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Pigmentation
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 Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Hi, I am so depressed. It's my brother's wedding after 11 days. But my neck & armpits are pigmented. They look disgusting. My new dress is sleeveless. I don't want to look ugly. I am actually fair. But I am very sad. My sister laughs at my armpits. Please help!!!!

Nita (Mumbai, India)

A: Wax your armpits as close to the wedding as you can, and until then try and apply lemon to your armpits everyday. On the morning of the wedding you could bleach your underarms. They will look much lighter. Also, wear your chunni around your neck for the wedding. Don't shave underarms. Read these 2 articles for further information: Dark Underarms Preventing Pigmentation Problems

Vidula Chopra


Q: Hi, I m 23 and from the past 3years the skin on my neck and back has become black. I saw dermatologists who said it is due to sunburns. I tried everything from lightening creams to chemical skin peeling but nothing worked. Please suggest me how to overcome this.

Chaitali (Gujarat, India)

A: You will need to stop exposing your neck to the sun. As long as your neck keeps getting sun exposure, it will just keep getting tanned. Also, at times tanning over a prolongued period of time leads to permanent darkening. Lime (nimbu) is a natural bleach, so you can try applying it to your neck daily, and washing off after ten minutes. Although if chemical peels haven't helped, I don't think this will make much of a difference. Cover your neck with a cotton scarf before stepping out in the sun - this is more effective than a sunscreen - or, carry an unbrella with you when you step out in the sun. Also, read this article on Pigmentation.

Vidula Chopra


Q: Hi, i have pigment problem on my cheeks and forehead. I am not married did not use any birth controll pills. Why i got it. In these days i was too much stressed and and was on dieting did not eat any thing simple tea. But i was using the b2 vitamin b2 and evening prime rose oil just for the regulation of my periods. Its in low amount and not the regular. What do you think the reason for melasma or pigmentation is the diet, or the vitamin b2 + evening prime rose oil. Pls give me the information and suggest me any thing to cure this problem. Can i use the peel powder to treat this if yes than how i can bring it in ireland.thank you

Pervin (Gujarat, Ireland )

A: Stress, diet could all lead to almost any problem, including pigmentation problems. Sun exposure is also a major factor. Please read this article on Preventing Pigmentation Problems.

Vidula Chopra


Q: I got pigmentation on my cheeks a few month before. Please suggest me some remedy for pigmentation

Savita (Mumbai, India)

A: Refer to this article on pigmentation.

Vidula Chopra


Q: Dear Sir/Madam: I have brown pigmentation on my both cheeks and it really looks ugly. (it started on my 5th month of pregnancy).it is now 4 months after the delivery and it is not gone. I searched in the internet and found that it is called pregnancy mask and it may never go away. Please let me know how to get rid of this. I have not seen my doctor for this, just waiting to go this away by its own. Thank you Geena

Geena (Banglore, India)

A: Try a few skin lightening products available in the market. Also, make sure you keep yourself protected from the sun, as the sun will further darken discoloured areas. Wear sunscreen daily. Hydroquinone Night Cream is pretty effective, approved by the FDA and contains no mercury. Many other reputable companies like Avon, Clarins, have come out with skin whitening creams, so you could try them.

Vidula Chopra


Q: I am 25 years old. I had regular pimples problem. I once applied garlic paste on my pimples, which I read in some website. It resulted in darkening of my skin in 1 inch area where I had applied the garlic. Could you please suggest my how can I remove this horrible scar from my face.

Romita (Mumbai, India)

A: Never apply garlic paste on your pimples. Soothe the area by applying a calamine lotion to the scar overnight. Also, apply cucumber juice to the scar daily. It will fade gradually.

Vidula Chopra


Q: I have lot of black pimples on my facr and in my neck alos Dr. said it is because of virus. Is there any ointment I can apply? Waiting for your advice.

Anu (Mumbai, India)

A: What you have seems to be an infection. Wash your face well, with an anti-bacterial face wash and be careful not to irritate it. Keep your hair tied as far as possible, and make sure it is dandruff-free. Don't touch your face, and don't apply old consmetics. Don't apply cream or moisturisers for now. Every morning, as soon as you wake up before brushing your teeth, drink a glass of water with juice of one lemon added to it (nimbu pani) without sugar. Wash your face often.

Vidula Chopra


Q: My chin has gotten liek a brownish spot . im thinking it is becuse of waxing / threading? what should i do? it seems liek i have lost pigmentation of the skin color in that area. can this problem be solved by herbal /home remedies. or do i need to see a dermatologist?

Sonia (Mumbai, India)

A: If you 'lose' pigmentation it means that the skin colour should become lighter, not darker. I cannot advise you as I don't know what kind of a spot you mean. Show it to a dermatologist. If it is a freckle, there is nothing to worry about as it is caused by the sun. Just avoid the sun and wear sunscreen.

Vidula Chopra


Q: During and after pregnancy i got small bumps/pimples on my hand and now it has been a year but still they are not gone completely .The one which are gone ,left black marks.Can you suggest me of somrthing that i can apply or do and they will go of without any trace?

Abc (Mumbai, India)

A: They should fade gradually on thier own. However, to speeden the process you could apply lemon juice to your hands. Do this daily.

Vidula Chopra


Q: I have pigmentation problem on my face and hands. My skin complexion is also not even, or we can call a patchy skin. I gone through the FAQs in this section, you suggested cucumber juice mix with lemon would reduce pigmentation marks. Will this make my skin dry and improve the uneven skin on my face? Please suggest a good remedy so that my skin does not get dry. Thanks

Preeti (Mumbai, India)

A: Yes, it will dry skin and is good for those with oily complexions. If you have normal to dry skin, apply lemon juice mixed with honey and wash off in ten minutes. You could also apply only cucumber juice without lemon to your skin.

Vidula Chopra


Q: Can please you suggest me something for dark black spots on the back side. Thanks

Gayathiri (Mumbai, India)

A: You need to be more specific about these black spots on your backside. Read this article on Preventing Pigmentation Problems. If the tips don't help, you should see a dermatologist.

Vidula Chopra


Q: I am a 22 yrs old girl suffering long from a problem of pimples. I have tired treatments since Ihad the problem(7yrs). I visited dermatologist who used to prick my pimples and apply some burning sollutn to my face that would not leave marks but it did. Another dermatologist did a carbon wash treament guranteeing me that pimples plus marks will be gone,but no hope. Infact some part of my skin got burnt &left burn spots some have red scars. I tried naturopathy for 2 years along with accupunture but no hope. On visiting a gynac. she told I have PCOD.she gave me oral contrceptives for 1year and now she would like to stop them.After all the hardsips my face is very very oily,red scar with burn spots and pit holes.It has become very sensitive.My diet(veg) is very much under contorl for about from 7 months. I do not mind pit holes and dent on my face but want to get rid of reddish parts on my face as soon as possible without any dematological treaments.Currently doing homeopathy for 1 year to reduce pimples. PL HELP THANK YOU.

Saroshini (Hyderabad, India)

A: Apply cucumber juice to your face everyday and wash off after ten minutes. The reddish marks should fade away. Also, as your face is oily, wash it with Clean and Clear face wash. Do not eat too much fried foods, chocolates, heaty/oily foods, junk food, namkeen, wafers etc. No matter what people say that it doesn't increase acne, it does for some people. Increase the amount of water you drink. I know people who have gotten over their complexion problem by drinking 20 glasses of water a day. See if you can do this.

Vidula Chopra


Q: I have pigmentation on my cheeks this started in my 2nd pregancy, i am trying everything for this,i need help please suggest something.

Neetha (Mumbai, India)

A: This is completely normal, due to hormanal changes during pregnancy. Don't worry about it. The skin discolorations will go away on their own. However, you need to make sure you stay away from sun exposure. Due to sun exposure pigmentation during pregnancy may also become permanent. You have not clarified if you are still pregnant, or if the pigmentation has remained even months after pregnancy.

Vidula Chopra


Q: I was told that Pearl Powder is very good for pigmentation. It lightens your skin complexion. The company I bought from, also recommends to take pearl powder internally. I don't know if it's safe or not to take it internally. It doesn't say that it's unsafe. Could you plese help me.

Renu (Mumbai, India)

A: Pearl powder can be taken internally. You can mix it with a beverage and drink it, and mix it with a cream and apply it. To my knowledge, it is not unsafe, and if the company recommended taking it internally, it should be fine. It is apparently rich in calcium as well as in other minerals

Vidula Chopra


Q: I think that I am a very pretty young lady but I see it only when I have makeup on, please help me I have really dark spots all over my face and my wedding is in 3 months I tried creams,sunscreen,masks and nothing works maybe you have a homemade remedy that can help me ?

Shamshun (Mumbai, India)

A: I don't know what the spots are - if they are freckles, moles, or skin disolouration. You should get them examined in person. Stay out of the sun, and apply sunscreen even when indoors, during the day. Certain forms of pigmentation cannot be cured by external applications, and it would be best to see a dermatologist. Many skin problems do get cured simply by making sure your face is clean, and by drinking plenty of water - at least 10-12 glasses a day.

Vidula Chopra


Q: My skin color at my back and neck are darker than my other parts of my body. Please suggest a remedy.

Sriroopa (Mumbai, India)

A: What is the reason for this darkness? Is it pigmentation? Drink at least ten glasses of water everyday to flush out toxins, and while showering make it a point to scrub your body, especially your back, with a loofah. Start exercising regularly to improve circulation. Eat more Vitamin A and more fruit. If you do not notice any improvement, you should visit a gynaecologist. If you have just given birth, your skin will return to normal on its own.

Vidula Chopra


Q: I have dark pigmentation on my neck, not on the entire neck but in the front in the middle of the neck and on the base at the sides. The pigmentation looks like dirt, I do not know what it is, what can I do to get rid of it? I have had it for a long time.

Hassan (Mumbai, UAE )

A: Pigmentation is essentially a skin issue, and you need to see a dermatologist. It is often caused due to sun exposure, but it could have other causes as well. In any case, avoid exposing that area to direct sunlight, and make sure you apply sunscreen on any exposed skin before stepping out in the sun.

Vidula Chopra


Q: I am twenty and I have pigmentation marks around my mouth, nose and on forehead. took treatment for it, but it reappeared.

Nisha (Mumbai, India)

A: The first thing you should do is find out from your dermatologist as to what is the cause for pigmentation. You can then work on preventing it. Often, pigmentation is caused due to sun exposure. Avoid stepping out in the afternoon when the sun is harshest, and always wear sunscreen during the day, even when you are indoors. Read this article on Preventing Pigmentation Problems and see if it helps. You may need to re-visit your dermatologist to get it cured again, but once again, make sure this time you find out the cause.

Vidula Chopra


Q: After moving from bombay to delhi, my face and neck have darkened a lot. Is there any home remedy to remove this pigmentation?

Nikhil (Mumbai, India)

A: The dryness in the weather could be a possible cause, as could increased exposure to the sun and other elements. Make sure you apply sunscreen to your face and neck every morning, and avoid stepping out between noon and four in the afternoon in the summer, when the sun is the harshest. Apply moisturiser regularly. Cucumber juice is a natural bleach, so you could apply it to your face and neck every night, and wash it off in the morning. This should help lighten the skin slightly, but is only a temporary solution.

Vidula Chopra


Q: My neck is much darker than my face. How can i get rid of this???

Sanju (Mumbai, India)

A: Try the general remedy for lightening your skin that I have recommended (nimbu honey mix) and in addition, don't wear anything polyester, like a polyeseter chunni, around the neck. Moisturise neck also when you apply moisturiser to face and massage neck well. Scrub it gently with a loofah while bathing to improve circulation. Apply sunscreen to your face and neck before stepping out in the sun. Use toner on neck after bathing to remove any excess oil and dirt. In fact, carry toner and cotton with you, and clean your neck regularly, especially if you perspire often. In certain cases, the dark neck may be your body's way of warning you about your heath. If this is a recent occurance, if you have suddenly noticed a darkening, visit a doctor.

Vidula Chopra


Q: Dear Madam, Hello! I am going to get married after 15 days. I have many pimples and pimple scars on my face. I am using ERYTOP in the night and after reading the ice cube and toothpaste idea i am also using them and can see changes on my face but still there are pimples and black spots of pimples.. Can you please suggest me some good remedy and some good facials for my marriage? Thanks

Savi (Mumbai, India)

A: Wash your face with a face wash like Clean and Clear, twice a day. When travelling by car, roll up the window. Do not expose your face to the wind. Drink at least ten glasses of water a day, and watch your diet. No fried food or soft drinks, and do not eat too many chocolates. They can cause break-outs.

Vidula Chopra


Q: Whenever my skin gets exposed to the sun even for a very short time, it starts itching and my skin gets discoloured. It turns blackish, or I develop white patches. Skin from the upper-lip area and corners of the mouth starts peeling. I use Lubriderm UV lotion regularly. My skin is dry. If I apply powder, it cracks.

kamala (Mumbai, USA)

A: You seem to be having photosensitivity (a form of allergy to sunlight). Use a good sunscreen lotion whenever you move out. If possible, carry and umbrella or wear a cap. Eat plenty of fruits and greens to increase skin immunity. Use a glycerine based soap like Pears, or any other deeply moisturising soap while bathing. Continue using moisturiser twice daily.


Q: After delivery I have developed brown pigmentation on my cheeks, and a small wart on the right temple. A bit of skin is peeling out from the wart, but the wart is not coming out completely. My skin is oily and pimple prone. Any home remedies for facial hair removal?

Iris (Mumbai, India)

A: You seem to have developed melasma, a pigmentory condition quite common after delivery. A steroid and depigmenting agent prescribed by your doctor should help you. Move out in the sun as less as possible. The wart will have to be excised (By a surgeon or dermatologist) – which is a small procedure.


Q: I am 27 years old and have a child who is a year old. Before delivery, I had a good complexion, but after delivery I have turned dark and have lost weight. Which cream can be applied before going outdoors? I have an oily skin.

Deepali (Mumbai, India)

A: Pigment changes are quite common after delivery. Eat a nutritious diet, plenty of water and practice relaxation. Sleeplessness adds to the problem. Use a good sunscreen before going outdoors - SUNBAN, SHADE or ELOVERA SPF are a few. Clean your face with a face wash or cleanser for oily skin.


Q: The back of my neck has become very dark and it looks very bad when I tie my hair up. This may be due to the sweat and the gold chain I wear all the time. Can you please suggest a remedy?

Bijal (Mumbai, USA)

A: Use a mild steroid cream - Diprovate RD - twice a day for 10-15 days and avoid the chain for a couple of days.


Q: I have dark patches around my mouth that really bother me a lot. Creams give temporary relief, but after a few days, the dark patches reappear. Even my complexion keeps changing. Is there a solution for my problem? Please let me know

Shilpa (Detroit, USA)

A: After you respond to creams don't stop them abruptly – gradually reduce usage over a period of time. Try to find out if you are allergic to anything that could be causing the dark patches. Changing complexion could be because of sun exposure, excessive stress, sleeplessness etc. Eat nourishing food, plenty of greens and drink at least 8-10 glasses of water in a day. Start a good fitness program. Try some form of relaxation and consult a dermatologist if the problem persists.


Q: I am a 26-year-old lady. I have dark patches on my cheeks. How can I get rid of them?

Menka (Detroit, India)

A: A mild steroid cream and de-pigmenting agent prescribed by your doc should do the trick. Move out in the sun as less as possible.


Q: I have pigmentation on my face, an uneven tone and whiteheads. I have tried many costly cosmectics, but in vain. My face is darker than my neck and hands.

Sapna (Detroit, Geneva )

A: First of all you must avoid exposure to the sun. Wear a foundation or make-up base which has a sunscreen. Avoid stepping out in the afternoons when the sun is at its harshest, or if you must, wear a cap. One of the prime causes of pigmentation is sun exposure. Get rid of whiteheads by scrubbing your skin once a week with a face scrub. cleanse, tone and moisturise your skin twice a day.


Q: My face looks darker then before, especialy on the forehead and around the mouth but overall the skin is dark then before. Is there any solution on what I can do about this?

Seema (Detroit, USA)

A: Avoid going out in the sun, and make sure you wear a sunscreen every morning, even if you are indoors (you can wear a low-SPF sunscreen, or a moisturiser with an in-built sunscreen). Drink plenty of water to detox your system. Try going on a fruit fast once a week. Substitute one or both meals with fruit. Use a face scrub once a week. Apply a mixture of lime and honey on your face, and wash off after ten minutes. Do this everyday.


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