How do i get rid of hyperpigmentation? - #26390
During Diwali last year, my friend applied Kumkum (sindoor) as tilak on my forehead. When i came home, i washed my face once with water and then rubbed with a towel harshly on my forehead to remove the stain.. but it was kinda harsh that it burnt that area and i ended up getting dark hyperpigmentation I used Kojivit and shata dhauta ghrita ghee and today my hyperpigmentation is faded away but still there’s hyperpigmentation and visible in photos. My wedding is in 2 months, please help me how do i quickly get rid of this?
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Doctors’ responses
You can try- Kumkumadi Tailam (Brands: Kama Ayurveda, Kerala Ayurveda, Blue Nectar)
Apply 2–3 drops at night. Reduces pigmentation and scars over time.
If skin is very oily, use only 1 drop or dilute in aloe vera gel.
11. Roop Mantra Ayurvedic Cream
Budget-friendly and targets dark spots & uneven skin . Just Herbs Gotukola & Liquorice Pigmentation Cream
Very effective for post-acne marks and stubborn pigmentation.
HELLO TUSHAR,
YOUR CONDITION= POST-INFLAMMATORY HYPERPIGMENTATION -when you friend applied Kumkum(sindoor) as a tilak during Diwali, it may have irritated your skin due to its synthetic dyes or chemicals -you rubbed your forehead harshly while removing it, which caused micro-abrasion (skin trauma) -the skin responded by producing extra melanin (pigment) in that area as part of the healing process- this is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or PIH.
IN SIMPLE TERMS Your skin was injured, and in trying to heal teasel, it left behind a darker patch due to excess melanin
This is common and not dangerous, but ut can take weeks to months to fade- especially if not treated properly
TREATMENT GOALS -fade existing pigmentation -prevent worsening especially from sun exposure -support skin healing and regeneration -balance internal factors (heat, toxin, stress) -avoid recurrence
AYURVEDIC DIAGNOSIS This relates to vyanga condition- characterised by localised, painless, dark discolouration on the face
It is usually due to -Pitta dosha aggravation - heat and inflammation in the body -local trauma -rakta dushti= impure or aggravated blood -stress or internal toxin buildup
EXTERNAL MANAGEMENT
1) KUMKUMADI TAILA- NIGHT APPLICATION -A classical ayurvedic facial oil which lightens pigmentation, evens tone, improves glow -use 2-3 drops on clean face at night, gently massage till absorbed for at least 6-8 weeks
2) LEPA- 3 times/week -1 tsp manjistha powder-blood purifier, pigmentation -1/2 tsp yashtimadhu powder- lightens skin -1/2 tsp sandalwood powder- cooling -rose water to make a paste Apply for 20 minutes, then rinse gently with lukewarm water
ALTERNATE -1 tsp neem powder + 1/2 tsp turmeric + 1 tsp Aloe Vera gel
3) SHATDHAUTA GHRITA -excellent for skin regeneration, cooling pitta and healing -apply at night or after face packs for nourishment and repair
INTERNAL TREATMENT
1) MANJISTHA CAPSULES= 500 mg twice daily after meals =purifies blood, clears pigmentation use for 6-8 weeks minimum
2) AVIPATTIKAR CHURNA= 1 tsp at bedtime with warm water for 4 weeks =balances excess pitta, helps with detox and digestion
3) KHADIRARISHTA= 20 ml with equal water twice daily after meals =skin purification , clears rashes, pigmentation ,acne and allergies
LIFESTYLE CHANGES
AVOID -harsh rubbing or over cleansing -exposure to sun without protection -stress, sleep deprivation -very spicy, sour, oily foods -overuse of makeup or facials -hot water on the face
DO -gentle face cleansing -apply sunscreen (SPF 50+) daily, even indoors -drink plenty of warm water -maintain bowel regularity -get 7-8 hours of sleep -choose natural cotton headwear
HOME REMEDIES
1) POTATO JUICE + HONEY -lightens pigmentation and hydrates
2) ALOE VER AGEL + TURMERIC -healing and anti inflammatory
3) PAPAYA PULP + YOGURT -enzymes remove dead skin gently
DERMATOLOGICAL BOOSTERS Since your wedding is close and you want quicker fading,
1) DAILY SUNSCREEN= most improtant -use broad spectrum SPF 50, even indoors -reapply every 2-3 hours if you’re outside
2) ACTIVE NIGHT CREAMS (rotate gently)
Alternate the following at night -Kojic acid + Arbutin gel= continue 2-3 nights /week -Niacinamide serum (5%)= reduces pigmentation and soothes skin -Azelaic acid 10-15%= anti inflammatory + brightening
Avoid hydroquinone, peels, or lasers so close to the wedding unless advised directly by dermatologist
Include hydrating fruit juices, triphala water in morning and turmeric milk at night if tolerated
You’re already seeing improvement which is great sign. with consistent care and by combining ayurvedic treatment, sunprotection, your pigmentation will likely fade significantly- if not entirely- before your wedding.
You don’t need anything aggressive right now. keep it gentle, natural and consistent
DO FOLLOW
HOPE THIS MIGHT BE HELPFUL
THANK YOU
DR. MAITRI ACHARYA
hello Tushar,
Your skin concern appears to be post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) – a type of dark mark that occurs after skin injury, in your case, due to rubbing the forehead harshly after applying kumkum. Since the skin was irritated and inflamed at that time, it left behind pigmentation. You’ve already done well by using Kojivit and Shatadhauta Ghrita, which have helped to fade a good portion of it. What remains is residual pigmentation, which can be improved further with consistent treatment, but you’ll need to ensure your skin isn’t irritated again.
These types of pigmentation are often linked with underlying Pitta aggravation in Ayurveda, which causes rakta dushti (impure blood) and delayed skin healing. Additionally, Ama (undigested toxins) may interfere with proper circulation and skin rejuvenation.
Treatment Plan: 1. Ama Pachaka (For 3 days):
Trikatu Churna – 2 pinches with warm water after food, twice daily Hingwashtak Churna – ½ tsp with buttermilk during lunch or dinner This will help improve digestion and burn toxins that interfere with skin repair.
2. Internal Medications (For 8 weeks):
Avipattikar Churna – 1 tsp with warm water at night (to reduce Pitta and detox) Manjistha Ghanvati – 1 tab twice daily after food (excellent blood purifier and pigment corrector) Arogyavardhini Vati – 1 tab twice daily after meals (helps liver and supports pigmentation correction)
Note: Take medicines after food unless otherwise mentioned.
3. External Application:
Night: Apply Shatadhauta Ghrita on the pigmented area in a thin layer every night.
Morning: Use a physical sunscreen SPF 50 every morning and reapply if you go out (very important). Weekly once: Face pack using Multani mitti + rose water + Yashtimadhu powder – apply for 10 minutes only.
Let the skin heal slowly and avoid rubbing or using harsh towels or unknown cosmetics.
Regards, Dr. Karthika
Don’t worry, Start taking, 1.Mahamanjishthadi kwath 20ml +20ml lukewarm water empty stomach twice in a day. 2.Gandhak rasayana 1-1-1 **Apply shatdhaut ghrita too. **Daily Massage that part with NALPAMARADI OIL. **Apply few drops of KUMKUMADI TAILAM over that part at bed time only. Follow up after 1 month…
Avoid excessive spicy, sour, salty food ,oily and fried etc…
Apply kumkumadi oil daily at night keep overnight. Morning apply paste of manjista powder+turmeric powder+ multani mitti mix with curds and apply keep for 10 minutes and wash.do this 3 times weekly.
Use Sunscreen 50+SPF during the day. Use umbrella to avoid direct exposure to Sunlight rays.
Simple Remedies
1. Prepare paste from turmeric and milk of Calotropis procera, apply on the affected area.
2. Apply the paste prepared from turmeric & sandal wood with rose water.
3. Apply the paste of Terminalia Arjuna.
4. Make a paste of nutmeg (Jaiphal) with raw milk. Apply on pimples and black heads leave on for 20 minutes
1) Arogyavardhini rasa-500mg +gandhaka rasayana-500mg +khadira Churna-2gm +nimbadi Churna-2g–After 1 hrs of food 3 times with Manjishthadi kvatha-20ml
2) Manjishtadi Taila or Kumku-madi Taila (external) 2 times
3) -Syrup- raktashodhaka-20ml -After food 2 times with Water
Diet and Lifestyle
Pathya: Nutritious food, relaxation techniques
Apathya: Stress, tension, anxiety, awakening at night, and exposure to sunlight
Hi Tushar This is Dr Vinayak as considering your problem… You Just apply Manjistadi taila…all over face gently massage have bath Pigmento cream once in day Just follow This no need to worry Thank you
The pigmentation from your skin injury can be slowly improved using some Ayurvedic approaches that help restore skin harmony and color. Understanding your skin’s natural tendency (or prakriti) is key in creating a balanced environment that supports skin healing. One effective approach is to pacify pitta dosha, as excessive heat in the skin can contribute to such discolorations.
First, consider your diet. Consume cooling, pitta-pacifying foods, such as cucumbers, melons, and salads. Minimize spicy, oily and fried foods, which can aggravate pitta and worsen the hyperpigmentation. Hydration also important. Drink plenty of water along with herbal teas like chamomile or mint to support internal skin health.
Externally, a simple paste of sandalwood powder and rose water can provide cooling, soothing effects. Apply this paste to the affected area two to three times a week and gentle massage it for few minutes before washing off with lukewarm water. Turmeric (known for its anti-inflammatory properties) mixed with a little honey, could be applied sparingly on the pigmented area, leave it for about 10-15 minutes then rinse off.
Avoid excessive sunlight exposure, as UV rays can exacerbate pigmentation. If exposure can’t be avoided, use an Ayurvedic sunscreen or natural protectors like aloe vera gel. Develop a gentle skincare regimen, avoiding harsh scrubs or exfoliants that can irritate the skin further.
Lastly, manage your stress levels. Practices such as yoga and meditation help balance doshas internally and promote overall wellbeing, fostering skin health indirectly. Follow these regularly to give your skin the time it need to naturally heal and restore its balance. Looking at the timeline before your wedding, ensure consistency in following these practices to gradually see the results.
To address the remaining hyperpigmentation, let’s approach this from the Siddha-Ayurvedic perspective, focusing on pacifying any Pitta imbalance that might be contributing to the skin’s reaction and healing process. Here are some specific steps you can follow:
First, consider a topical paste of turmeric and sandalwood. Mix equal parts turmeric powder and sandalwood powder with a few drops of rose water, and apply this paste to the affected area daily. Leave it on for about 20 minutes and then wash gently with lukewarm water. Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and sandalwood can be soothing.
Next, you can try aloe vera gel, which is cooling and can help in reducing pigmentation. Apply fresh aloe vera gel directly from the leaf or buy a pure gel—apply it on the hyperpigmented area before bedtime and let it absorb overnight.
Internally, you might benefit from drinking amla juice each morning on an empty stomach. Amla (Indian gooseberry) is rich in vitamin C and can help detoxify and improve your skin’s overall glow from within.
Maintain a balanced diet to support healthy skin renewal. Include foods that are cooling and pitta-pacifying like cucumbers, coconut water, and leafy greens. Avoid spicy, sour, and processed foods as they may aggravate pitta.
Lastly, be consistent with sun protection. Use a natural sunscreen to protect your forehead from further darkening which is critical during healing.
If there is no significant improvement closer to your wedding or if you experience any adverse reactions, consulting with an Ayurvedic practitioner for personalized advice would be advisable. Keep the focus on these remedies, and they should help support your skin’s recovery.
HELLO TUSHAR,
Congratulations on your upcoming wedding, Tushar
Since you’ve already seen improvement using Kojivit and Shata dhauta ghrita, youre on the right track.
GOAL= FADE STUBBORN PIGMENTATION, BRIGHTEN THE SKIN, AVOID ANY NEW DAMAGE
1) MORNING= (7-9 AM)= cleansing + protection cleanser= use a gentle herbal face wash like neem+chandan based
toner= rose water to cool and soothe
serus= apply a few drops of Kumkumadi Taila= massage gently till absorbed use only if not too oily skin
mosturizer= mix shatadhaauta ghrita with a pinch of lodhra powder and apply locally,
sunscreen= use broad spectrum spf 50 sunscreen, even indoors
EVENING(6-8 pm)= REPAIR+ NOURISH -cleanse with same herbal face wash -mix manjistha+yashtimadhu + Aloe Vera gel and apply as a 15 minutes pack -rinse off and apply Kumkumadi Taila again or kojivit alternate nights
WEEKLY AYURVEDIC TREATMENTS (3 TIMES/WEEK)
1) UBTAN FOR EXFOLIATION -1 tsp gram flour -1/2 tsp turmeric -1/2 tsp manjistha and sandalwood powder -rose water to make paste =apply let semi dry, and gently scrubbb off =avoid scrubbing hard before be gentle
2) FACE STEAM (once a week) -use neem leaves+tulsi+rose petals in hot water. steam for 5 mins to open pores
INTERNAL DETOX
-MANJISTHA CHURNA= 1/2 tsp with warm water or honey twice a day after meals
-TRIPHALA AT NIGHT= 1 tsp with lukewarm water cleanses gut and support clear skin
-Drink turmeric+amla juice every morning 10 ml each diluted
AVOID -harsh rubbing or chemical peels -excess sun exposure even 5-10 mins without sunscreen can worsen spots -spicy, oily fermented foods increase pitta, which worsen pigmentation -stress and late nights affects skin healing
EXPECTED RESULTS -With this routine, you should see -1-2 weeks= skin looks calmer, less inflammed -3-4 weeks= pigmentation visibly lighter in natural light/photos -6-8 weeks= 90% fading in most cases
THANK YOU
DR. HEMANSHU MEHTA

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