Comic and host Bharti Singh lately recalled getting black pigmentation on her face after giving delivery to her son, Laksh, in 2022. “After my child, I didn’t have pimples on the face, however I had black pigmentation,” she informed ayurvedic practitioner Subhash Goyal whereas asking him for a easy dwelling 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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Do you have to do that treatment? (Photograph: Getty Photographs/Thinkstock)
Why does pigmentation occur after being pregnant and supply?
Dr Karuna Malhotra, aesthetic doctor, cosmetologist, and pores and skin knowledgeable, 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, often 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 components embody:
Daylight – UV publicity deepens pigmentation.
Submit-inflammatory modifications – Any pores and skin irritation or zits 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 widespread after childbirth, affecting pores and skin restore.
Many new moms expertise pigmentation modifications after supply, and whereas dwelling cures like rose water, lemon, and glycerin are common, they should be approached with warning, particularly on delicate postpartum pores and skin, mentioned Dr Malhotra.
Does this treatment work?
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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 incorporates pure vitamin C and citric acid, which can assist lighten darkish spots over time,” mentioned Dr Malhotra.
Nevertheless, lemon juice is extremely acidic and might irritate delicate pores and skin, particularly pores and skin already affected by hormonal modifications, remarked Dr Malhotra. “It may well additionally trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation if solar publicity follows its use,” cautioned Dr Malhotra.
So, whereas this combine may give a brief brightening impact because of delicate exfoliation, it’s “not a confirmed or secure long-term resolution 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 verify for redness, burning, or rash.
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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 properly; by no means apply it instantly.
Keep away from on damaged or irritated pores and skin – Postpartum pores and skin will be further delicate.
Outcomes take time – Pigmentation gained’t disappear immediately; anticipate gradual enchancment over weeks to months, mentioned Dr Malhotra.
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Different safer options
*Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen day by day, even indoors.
*Incorporate delicate vitamin C serums (low focus for delicate pores and skin).
*Mild exfoliation with lactic acid or kojic acid–primarily based lotions (solely after medical recommendation).
*Keep a nutrient-rich weight loss plan with leafy greens, citrus fruits, and sufficient hydration.
Postpartum pigmentation often fades slowly with the appropriate skincare and solar safety. “Endurance, consistency, and mild remedies work much better than harsh DIY cures which will injury delicate pores and skin,” mentioned Dr Malhotra.
DISCLAIMER: This text is predicated on data from the general public area and/or the consultants we spoke to. At all times seek the advice of your well being practitioner earlier than beginning any routine.