How to Reduce Melanin for Improved Skin Tone

latest blog post

February 17 , 2024

Looking for ways to reduce melanin? Check this blog and learn how melanin production can be managed without damaging your skin. Remember, it is impossible to permanently reduce melanin production. 

Did you know? How your hair, skin, and eye color was decided? Well, melanin production is the answer. It's a pigment that gives color. The melanin production in the skin is created by Melanocytes. Unsurprisingly, we all have the same amount of Melanocytes. However, some people have more melanin cells and more specific types of Melanin than others. The darker skin means the presence of more melanin pigment. However, sometimes, some people start suffering from a medical condition, i.e., hyperpigmentation. Sometimes, Melanin in the skin starts to increase in certain areas. The increased Melanin makes that part darker. 


Is It Possible to Decrease Melanin Production or Deposits for Lighter Skin?


The Melanin in your body can be reduced. However, there are some limitations and risks associated. The skin lightening by reducing Melanin can be achieved by: 


Laser Therapy - The reduced excess Melanin can be performed with the help of pulse light technology on the skin surface. Laser therapy helps reduce melanin deposits, revealing skin naturally. To perform laser therapy, there are 3 levels of treatment a person needs to undergo. The levels to reduce excess Melanin are: 

  1. Ablative Laser Technology - This level is recommended for individuals with severe melanin production in their skin. This works by reducing the top layer of the skin. This reduces the skin pigmentation and reveals light-colored skin.
  2. Non-Ablative Laser Technology - This laser treatment is for mild hyperpigmentation. This skincare treatment sometimes leads to collagen growth. This protects your skin health in the future, making skin free from hyperpigmentation. 
  3. QSLR - Known as Q-Switched Ruby Laser, is an abrasive measure for reducing melanin production in the skin. It is performed by first heating and then dissolving the affected skin area.

 

With all the advanced information available. Laser therapy can't be recommended to everyone. It can lead to scarring, infection, and discoloration. It is advisable to consult doctors before trying any skin-lightening treatments. 

Topical Ways to Reduce Melanin

Opting for skin care and trying topical ways to reduce melanin production is natural. Trying less risky ways of improving skin tone will help you permanently maintain Melanin in your skin. The below-mentioned ways for healthy skin will be available in your kitchen or nearby pharmacy. 

Kojic Acid - Our skin consists of Tyrosine, which is responsible for melanin production. By using kojic acid, you attempt to create a barrier against the formation. This helps lighten the skin. Using kojic acid at night along with a ceramide moisturizer gives good results. 

Vitamin C - It is also known as ascorbic acid. Vitamin C reduces excess Melanin in the skin. The increase in Melanin is due to the presence of Melanin Synthesis. Vitamin C, along with Hyaluronic Acid serum, gives skin rejuvenation and hydration. 

Azelaic Acid - Usually, this acid is used to treat acne. However, this acid effectively reduces Melanin in the skin by preventing the increase of discolored cells. 

Glycolic Acid - This acid works like an exfoliating agent. It reduces excessive Melanin by removing dirt from the outer layer of the skin. 

Lactic Acid - Just like glycolic acid, this acid also inhibits tyrosinase in your body to reduce the production of Melanin. People with dry skin can use lactic acid twice a week. 

Retinol - This ingredient has properties that can reduce epidermal Melanin. It prevents tyrosinase activity and accelerates epidermopoiesis by initiating desquamation. By applying a thin layer of ceramide moisturizer, then retinol, and then ceramide-induced moisturizer in a sandwich method, you attempt to permanently decrease excess Melanin in the skin. 

Turmeric - It is well-known that curcumin is an active ingredient in turmeric. It shows results by inhibiting tyrosinase and decreasing melanin levels. It also prevents the multiplication of melanocytes to create Melanin. 

Lemon Juice - It is rich in Vitamin C, which can stop increased melanin production. However, it is essential to protect the skin from the sun after applying diluted lemon juice. However, dark-skinned people experience adverse effects of phytophotodermatitis if exposed to the sun. 
 

Green Tea - There is a compound, i.e., epigallocatechin gallate, in Green Tea. A study conducted by the Natural Library of Medicine  EGCG showed positive effects on reducing Melanin. It works by inhibiting tyrosinase. 
 

Skin Bleaching - Applying hydroquinone reduces the number of melanocytes in the skin. Trying skin bleaching also results in an even skin tone. 


The reduction of melanin content depends on the day-to-day facial routine. In this, some choose natural methods to fix skin conditions. 

 
Are There Any Chances to Permanently Reduce Melanin Production?

The Melanin in the skin differs in every individual. Scientifically, the melanin pigmentation is dependent on the genetics. The melanin pigment can be lightened or removed from the hyperpigmentation. However, there is a high chance that the pigmentation can return. It is impossible to reduce Melanin permanently, but different skin-lightening ways can be tried. Trying to reduce excessive Melanin may take you to more skin-related problems such as:

  •  Less protection from the sun's rays.
  • Risk of skin cancer
  • Uneven skin texture
  • Sensitive skin
  • Itching or redness 
  • Increase in wrinkles


It is crystal clear that if you want to reduce Melanin in the skin, it is essential to consult a dermatologist. 

How to Reduce Melanin Pigment by Eating?

Luckily, excessive Melanin can be reduced by increasing the intake of Vitamin B12. However, one needs to reduce the intake excessive intake of dark chocolates, Vitamin A, and dark berries. These three are believed to increase melanin content in your body. You can also add green vegetables as salads to reduce melanin deposits in the skin. 


Every day, our body tries to produce Melanin. But, the quantity depends on genetics and can't be controlled by trying various remedies. In simple terms, it is not possible to reduce Melanin permanently. We cannot deny the fact that it is a necessary part of our body. Hence, protection from UV rays is required. Melanin works as a defense system in the skin. If attempts are made to decrease excessive melanin production, it can lead to negative situations. It is advisable to follow a balanced diet along with controlled ratios. As per a study by ScienceDaily, rich fibrous foods, high protein intake, and


Vitamins can disturb Melanin production. The foods are as follows:

  • Papaya
  • Kiwi
  • Dry Fruits
  • Watermelon 


The production of Melanin depends on genetics. It can decrease or increase depending on the lifestyle changes. 

Tips to Manage Melanin in Skin

Attempting to maintain existing melanin deposits is a great journey ahead. But remember, your natural skin tone is a beautiful gift. Love it & attempt to get more radiant skin. 


Consult a Dermatologist 

Before attempting to reduce melanin production, seek a dermatologist. This will help you with customized advice on the basis of skin concerns, goals, and types. Seeking help on a periodical basis will help you analyze your progress. 


2. Be Consistent 

Almost everything today requires one to be consistent. In the same way, trying skin lightening also demands consistency. Proper skincare at regular intervals, along with scheduled professional treatment, will give you results. 


3. Reduce Exposure to the Sun

Give protection from the sun by using sunscreen cream, lotion, and spray. Exposure to the sun can trigger the production of Melanin in your skin. 


4. Careful Product Selection

Choose products matching the skin issues and type. The use of strong chemicals on the skin can worsen irritation or pigmentation. 


Be patient & don't rush the process. After all, it's your skin. Prioritize well-being and good health of the skin. Remember, Melanin is essential for your body as it protects you from harmful rays such as UVB, UVC, UVA, and blue light. Melanin also protects from ROS, i.e., Reactive Oxygen Species, which accumulate in the cells. This can further increase stress, cancer, diabetes, and premature aging. 


FAQs

How can I reduce melanin intakeMelanin in a week?

The easiest way to reduce melanin production is by staying indoors during the afternoon. The melanocytes are responsible for protecting the skin from the UV rays. 


Why is my skin getting darker?

The dark skin color is dependent on Melanin. It gets increased by excessive exposure to the sun. That is why the skin starts getting darker from the harmful effects of the sun. 


What happens if the level of Melanin is high?

People with increased Melanin have darker hair, eyes, and skin. The clusters of Melanocytes lead to freckles. 


Is Melanin bad or good?

Melanin is essential as it plays a biological role and gives protection from the sun. The presence of Melanin gives protection to the epidermis or the top layer of the skin. 


Why is my skin getting darker without the sun?

Less intake of vitamins, such as E, A, C, and B complex, results in roughening and darkening of the skin. 

Book an Appointment

captcha