Skinfood: 5 tips for even skin from the inside
Admittedly, the fact that what we eat has an impact on our skin health is actually nothing new. But now the breaking news: Did you know that with the right diet you can ensure good melanin distribution in the body? I'll tell you how it works you now.
1. Carotenoids prevent pigment spots.
Carotenoids are naturally occurring pigments. They add color to orange, red, and yellow fruits and vegetables. Their special feature: They have an antioxidant effect and protect the skin from cell damage caused by UV rays. And quite effectively (even if they don't replace sunscreen). Studies show that those who eat foods rich in carotenoids are better protected against sun damage6.
These include:
- Watermelon
- Tomatoes
- Asparagus
- Guavas
- and grapefruit
Why sun protection is important for preventing and removing pigment spots? UV rays are the main cause of hyperpigmentation because sunlight stimulates melanin production. You know this for sure: pigment spots usually appear on the face or hands – in places that are often exposed to the sun.
2. Lycopene has a cell-protecting effect.
We'll stick with the carotenoids because lycopene is the most potent of them all. Lycopene accumulates in the skin and unfolds its effect there when it is needed: It effectively protects the skin from cell damage caused by solar radiation, prevents premature skin aging and promotes skin regeneration. Perfect conditions to remove Ppigment spots and reduce .
By the way, you can easily cover your daily dose of lycopene: With a tablespoon of tomato paste and a little olive oil. Really true: The effectiveness of this mixture on acute and long-term sun damage has even been scientifically proven. More on this under Superfood tomato paste - slow aging for the skin.
3. Vitamin C brightens from within.
Yes, this vitamin can also develop its effect against unwanted skin discoloration from the inside and remove or at least reduce pigment spots in the long term. You also pamper your skin with the other benefits of this popular beauty vitamin. Vitamin C regulates the production of skin fat in the sebaceous glands, has an anti-inflammatory effect and protects against premature skin aging thanks to its antioxidant power.
These foods are good sources of vitamin C:
- Oranges
- Strawberries
- Papaya
- kiwi
- peppers
4. Healthy fatty acids support skin regeneration.
I mentioned it briefly above: In addition to too much sun, inflammation and injuries to the skin are among the main factors for the development of hyperpigmentation. You may know this if you suffer from acne and pimples regularly leave dark discolorations on your skin.
If this is the case, integrate omega-3 fatty acids into your diet to remove the pigment spots. Good vegan sources include walnuts, hemp seeds, and chia seeds. Because omega-3 fatty acids have an anti-inflammatory effect and form the basis for healthy cell regeneration, they can prevent acne and blemishes. For you, this means in turn: Clean skin without annoying pimple marks. You can read what else omega-3 has up its sleeve for your skin under Beautiful skin thanks to omega-3: is it also vegan?.
5. Lutein ensures an even skin tone.
Lutein is another carotenoid (of which there are about 800, by the way) whose whitening properties have been proven in studies8. Lutein blocks an enzyme needed for melanin formation. At the same time, it protects cells from damage caused by free radicals.
If you take in lutein through food, it begins to work in the skin "from below". Good for you, because: The pigment spots on the face are combated in depth, the complexion is visibly brightened8.
These foods contain lutein:
- Corn
- Broccoli
- peas
- pumpkin
Interim conclusion: You can prevent pigment spots on your face with a healthy diet!
If you eat a colorful and vitamin-rich diet, you lay the foundation for healthy skin without discolouration. Incorporate fruits and vegetables, healthy fats and nuts into your diet. In this way, you provide your skin with powerful antioxidants, help it build up protection against UV damage and can effectively prevent the development of pigment spots. With the right precautions, you can prevent the time-consuming process of removing pigment spots in the long term.
Good to know: There are also food supplements that extend the protection from within. I rather advise against that. My recommendation: Try making a few small changes in your diet and you will see - the positive effect of fresh, natural foods on skin, hair (and soul!) is simply unbeatable.
Home remedies to remove pigment spots: What really helps?
You can find quite a few tips on the internet how to effectively remove pigment spots with simple home remedies. But beware – all that glitters here is by no means gold. Let's bring light into the darkness.
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Lemon juice and apple cider vinegar. Lemon juice contains about 5% citric acid, apple cider vinegar about the same amount of acetic acid. The fact is: Both acids can lighten hyperpigmentation. But it is also a fact: Irritation can occur - or the lightening only works in places and your skin appears more blotchy afterwards than before. My verdict: better not. And if you really want to try it, limit yourself to the back of your hand to be on the safe side.
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Papaya. Papayas contain the enzyme papain. And that's a real skincare miracle. Papain has an exfoliating effect as it removes dead cells from the skin's surface. Studies show that papain can partially remove pigment spots and stimulate skin renewal9. There is one small drop of bitterness though – papain is mainly contained in the seeds and the green skin of the papaya. You can use the pulp of a ripe papaya as a refreshing mask, but you will not benefit from the effects of papain in this way. My verdict: the mask with papaya pulp advertised in many beauty blogs is only partially suitable for removing pigment spots!
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Potatoes. From tropical papayas back to home. Our local potato is also a popular household remedy to remove pigment spots. It contains brightening vitamin C and is said to have a matting effect due to the starch it contains. The application is easy. Simply grate a fresh, raw potato and leave it on your cleansed face for a few minutes. My verdict: the potato mask is worth a try. Don't expect miracles though. Scientific studies on their effect against hyperpigmentation are still pending.
What else can you do about pigment spots!
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Chemical fruit acid peelings: These include the AHA, PHA and BHA acids. Low-dose products for self-application loosen the superficial layers of skin on which the pigment spots are located. It is therefore less suitable for deeper discolorations. Fruit acid peelings also increase sensitivity to light, so adequate sun protection afterwards is an absolute must to prevent new pigment spots. Highly concentrated fruit acid peelings are used in dermatological practice. The skin has been red for some time after a chemical peel. Once it's completely healed, you can hope that the pigment spots won't come back.
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Laser treatment: If the pigment spots on the face are deeper, there is the option of having laser therapy carried out. The pigment cells are destroyed by the focused laser beam. After the treatment, your facial skin will be very sensitive for a few days. And be careful: After the pigment spots laser & peeling, sun protection is absolutely essential. Specialists therefore generally recommend carrying out such treatments in winter.
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Retinol: Of course, this skincare wonder should not be missing from the pigment spot removal list. Retinol is a form of vitamin A that provides a powerful boost to your skin's cell regeneration and renewal. The accelerated skin regeneration brings new cells to light, your complexion looks even, smooth and padded. The small disadvantage: Retinol also makes the skin more sensitive to UV radiation. This can promote the development of new pigment spots. The same applies here – either use it in the cold season or make sure you have sufficient sun protection!
Conclusion: Removing pigment spots also works with natural means!
You see, nature offers us a whole range of powerful active ingredients for your care routine, with which pigment spots can be removed and discolorations on the face can be effectively reduced - from the inside & Outside! If you pamper your skin every day with valuable, brightening facial oils such as wild rose oil and sea buckthorn pulp oil and eat a balanced diet, you will create the best conditions for an even, uniform complexion in the long term.
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Frequently asked questions about removing pigment spots