Quick Take
According to an Instagram post, a herbal recipe can effectively manage skin ageing pigmentation. After fact-checking the claim, we found that it is completely false.
The Claim
A well-liked Instagram post promotes a homemade recipe made with papaya leaves, besan, honey, and lemon juice, specifically targeting skin pigmentation associated with ageing. Those with skin pigmentation issues often use natural remedies, but claiming they can make a 50-year-old look 25 is misleading.
Given that human skin undergoes structural changes as we age, promoting such notions would only instil false hope in high-risk individuals. This fact check intends to clarify the role of the herbal recipe in the management of skin ageing pigmentation.
Fact Check
What is meant by skin ageing pigmentation?
Skin ageing pigmentation is the term used to describe the uneven darkening of skin brought on by ageing, which usually shows up on the hands, face, and neck. The most common signs of pigmentation include uneven skin tone, lentigines, and age spots.
The condition usually stems from a complicated interaction between the two:
- Inherent elements of hormone imbalances and hereditary susceptibility
- External factors, including increased oxidative stress, pollution, and prolonged UV radiation exposure
Prolonged UV exposure accelerates melanogenesis by enhancing melanocyte activity, damaging DNA, and contributing to localised melanin accumulation. Age-related collagen and elastin deterioration further modifies the structure of the skin, increasing the visibility of pigmentation.
It is critical to acknowledge that age-related pigmentation affects the skin at the cellular level and goes beyond appearance and self-esteem. Therefore, it is crucial to address the issue of skin ageing pigmentation with clinically proven depigmenting therapies to restore skin health by preventing premature ageing.
Is skin ageing pigmentation limited to females?
No, the issue of skin pigmentation affects both males and females; however, its manifestation and severity may vary. This may be explained by the higher collagen density and sebum production in males.
Age-related pigmentation is a complex disorder with non-gender-specific causes. Women are usually more predisposed to skin-related pigmentation of melasma because of hormonal changes, especially during pregnancy or menopause, whereas men develop pigmentation via prolonged UV exposure and less adherence to photoprotective measures.
Despite these notable variations, photoaging and oxidative stress in both males and females are fundamentally reflected in skin ageing pigmentation. Therefore, preserving even-toned, healthy skin in both requires prompt prevention with antioxidant-rich skin care.
Are papaya leaves with besan, honey and lemon juice effective for skin ageing pigmentation?
No, absolutely not. While the combination of papaya leaves, besan, honey, and lemon juice is touted as a highly effective natural remedy for skin ageing pigmentation, it lacks scientific validation. Because the blend is under consideration for age-related skin pigmentation, its efficacy should be carefully evaluated.
We begin with papaya leaves, which are increasingly utilised because they contain antioxidants and enzymes like papain that may help exfoliate dead skin cells and reduce oxidative stress.
Next, we discuss besan, or gram flour. This component is frequently used in face packs because of its cleansing and mildly exfoliating effects.
This is followed by honey – a naturally occurring humectant that is widely used for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Finally, we explore the potential of lemon juice. Packed with vitamin C, the ingredient has been reported to exhibit a skin-lightening impact.
Even though the aforementioned formulation can be used to enhance overall skin health, there is no clinical evidence to support its effect on skin ageing pigmentation. Furthermore, because lemon juice is acidic, applying it directly to the skin, particularly on the face, may aggravate or even exacerbate the condition.
Therefore, these herbal remedies should only be taken as a supplement or to slightly improve the texture of the skin; they should not be used instead of dermatologist-approved therapies for pigmentation.
Why do people with skin ageing pigmentation turn to unverified online remedies? Is it wise to rely on such approaches?
People combating skin ageing pigmentation usually start experimenting with unverified web-based alternatives mainly due to easy accessibility, social media influencers, and a desire their desire for a quick fix to avoid the doctor. This could be attributed to the impact of ageing-induced skin pigmentation on self-esteem and the packaging of such remedies as safe, natural and chemical-free. As a result, of this misinformation on social media may contribute to the widespread use of formulations that usually lack scientific evidence and safety assessment. Additionally the excessive or improper application of certain household ingredients like toothpaste, lemon juice, baking soda, or even undiluted essential oils can irritate or even damage the protective layer of the skin, thereby worsening pigmentation than improving it.
Dr. Ekansh Shekhar, Dermatologist, Cosmetologist, Trichologist, and Aesthetic Medicine Consultant in Lucknow, adds more credence to this by explaining that recurrent sun exposure, hormonal fluctuations, or skin inflammation associated with acne are common causes of persistent facial pigmentation. Dark spots or patches may result from the skin producing more melanin in response to injury or irritation. Common examples include post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and melasma. It’s also critical to keep in mind that inadequate sun protection may worsen pigmentation. Knowing why it happens enables us to figure out the best course of action and prevent it from recurring.
Relying on such unverified remedies is not recommended, as they overlook the underlying causes of oxidative stress and photoageing- triggers for pigmentation. It would be wise to utilise dermatologist-guided interventions for managing pigmentation effectively. Therefore, online remedies should always be viewed critically, prioritising a doctor’s guidance for skin care over trends.
How do dermatologists manage skin ageing pigmentation?
Based on skin type, sensitivity, and the severity of pigmentation, dermatologists typically address the condition on both superficial and cellular levels.
The management process usually begins with a stringent photoprotection. The mandatory regimen usually includes the use of broad-spectrum sunscreens to combat the excessive UV exposure- the primary trigger for pigmentation.
The prescribed topical agents, such as hydroquinone, retinoids, azelaic acid, kojic acid, and niacinamide may help with the inhibition of melanin synthesis and may even encourage skin renewal. Pigmented lesions may be dealt with chemical peels and procedures like laser therapy or intense pulsed light (IPL).
Antioxidant-rich formulations packed with Vitamin C or ferulic acid may also be utilised to reduce oxidative stress and enhance treatment outcomes.
Dr Rashi Soni, Co-founder and Consulting Dermatologist at Rashi Hospital, Mumbai. She says, “When it comes to stubborn pigmentation, we usually take a layered approach. The first and most important step is daily sun protection, because UV rays make pigmentation worse. Then we use creams that contain active ingredients like vitamin C, retinoids or niacinamide, which help lighten dark spots over time. In some cases, we recommend chemical peels or laser treatments to target deeper pigmentation. It’s not a one-size-fits-all process, and it does take patience, but with the right plan, we can achieve noticeable and lasting results.”
The multifaceted, established approach may help delay photoaging of the skin by enhancing general skin texture and reducing apparent pigmentation.
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