Comic and host Bharti Singh lately recalled getting black pigmentation on her face after giving beginning to her son, Laksh, in 2022. “After my child, I didn’t have pimples on the face, however I had black pigmentation,” she advised ayurvedic practitioner Subhash Goyal whereas asking him for a easy house treatment that may assist.In response, Goyal steered utilizing a mixture of gulab jal or rose water, lemon juice, and glycerin.
“Apply the combination to the spots. Let it dry. After which wash your face. It helps dissolve black pigmentation and spots immediately,” vouched Goyal on Singh’s YouTube podcast.
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Must you do this treatment? (Picture: Getty Pictures/Thinkstock)
Why does pigmentation occur after being pregnant and supply?
Dr Karuna Malhotra, aesthetic doctor, cosmetologist, and pores and skin professional, Beauty Pores and skin and Homeo Clinic, Rajouri Backyard, New Delhi, defined that the most typical trigger is melasma, a hormonal pigmentation, triggered by elevated estrogen and progesterone throughout being pregnant. “These hormones stimulate extra melanin manufacturing, inflicting brown or grey-brown patches, normally on the cheeks, brow, or higher lip. After supply, hormone ranges drop, however the pigmentation could linger, particularly if aggravated by solar publicity,” mentioned Dr Malhotra.
Different contributing elements embody:
Daylight – UV publicity deepens pigmentation.Put up-inflammatory adjustments – Any pores and skin irritation or pimples marks can darken extra simply.Dietary deficiencies – Low vitamin B12, folic acid, or iron can affect pores and skin well being.Stress and lack of sleep – Each are frequent after childbirth, affecting pores and skin restore.
Many new moms expertise pigmentation adjustments after supply, and whereas house treatments like rose water, lemon, and glycerin are well-liked, they must be approached with warning, particularly on delicate postpartum pores and skin, mentioned Dr Malhotra.
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Rose water can soothe, hydrate, and mildly tone the pores and skin. “Glycerin locks in moisture and retains pores and skin supple. Lemon juice comprises pure vitamin C and citric acid, which can assist lighten darkish spots over time,” mentioned Dr Malhotra.
Nonetheless, lemon juice is extremely acidic and may irritate delicate pores and skin, particularly pores and skin already affected by hormonal adjustments, remarked Dr Malhotra. “It may well additionally trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation if solar publicity follows its use,” cautioned Dr Malhotra.
So, whereas this combine would possibly give a brief brightening impact attributable to gentle exfoliation, it’s “not a confirmed or protected long-term answer for postpartum pigmentation”, particularly with out patch testing.
What to notice?
Patch take a look at first – Apply on a small space (like behind the ear or jawline) to test for redness, burning, or rash.Story continues under this advert
Keep away from direct daylight after lemon use – Lemon could make pores and skin photosensitive and worsen pigmentation if uncovered to UV rays, mentioned Dr Malhotra.
Dilution is vital – At all times dilute lemon juice nicely; by no means apply it straight.
Keep away from on damaged or irritated pores and skin – Postpartum pores and skin might be additional delicate.
Outcomes take time – Pigmentation received’t disappear immediately; count on gradual enchancment over weeks to months, mentioned Dr Malhotra.Story continues under this advert
Different safer options
*Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen day by day, even indoors.*Incorporate gentle vitamin C serums (low focus for delicate pores and skin).*Light exfoliation with lactic acid or kojic acid–primarily based lotions (solely after medical recommendation).*Keep a nutrient-rich weight loss program with leafy greens, citrus fruits, and ample hydration.
Postpartum pigmentation normally fades slowly with the correct skincare and solar safety. “Persistence, consistency, and delicate remedies work much better than harsh DIY treatments which will injury delicate pores and skin,” mentioned Dr Malhotra.
DISCLAIMER: This text relies on data from the general public area and/or the specialists we spoke to. At all times seek the advice of your well being practitioner earlier than beginning any routine.