Have you ever noticed that your skin is looking freckled than before? And in addition to it, the skin tone looks uneven and sallow. The natural radiance and glow are entirely missing. A visit to the dermatologist reveals that your skin isn’t producing adequate melanin. Hence the skin woes. Confused, you ask him, “What is melanin and why should I be worried about it?”
Well, this post will answer those questions for you too. You’ll understand the meaning of melanin first up. We would also discuss what causes melanin and how you may opt for treatments to help reduce it.
What is Melanin?
Melanin is a natural pigment that provides a natural color to our skin, hair, and eyes. It is produced by special cells called melanocytes and protects our skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. It occurs as a special polymer made of amino acid tyrosine in the blood cells.
Several factors can cause increased melanin production, including:
- Sun exposure: UV rays from the sun stimulate melanocytes to produce more melanin, which leads to a tan. However, over-exposure to the sun can damage the skin.
- Genetics: The amount of melanin in our skin is determined mainly by our genes. People with darker skin tend to have more melanin than those with lighter skin.
- Hormonal changes: Changes during pregnancy, menstruation, and other conditions can increase melanin production.
- Medications: Birth control pills can cause increased melanin production.
- Premature aging: As we age, the melanocytes in our skin become less efficient. This leads to decreased melanin production in the skin cells and increases the appearance of age spots.
Protecting your skin from excessive sun exposure is essential by wearing protective clothing and applying sunblock, especially during peak hours when the sun’s UV rays are strongest.
What can we use to Treat Melanin?
Some treatments that can reduce the appearance of dark spots or hyperpigmentation caused by an excess of melanin are:
There are a variety of topical creams that contain ingredients that can lighten the skin, such as Niacinamide and Vitamin C. You may note that such skincare products are usually over-the-counter and safe for regular use.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps to brighten the skin and reduce hyperpigmentation. It can be found in a variety of skincare products, including serums and creams. Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that helps to brighten the skin and reduce hyperpigmentation. It can be found in a variety of skincare products, including serums and creams.
We recommend our Bye Bye Blemishes Face Cream for Reducing Pigmentation and Blemishes with Mulberry Extract and Vitamin C. It helps even skin tone and reduce dark spots. Being enriched with Vitamin C, it offers a non-greasy formulation that helps reduce pigmentation and offers spot correction. It also features Licorice Extracts and Mulberry Extracts that improve skin tone and offer anti-aging benefits.
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What is the right way to use a melanin cream?
You can use a melanin cream to reduce hyperpigmentation, making your skin look dull and sallow. Here are some general guidelines for using a cream for hyperpigmentation or melanin cream to reduce the intensity:
- Clean your skin: Wash your face with a gentle sulfate-free cleanser and pat dry with a clean towel.
- Apply the cream: Apply a thin layer of melanin cream to the affected area gently circularly. Avoid applying the cream to broken or irritated skin.
- Wait for it to dry: Wait for the cream to dry completely before applying moisturizer or makeup.
- Apply sunscreen: Since these creams can make your skin sensitive to the sun, it’s essential to protect your skin from excessive sun exposure by applying sunscreen with SPF 30 and wearing protective clothing. You can apply makeup after this step.
You must repeat the same steps at night if applying a melanin cream.
What skincare products can be used to reduce hyperpigmentation caused due to melanin?
1. Face wash – A face wash is a type of cleanser that is designed to clean the skin on the face. Face washes are typically used as part of a daily skincare routine to remove dirt, oil, makeup, and other impurities from the skin.
They come in various formulations, including gel, foam, cream, and oil-based, and are designed for water use. Use Mamaearth’s Vitamin C Foaming Cleanser that comes enriched with Turmeric and Vitamin C that gently dislodges built-up dirt and grime to reveal naturally radiant skin.
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2. Face toner – A face toner is a type of skin care product used after cleansing the skin to restore its natural pH balance and provide additional hydration.
The main purpose of a face toner is to remove any remaining traces of dirt, oil, and makeup after cleansing and prepare the skin for the next steps in your skincare routine, such as applying serum or moisturizer.
Note: Toners can also contain active ingredients, such as glycolic acid, witch hazel, and niacinamide, that help to soothe and hydrate the skin and improve its texture and tone.
3. Face gel – A face gel is designed to hydrate and soothe dry skin, particularly on the face. Face gels typically have a light, non-greasy texture and are formulated to be quickly absorbed into the skin, leaving it hydrated.
Face gels can be used alone or with other skincare products, such as moisturizers or serums, to provide additional hydration and nourishment to the skin. They can also contain active ingredients, such as aloe vera, green tea, or hyaluronic acid, that help to soothe, protect, and hydrate the skin.
4. Face moisturizer – A face moisturizer is used to hydrate and nourish the skin on the face. Moisturizers are typically formulated to help lock in the skin’s natural moisture and to protect it from environmental stressors, such as dry air, wind, and sun exposure.
Face moisturizers come in various textures, including creams, lotions, and gels, and can be formulated for different skin types, including dry, oily, sensitive, and combination skin.
They can also contain active ingredients, such as vitamins, antioxidants, and hydrating agents, that help to improve the skin’s texture and tone, and address specific skin concerns, such as aging, hyperpigmentation, and acne.
5. Face cream – A face cream is used to hydrate and nourish the skin on the face. Face creams are typically thicker in texture than lotions or gels, and are formulated to provide a more intense level of hydration and nourishment to the skin.
Face creams can be formulated for different skin types, including dry, oily, sensitive, and combination skin. They can also contain active ingredients, such as vitamins, antioxidants, and hydrating agents, that help to improve the skin’s texture and tone, and address specific skin concerns, such as aging, hyperpigmentation, and acne.
Pro tip: Using a face gel, face moisturizer, or face cream is an important step in a daily skincare routine, as it helps to keep the skin hydrated, healthy, and protected.
It’s best to apply these products after cleansing and toning your skin while it is still damp, as this can help lock in moisture and enhance the skin’s ability to absorb the product.
6. Sunscreen – Sunscreen, also known as sunblock or Sun Protection Factor (SPF) cream, is a type of skin care product that is used to protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Sunscreen works by absorbing or reflecting UV rays, which can cause sunburn, skin damage, and an increased risk of skin cancer.
Sunscreens are available in various formulations, including lotions, creams, gels, and sprays. They are usually labeled with an SPF number indicating the protection level they provide against UVB rays. A higher SPF number means more UVB rays are blocked, and the skin is better protected. Therefore, using sunscreen regularly, especially outdoors or in direct sunlight, is important.
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When choosing a sunscreen, it’s important to look for one that is labeled “broad-spectrum,” meaning it protects against both UVB and UVA rays. It’s also important to choose a sunscreen that is appropriate for your skin type, and to patch test a product before using it on a larger area of skin, as some sunscreens may cause skin irritation or sensitivity.
Crafting a Weekly Routine
In your weekly routine, give your skin an added dose of nourishment with a face scrub and a face pack. These products need to be used in a weekly routine as overuse can damage your skin by drying it out.
1. Face scrub – A face scrub is an exfoliating product that removes dead skin cells and unclogs pores on the face. Face scrubs typically contain small granules or beads that help to physically slough off dead skin cells, leaving the skin feeling smooth, soft, and refreshed.
Exfoliating the skin is an important step in a skincare routine, as it helps remove dead skin cells that can build up on the skin’s surface and contribute to dull, uneven skin tone and clogged pores. Exfoliating also helps to improve the skin’s ability to absorb other skin care products, such as moisturizers and serums.
2. Face mask – A face mask is designed to be applied to the face for a certain period of time and then removed or washed off. Face masks come in various formulas, including clay masks, sheet masks, and cream masks. They are formulated to address various skin concerns, including hydration, brightening, reducing excess oils, and clarifying.
Face masks deliver a concentrated dose of active ingredients to the skin, which can help improve the skin’s appearance and address specific skin concerns. For example, you may opt for our Vitamin C Face Mask that helps illuminate the skin and even the skin tone. It features Vitamin C, Kaolin Clay, Glycerin, and Turmeric that help revive the skin and make the skin moisturized.
Let’s look at some frequently asked questions on what melanin is and how you may reduce it.
FAQs
What is melanin in the skin?
Melanin is a naturally occurring pigment that helps provide a characteristic color to our skin and hair. The amount of melanin that is present in our skin is determined mainly by our genetics. For example, people with darker skin types have more melanin than those with lighter skin.
How is melanin produced?
Melanin is produced when the skin is exposed to UV radiation from the sun, and its purpose is to absorb the harmful UV rays and prevent them from damaging the skin’s DNA. This protection helps reduce the risk of skin damage. However, excessive sun exposure can cause an increase in melanin production, leading to the darkening of the skin or the development of age spots.
What is melanin in the hair?
Melanin is responsible for determining the color of the hair. There are two types of melanin in hair: eumelanin, which gives hair a brown or black color, and pheomelanin, which gives hair a red or yellow color. Their genetics determines the type and amount of melanin in a person’s hair.
It’s important to note that hair color can also be affected by environmental factors such as exposure to UV radiation, pollution, and chemicals in hair products, which can lead to changes in the hair.What is melanin in the eyes?
In the eyes, melanin is found in the iris. The iris is the colored part of the eye that surrounds the pupil. The amount and distribution of melanin in the iris determine eye color. For example, brown-eyed people have more melanin in their iris than blue, green, or gray eyes.
In addition to providing color to the iris, melanin helps protect the eye’s delicate tissues from harmful UV radiation. This protective role is especially important for people with lighter-colored eyes, who are more susceptible to damage from UV radiation.How to use melanin reduction cream?
Clean your skin with a sulfate-free cleanser and pat dry with a clean towel. Now apply a thin layer of the melanin cream to the affected area in a gentle circular motion. Wait for the cream to dry completely before applying moisturizer. Next, apply sunscreen with SPF 30 and wait for it to dry before you use any makeup.
What are the best ways to reduce melanin?
While melanin is essential in protecting the skin from harmful UV radiation, some people may want to reduce the amount of melanin in their skin for cosmetic reasons. However, it’s important to note that reducing melanin in the skin can increase the risk of skin damage, so it’s best to avoid excessive sun exposure and always wear protective clothing and sunblock.
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