Keep your pigmentation at bay

Pigmentation, darkish discoloration of the face, is a very common problem. Increased level of melanin pigment in the skin often results in pigmentation. The most probable causes for this are the excessive exposure of the sun, acne, hereditary and hormonal changes.

To keep pigmentation at bay, apply sunscreen, not just in summers but whenever you are out in the sun for a longer period. A good sunscreen with effective anti-ageing agents such as pomegranate will not only protect you from harmful rays UV A and B type but will also slow down the process of ageing by combating the free radicals.

Pomegranate (Anaar), possesses immense medicinal properties and is recommended to maintain human health. Chinese call it “the lucky fruit” and ancient Egyptians thought it to be responsible for eternal life. In Indian culture, the pomegranate fruit has been recognised as a balancing tridoshic healthy fruit since times immemorial.

Pomegranate is filled with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals which are good for our whole body. It helps in boosting the collagen and elastic in the body thus helping in maintaining the elasticity of the skin &making it look youthful. Pomegranate’s seed oil also protects the skin from damaging effects of sunlight like pigmentation and ageing.

Pollution is usually high during the summer, so one of the best ways to ensure that you remove dirt and grime from your face is by using a mild scrub, that isn't too harsh so that your skin does not start peeling off, followed by a face pack to remove dead cells and make your skin clear and glowing. But restrict using it at least twice during this weather.

Another major concern during the summer is acne that leaves behind the pigmentation marks. To fight this problem, use mild, soap free face wash that has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial property of neem to control excess oil, acne, blemishes and that will even out your skin tone.

You can also try using multani mitti face pack, that has a cooling effect and controls excessive heat, hyper pigmentation and cleanses deposits of dust, oil and environmental pollutants.

In India it is being used for centuries to treat several skin related problems and getting a clean and clear skin free from blemishes, black spots and acne. It absorbs impurities like excess oil, sweat, and dirt from the face providing a soft, supple, and youthful look.

Just as crucial as it is to ensure that your skin does not darken during the day, similarly, at night use a cream which contains anti-ageing agents such as pomegranate. It helps in boosting the collagen and elastic in the body thus helping in maintaining the elasticity of the skin; reducing fine lines and age spots and making it look youthful.

Thus, the best time to apply such cream is during the night, before you get to bed. Eyes and lips are also prone to pigmentation during hot summers. Apply a cooling pack on your eyes green tea bag dipped in cold water or ice pack on your eyes before you retire for the night.

For your lips, use a pack made of cucumber and aloe vera to lighten the dark patches. You can also use a lip balm that contains SPF during the day so that your lips do not darken.

Another way you can protect your skin during this season is by drinking lots of water and fluids through the day to keep your skin hydrated. When you wake up in the morning, consuming a glass of seasonal fresh fruit juice like that of a watermelon will keep your skin hydrated.

Further, it will also cleanse your system and keep your skin fresh. Vegetable juices made from cucumber, tomato and kale will keep your skin glowing at all times. - The writer is a Head, Research and Development, Brand Banjara’s

By Vishal Kumar