How To Reduce Melanin Production In Your Skin- 7 Effective Ways

Melanin is a pigment, cells that produce melanin are called melanocytes. Melanocytes are situated under the skin in the epidermal layer. It is mostly responsible for skin tone. Too much melanin secretion in the body can lead to dark skin while less can lead to pale skin.

Melanin synthesis

Melanin synthesis in the human body is called melanogenesis. Exposure to UV light causes melanogenesis in the human skin, which causes the skin to darken. Melanin is a powerful light absorber, capable of dissipating almost 99.9% of absorbed UV rays. Melanin is assumed to protect skin cells from UVB radiation damage because of this property, reducing the risk of folate depletion and dermal deterioration, and it is suspected that UV exposure is linked to an increased risk of malignant melanoma, a cancer of melanocytes.

People with fewer melanocytes are often at risk of various skin diseases like sun exposure, sunburns, and suntans to skin damage and skin cancer. It can be increased, if you want to know can be read in the following article

What happens when there is too much melanin?

Source: Derma Essentia

People with too much melanin in the body have the downside of making skin more “reactive.” That means that nearly any stimulation, such as a rash, scratch, pimple, or inflammation, can cause an excess of melanin to be produced, resulting in black spots or patches on the skin. Some people may experience a decrease in melanin as a result of skin damage (such as a burn). The dark or light regions, in either scenario, can be disfiguring and distressing for people who are affected, especially because the discolorations can take months or years to dissipate.

Looking for an answer on How to stop melanin production? How to reduce melanin in the skin? How to get rid of melanin? or  How to decrease melanin?
If you are a person with dark skin, you might have these questions in your head. But you have the advantage that the sun rays won’t react to you much, reducing your chances of skin cancer. But yeah, if you are facing problems or side effects due to an increased amount of melanin pigment in the body, you should probably know about melanin reduction substances.

Can you remove melanin?

Remove, as such permanent removal of the melanin pigment is not recommended just to make your skin fairer. In some cases, a doctor may suggest it to you but then totally depends on your medical reports, your dermatologist, or your doctor.

7 ways to reduce melanin from your skin

1. Laser Treatment

A pulse of light is used in laser therapy to remove the top layers of skin. It reduces the amount of melanin in the treated areas. There are a variety of laser treatments available, including:
Ablative lasers. These are good for severe discoloration since they remove the outer layers of the skin.
Lasers that aren’t ablative. These lasers are less harsh than ablative lasers. They encourage collagen production, which enables the formation of new clear skin. One such treatment is intense pulse light (IPL), which uses light pulses to target sunspots by heating and dissolving melanin, removing the discolored patches.
Ruby laser with a Q-switch (QSRL). A pulse of light is used to heat and disintegrate the skin.

2. Topical ointments

To lighten skin, you can also apply topical lotions or ointments. Existing melanin in the areas where these products are applied is reduced.
Prescription and over-the-counter skin whitening solutions are both available (OTC). A product will usually contain one or more of the following ingredients:

• hydroquinone
• kojic acid
• vitamin C
• glycolic acid
• azelaic acid
• retinoid

Many of these inhibit tyrosinase, the major enzyme involved in the production of melanin. This causes melanin production to halt down, resulting in lighter skin.

3. Turmeric

The active component in turmeric may suppress melanin formation, according to a 2012 study published in Phytotherapy. Curcumin is a chemical that inhibits the enzyme tyrosinase. This inhibits melanocytes’ ability to produce additional melanin.

Related: 5 Melanin Rich Foods To Increase Melanin in body

4. Aloe vera gel

After sun exposure, aloe vera may help to minimize melanin synthesis. The plant includes aloesin, a chemical that suppresses tyrosinase, according to research published in Clinical and Experimental Dermatology in 2002. However, according to a more recent 2012 study, aloe vera does not have these effects. Despite contradictory data, aloe vera gel consumers claim it improves brightening skin.

5. Juice of a lemon

Lemon juice is also used to lighten skin discoloration. This may be due to the high vitamin C concentration. Vitamin C can lower tyrosinase activity, which prevents the development of melanin, according to a 2017 study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology.
Therefore, Lemon juice, despite its possible anti-pigmentation properties, can be harsh on the skin. Only use when diluted, and keep out of the sun afterward.

6. Bleaching of the skin

The number of melanocytes in your skin is reduced when you use a skin bleaching treatment like hydroquinone. This can result in skin that is lighter and more even in tone.

7. Green tea

Epigallocatechin gallate is a chemical found in green tea (EGCG). According to a 2015 study According to Trusted Source, EGCG can reduce melanin accumulation. It operates by blocking a melanin-producing enzyme.

Conclusion

Now that we understand the importance of melanin and what foods and treatments can help in reducing melanin. We must concentrate on our bodies and our diet.

Also Read: 6 Best Melanin Rich Foods For Hair