How to Reduce Melanin in the Skin?

Do you know what melanin is?

Do you know what it does to your skin?

Do you know that increased melanin production can be harmful?

How can you reduce melanin?

Stay on this page. This blog is an information guide revealing the secrets of melanin pigment, including its origin, role, and benefits. 

Origin of Melanin 

In layperson's terms, melanin is the pigment that gives color to your hair, eyes, and skin. Melanocytes cause melanin production. So, the more melanin your skin has, the darker it gets. The dark patches or spots on your skin are called hyperpigmentation. In this condition, some areas of your skin appear darker than others. 

What are the Types of Melanin?

There are three main types of melanin in humans: eumelanin, pheomelanin, and neuromelanin. Let’s discover them in detail. 

Eumelanin and pheomelanin are present in the epidermis, one of the layers of the skin. The former is mainly responsible for black and brown colors, and the latter secretes a pink color needed for nipples and ips. Additionally, although rare, people with these two types of melanin and in equal parts have red hair. 

On the other end, neuromelanin is present in the brain. 

What is the Role of Melanin?

Melanin is present in humans and animals. Doctors call it a complex polymer and harmless secretion, as it is built from amino acids. Melanin is not present everywhere in the body; it is found in hair, the innermost layer of the skin, the inward area of your brain, and some parts of the inner ear.

Melanin performs several functions in the skin, including: 

• It protects the skin from harmful UV rays, absorbing more than 50% of them. 
• Melanin prevents UV radiation from reaching deeper layers of the skin, reducing the chances of skin cancer, sunburns, and damage to DNA. 
• People with darker skin tones have darker skin, eyes, and hair. Besides, darker skin tone leads to less vitamin D. 
• Freckles occur when people are born with clusters of melanocytes. 

What Causes an Increase in Melanin Production?

Several factors that lead to increased melanin production or hyperpigmentation in the skin, including: 

• Sun exposure is the main contributing factor to an increase in melanin production. When you stay outdoors for a long time, the melanocytes go into overdrive and produce melanin. Besides, excessive sun exposure can lead to a skin tan and an uneven distribution of melanin, creating dark patches and hyperpigmentation. 
• Hormonal Imbalance: Hormonal fluctuations are another main cause of increased melanin production. These may be due to polycystic syndrome (PCOS) or pregnancy, leading to the development of melasma. This condition causes skin darkness, including cheeks, forehead, and upper lip. 
• Genetics: Melanin synthesis and skin pigmentation are often impacted by genetics. Therefore, some people are more prone to hyperpigmentation. 
• Injury: Skin areas can darken after inflammation, such as acne, eczema, lupus, or injury. 
• Medications can increase melanin production. Those who are taking birth control pills and undergoing hormone replacement therapy might develop a darkening or discoloration of the skin. 
• Irritation on the skin due to excess rubbing from clothes can activate melanocytes and cause hyperpigmentation. 
• Age: The increase or decrease in melanin production also depends on age. 
• Nutritional deficiencies: If your body lacks essential nutrients such as vitamin B12 or folic acid, it will pigment hair, skin, eyes, and other parts of the body. 

Also read: https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/allergy/common-skin-allergens-and-their-potential-link-to-skin-cancer-risk/

What are the Benefits of Melanin?

The noteworthy benefits of melanin include: 

• Provides protection against UV rays: Melanin protects skin from UVA, UVB, UVC, and blue light. 
• Shields against reactive oxygen cells (ROS): The accumulation of these cells can cause premature aging, stress, and health concerns, such as diabetes and cancer.
• Strengthens your immune system: Although more research is necessary, studies reveal that melanin strengthens your immune system and reduces inflammation in the body.

Is melanin deficiency linked to skin conditions and disorders?

Yes, melanin deficiency is linked to several skin conditions and disorders, such as: 

• Vitiligo: The skin loses its color, resulting in white patches. 
• Albinism is a rare disorder in which a person has pale skin, white hair, and blue eyes. The risk of losing vision is also increased. 
• Melasma: This condition indicates brown-blue-gray patches caused by hormones, sun exposure, or contraceptive pills. 
• Hearing loss: Too little melanin is linked to hearing loss. 
• Parkinson’s disease: neuromelanin increases as we age. However, individuals suffering from this disease have brain cells in their substantia nigra die; therefore, neuromelanin decreases. 

How is excess melanin bad for your skin?

Melanin pigment directly affects our skin tone. It is created by the melanocyte cells. Hence, the secret to naturally glowing skin is finding ways to reduce skin melanin. 

People belonging to certain races produce more melanin than others, resulting in skin darkening or hyperpigmentation. 

Additionally, constant and unprotected sun exposure may develop a darker appearance in some areas of the skin than the rest. 

How to Reduce Melanin Production?

Reducing melanin production is achievable. Several methods, from home remedies to professional treatments, can help minimize it. However, you cannot eliminate melanin, which appears naturally and shields your skin. 

Following specific practices can help you achieve a more even skin tone and diminish hyperpigmentation.

8 Best Home Remedies to Reduce Melanin

Several home remedies are efficient in decreasing existing melanin deposits in your skin. Here are some well-known skin-lightening agents that are effective in addressing this issue: 

Lemon juice is a natural skin-lightening agent, so applying it to the affected areas can help see the results. Lemon juice contains vitamin C, which can stop increased melanin production. Additionally, you should never apply lemon to your skin, as it can cause irritation. Therefore, it is better to take a patch test beforehand. 

Aloe Vera: If your skin is too sensitive for lemon juice, use aloe vera gel. It contains compounds that can inhibit melanin production. Regular application of aloe vera gel for about 30 minutes can help reduce hyperpigmentation and get even more complexion. 

Turmeric has skin-brightening properties. Mix turmeric powder with milk or honey to make a smooth paste. Apply this mixture to the affected areas and let it rest for 20–30 minutes before rinsing off. This will surely help reduce skin pigmentation and improve the skin’s appearance. 

Green tea is another useful product that inhibits tyrosinase and helps prevent melanin production due to the presence of epigallocatechin gallate. 

Tomatoes contain lycopene, which has a photoprotective effect that helps protect the body against sunburns. 

Cucumber contains silica, so applying cucumber juice can help reduce dark circles and make your skin look brighter and clearer. 

Oatmeal is a natural exfoliator that helps reduce dark spots and blemishes from the skin, thus giving you clearer skin. 

Sunscreen: When you are out in the sun, your skin produces more melanin. So, always apply sunscreen to limit the process of making melanin pigment and keep it protected against harmful UV rays.

Note: Dermatologists recommend using a broad-spectrum and water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, as it can block up to 97% of UVA and UVB rays. Interestingly, SPF 50 offers 98% of sun protection. 

Also read: https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/blood-test/exploring-different-blood-tests-for-skin-diseases-a-comprehensive-guide/

List of Foods to Avoid that Increase Melanin

Avoid foods such as green leafy vegetables, milk, certain vitamin A-rich foods, oily fish, avocado, carrots, dark berries, citrus fruits, antioxidant-rich foods, broccoli, and sweet potatoes, among others, along with vitamin supplements that contribute to increasing melanin production naturally. 

How can you Reduce Melanin Production Permanently?

Excess melanin causes uneven skin tone and dark spots. While home remedies can provide temporary solutions, permanently reducing melanin in the skin may require professional treatments. 

• Laser Therapy: This treatment involves ablative and non-ablative laser treatments. The former removes the top layer of the skin via wounding, while the latter induces collagen growth and skin regeneration. 
• Over-the-counter topical creams: Some over-the-counter topical creams also reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and blemishes. These medicines contain ingredients such as retinoids, Kojic acid, hydroquinone, vitamin C, and glycolic acid, which work well for treating hyperpigmentation and skin tone.
• Chemical Peel: This treatment involves a high concentration of acids that aid in removing the top of the skin’s top layer. 
• Nanopen procedures are powerful nanotechnology that involves using a nanopen to deposit the skin ingredients safely and effectively. 
• Microdermabrasion and other treatments, such as radiofrequency, hydra dermabrasion, and oxygen, help tighten the skin. These treatments improve skin health and decrease pigmentation. 

Do’s and Don’ts to reduce excessive melanin

Here is a table showing do’s and don’ts to reduce excessive melanin production: 

Do’s	Don’ts
Apply sunscreen daily with SPF 30 or above.	Avoid skin rubbing.
Avoid too much sun exposure.	Avoid using harsh exfoliants on the skin.
Wear hats and scarves.	No sunbathing.
Eat an antioxidant-rich diet.	Avoid smoking.
Consider oral-lightening supplements.	Consider tailor-made laser treatments to obtain maximum benefits.
Consider brightening and lightening medical procedures.	Consider a nanopen infusive device for your skin pigmentation.

Conclusion

Complete elimination of melanin is not possible; however, various methods can be adopted, including home treatments and professional treatments. Together, they can help achieve a more balanced and flawless appearance. You should also maintain a skincare routine and sun protection to get the much-needed results. 

Also, meet a skincare professional for personalized guidance and treatment modified to suit your needs. Nevertheless, accept your skin tone and take the necessary steps to reduce melanin production.