Your skin is the reflection of how healthy your body and mind systems are. Hyper-pigmentation of the skin could be due to various skin disorders caused by the presence of toxins, or Ama in Ayurvedic terminology, in the body.  Skin problems like hyper-pigmentation are most commonly caused due to an aggravated Pitta Dosha. A concerted diet, herbal healing treatments, and topical applications that address an excited Pitta can work wonders for the skin.

Some of the common causes for hyper-pigmentation are:

-Exposure to sun and heat,
-Hormonal imbalances,
-Irregular production of melanin in melanocyte cells in the epidermis (upper layer of the skin).
-Impurities in the blood
-Skin disorder due to the presence of toxins and poor supply of blood to that area.

Here are 8 quick fixes to deal with skin pigmentation problems

1) Application of aloe vera

Start with applying the pulp of aloe vera on the affected area. Nothing comes close to the power of aloe vera in treating sun tan rapidly and effectively without leaving scars. Aloe vera acts as a great moisturizer because of its unctuous properties.  It is also widely known that it is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. If no fresh aloe vera is at hand, you can also use purely herbal skin moisturizers and lotions rich in aloe.

2) Applying a paste made from a mix of water/milk/coconut milk with the crushed parts of these three magic herbs

A) Symplocos Racemosa, known as lodh or lodhra in many parts of the world, is one of the oldest forms of natural healing and treatment for the skin. The basic properties of the herb are that it beautifies and helps maintain the shape and tone of the skin.
Some of its other benefits are:

-Improves collagen production and makes the skin look younger

-Reduces fine lines and wrinkles

-Works on blemishes

-Detoxifies the skin

B) Coriander, known as Dhanyaka in Ayurveda
Coriander is a storehouse of natural benefits for the skin. It is astringent with anti-bacterial and disinfectant properties.

-It is also a great detoxifier, and anti-inflammatory herb.
-It is rich in antioxidants which destroy free radicals and keeps skin ever young.
-Has plenty of Vitamin C which is good for lightening skin tone.
-It cleanses the skin pores

C) Calamus, or Vacha also known as myrtle grass is an excellent herb for improving blood circulation and increasing oxygenation in the skin. It quickly heals inflammatory scars, or blemishes on the skin.

3) Rakhtashodhini or blood purifying syrup
Generally available in popular Ayurvedic or herbal product outlets, blood purifying syrup or tablets help purify the blood by purging the toxins in it. When the blood is free from toxins, it reflects in the skin as the skin clears up and brightens up.

4) Virechana or medical expurgation
One of the best treatments prescribed in Ayurveda for reducing Pitta imbalance is Virechana or medical expurgation. It is a detoxification process that eliminates toxins in the blood and digestive system.

5) Herbal formulation that combines a dozen herbs

The Ayurvedic formulation of a face pack (Kumkumadi Lepam)-made from over a dozen herbs like saffron, red sandalwood, licorice, turmeric, blue lotus, sour cherry, sesame oil or coconut oil, among others- is known as one of the best treatments for treating skin blemishes, hyper-pigmentation, dark circles, spots and wrinkles. The formulation has been touted in one of the most definitive texts on the Ayurvedic sciences- Ashtanga Hridayam.

6) Apply a mix of haritaki and curd  

Indian hog plum, known as haritaki in Sanskrit, is called the King of Herbs and has immense antibacterial properties. Haritaki is rich in antioxidants like gallic acid, chebulic acid, ellagic acid, selenium and vitamin C. It is beneficial for treating skin allergies, acne and blemishes. Indian hog plum has a hard skin and so you may need to really apply some pressure before making a paste from it, combined with curd.

7) Paste of mustard seeds and rose oil

Mustard seeds act as a natural scrub for the skin with cleansing and antibacterial properties. Mustard seeds when applied as a mix with aloe vera gel is used as a hydrating agent for the skin. The mix also has anti-aging properties.

8)  Possible herbal combinations that can be applied externally over affected areas

A)  Paste of neem  and turmeric 

The benefits of turmeric have been widely documented as an antibacterial wonder, rejuvenating agent, blood purifier, skin repairer, rich in antioxidants, and skin tone lightener. It adds a glow to your skin and can be easily made an inseparable part of your beauty regimen.

B) A mix of sulfur and myrtle grass with curd can be applied locally to affected areas.

C) A paste of garlic and betel leaves juice is a magic mix to treat hyper-pigmentation.

D) For treating white patches, equal amount of juice made from holy basil leaves and lemon juice may be applied over these areas.
You can also cut a small onion into two pieces and rub it over these spots.

With inputs from Dr. Nibin, Sri Sri Ayurveda consultant