric-based cream reduces hyperpigmentation by more than 14 percent on being applied for over four weeks.

However, remember to use wild turmeric on your face and in your face masks, as using turmeric from your kitchen might make you look like Bert from Sesame Street!

Now, the second ingredient in this face pack is honey which does have a small amount of hydrogen peroxide, which can help reduce hyperpigmentation and acne scars over time. However, we need more studies to be certain about it.

Remember

If you have sensitive skin allergies, and skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, hives, and vitiligo, avoid using these natural remedies on your skin as they can lead to experiencing a range of skin problems like skin irritation, itching, and frequent breakouts.

Always patch-test these masks near your ear to ensure you’re not allergic to the ingredients used in your face masks.