Hyperpigmentation: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Hyperpigmentation is an overproduction of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color, resulting in uneven skin tone, dark spots, or patches.

It can be caused by excessive sun exposure, hormonal imbalances, inflammation, or skin trauma, leading to negative impacts on mental health and self-esteem. To alleviate hyperpigmentation, herbal remedies such as licorice root, turmeric, and mulberry extract have been used to inhibit melanin production and promote skin brightening.

However, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional and exercise caution when using medicinal herbs, as they may interact with medications or exacerbate underlying conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of hyperpigmentation, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of hyperpigmentation?

The main causes of hyperpigmentation are oxidative stress, inflammation, and damage to the skin's melanocytes, which can be triggered by excessive exposure to UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds, leading to the production of melanin, a pigment that accumulates in the skin and causes dark spots.

Genetic predisposition, hormonal fluctuations, and certain medical conditions such as Addison's disease and Cushing's syndrome can also contribute to hyperpigmentation. Additionally, certain medications like minocycline and amiodarone have been known to cause hyperpigmentation as a side effect. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) can occur after skin injuries, such as acne, burns, or surgical procedures, leading to the formation of dark spots.

Other contributing factors include vitamin deficiencies, especially vitamin B12 and vitamin D, and certain skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

• Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation: Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is a common cause of hyperpigmentation resulting from inflammation of the skin, which can be caused by factors such as acne, rosacea, or other skin conditions, leading to an overproduction of melanin and discoloration of the affected area.
• Melasma: Melasma is a common cause of hyperpigmentation characterized by the appearance of dark patches or spots on the face, particularly on the cheeks and forehead, resulting from hormonal changes, sun exposure, and genetic predisposition, which can lead to an overproduction of melanin and hyperpigmentation.
• Sun Damage: Sun damage is a common cause of hyperpigmentation resulting from prolonged exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can cause the skin's melanin production to increase, leading to dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes, particularly during pregnancy, menstruation, or menopause, can cause fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels, leading to an increase in melanin production and hyperpigmentation.
• Genetic Predisposition: Genetic predisposition is a common cause of hyperpigmentation, as individuals with a family history of hyperpigmentation conditions, such as melasma or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, are more likely to experience these conditions.
• Aging: Aging is a common cause of hyperpigmentation resulting from the natural loss of skin elasticity and collagen, which can cause the skin's melanin production to increase, leading to age spots and hyperpigmentation.
• Autoimmune Disorders: Autoimmune disorders, such as lupus or pemphigus, can cause hyperpigmentation as a result of inflammation and immune system dysfunction, leading to an overproduction of melanin and discoloration of the skin.
• Infections: Infections, such as fungal or bacterial infections, can cause hyperpigmentation as a result of inflammation and immune system response, leading to an overproduction of melanin and discoloration of the skin.
• Medications: Medications, such as certain antidepressants or antipsychotics, can cause hyperpigmentation as a side effect of the medication, leading to an overproduction of melanin and discoloration of the skin.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of vitamin B12 or copper, can cause hyperpigmentation as a result of impaired melanin production and skin health.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for hyperpigmentation?

The main medicinal herbs used for hyperpigmentation are Curcuma longa, Aloe barbadensis, Ginkgo biloba, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Silybum marianum, Vitis vinifera, Terminalia chebula, Cassia auriculata, Zea mays, Terminalia arjuna.

Curcuma longa contains curcumin which has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, inhibiting tyrosinase and reducing melanin production. Aloe barbadensis has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, reducing oxidative stress and promoting skin lightening. Terminalia chebula and Glycyrrhiza glabra exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, respectively, which help to reduce melanin production and promote skin brightening.

The bioactive compounds in Vitis vinifera, Silybum marianum, Ginkgo biloba, Cassia auriculata, Zea mays and Terminalia arjuna also exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, contributing to the reduction of hyperpigmentation.

• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa, also known as turmeric, contains curcumin which has been shown to inhibit the activity of tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin production, thereby reducing hyperpigmentation.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis, commonly known as aloe vera, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which can contribute to the formation of hyperpigmentation.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba has antioxidant properties that can help to neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, which can contribute to the formation of hyperpigmentation.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice root, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help to soothe and calm the skin, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress that can contribute to hyperpigmentation.
• Silybum marianum: Silybum marianum, also known as milk thistle, has antioxidant properties that can help to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which can contribute to the formation of hyperpigmentation.
• Vitis vinifera: Vitis vinifera, commonly known as grape seed, has antioxidant properties that can help to neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, which can contribute to the formation of hyperpigmentation.
• Terminalia chebula: Terminalia chebula, also known as haritaki, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which can contribute to the formation of hyperpigmentation.
• Cassia auriculata: Cassia auriculata, also known as avaram, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which can contribute to the formation of hyperpigmentation.
• Zea mays: Zea mays, commonly known as corn, has antioxidant properties that can help to reduce oxidative stress, which can contribute to the formation of hyperpigmentation.
• Terminalia arjuna: Terminalia arjuna has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which can contribute to the formation of hyperpigmentation.

What are the main herbal preparations used for hyperpigmentation?

The main herbal preparations used for hyperpigmentation are Tincture, Decoction, Cream, Gel, Salve, Capsule, Ointment, Powder, Oil, Suppository.

Tincture of licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is used to reduce melanin production and inflammation due to its flavonoids and saponins. Decoction of turmeric root (Curcuma longa) is used to inhibit melanin production and oxidative stress due to its curcuminoids. Topical preparations such as Cream (containing niacinamide and ferulic acid), Gel (containing vitamin C and retinol), Salve (containing aloe vera and licorice extract), Ointment (containing kojic acid and vitamin C) and Oil (containing rosehip and argan oil) are used to reduce melanin production and inflammation.

Suppository and Powder (containing vitamin C and zinc) formulations are not as commonly used but can provide direct and sustained delivery of active ingredients to the affected area.

• Tincture: A tincture of the flavonoid-rich herb Hypericum perforatum (St. John's Wort) helps with hyperpigmentation by inhibiting the activity of tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in the production of melanin, thus reducing melanin synthesis and hyperpigmentation.
• Decoction: A decoction of the plant Terminalia chebula (Haritaki) helps with hyperpigmentation by its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce oxidative stress and inflammation that can contribute to the formation of hyperpigmentation.
• Cream: A topical cream containing the extract of the herb Centella asiatica (Gotu Kola) helps with hyperpigmentation by improving skin elasticity and reducing melanin transfer to adjacent skin cells, thus reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
• Gel: A gel formulation of the herb Aloe barbadensis (Aloe Vera) helps with hyperpigmentation by its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which reduce inflammation and promote wound healing, thereby reducing the formation of hyperpigmentation.
• Salve: A salve made from the extract of the herb Calendula officinalis (Marigold) helps with hyperpigmentation by its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which reduce inflammation and oxidative stress that can contribute to hyperpigmentation.
• Capsule: A capsule containing the extract of the herb Emblica officinalis (Amla) helps with hyperpigmentation by its antioxidant properties, which reduce oxidative stress and inflammation that can contribute to the formation of hyperpigmentation.
• Ointment: An ointment containing the extract of the herb Curcuma longa (Turmeric) helps with hyperpigmentation by its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which reduce inflammation and oxidative stress that can contribute to hyperpigmentation.
• Powder: A powder made from the herb Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice Root) helps with hyperpigmentation by its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which reduce inflammation and oxidative stress that can contribute to the formation of hyperpigmentation.
• Oil: A topical oil containing the extract of the herb Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) helps with hyperpigmentation by its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce oxidative stress and inflammation that can contribute to hyperpigmentation.
• Suppository: A suppository containing the extract of the herb Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) helps with hyperpigmentation by its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which reduce inflammation and prevent infection that can contribute to the formation of hyperpigmentation.