Dermatologists believe there is a diet for hyperpigmentation that helps brighten dark spots, as what we eat affects the melanin amount in our body. This article introduces foods that cause skin darkening and foods that help reduce dark spots. Let’s get familiar with all of these skin brightening fruits and vegetables.
How Does Diet Affect Your Skin Health?
You probably know that more melanin makes darker pigmentation, and less melanin makes lighter pigmentation. When we eat, a big part of the nutrients goes to our skin, obviously. Therefore, eating melanin-rich foods could potentially reduce the light pigments on your skin, and eating foods that minimize melanin levels will help treat dark spots.
Can Diet Change Improve Every Hyperpigmentation Condition?
Although starting a healthy diet can significantly change your skin health, not every hyperpigmentation condition is improved by diet. Because the root cause of many conditions goes back to genetic factors or injuries that a hyperpigmentation diet cannot do much about.
What Is the Best Diet for Treating Hyperpigmentation?
The best remedy for dark spots includes foods rich in fatty acids, vitamins A and C, zinc, calcium, magnesium, manganese, etc. These foods include:
Avocados
Avocados are the ideal source of fats that help your body absorb vitamin A, leading to cellular growth. They are full of antioxidants that help prevent premature aging. Avocados are also full of vitamins E and C that improve collagen production.
Fatty Fish
Fatty fish like salmon and herring contain omega 3, which is proven to reduce inflammation and skin sensitivity.
Sweet Potato, Carrots, Pumpkin
These orange vegetables are full of beta-carotene or provitamin A. When you eat them, beta-carotene converts to vitamin A, a natural sunblock that protects your skin from free radicals and UV rays.
Pomegranate
Pomegranates are very rich in polyphenols, which protect your skin against sun damage. They are also full of antioxidants that help relieve your skin’s stress.
Seeds and Nuts
Seeds and nuts are another source of omega-3 fats. They are also a great source of selenium, zinc, and vitamin E.
Citrus fruits
Grapes, oranges, and lemons are famous for being an excellent source of vitamin C, which promotes younger skin. Red grapes also have resveratrol, which has anti-aging benefits.
Dark Green Vegetables
Dark green vegetables like kale and broccoli are high in vitamin C and carotenoids, which become vitamin A in your body. Carotenoids also protect your skin against UV radiation.
What Are the Foods That Cause Skin Darkening?
If you are looking for a diet for pigmentation on the face, you should also know what foods to avoid. Here is a list of foods that might worsen your skin condition:
Dairy
Dairy products are pro-inflammatory in nature and poorly digested in your stomach. These two factors might seriously affect your skin condition.
Sugar and Salt
Sugar is a top inflammatory ingredient that can ruin your skin. Salty treats are not any better; the sodium in salt dehydrates your skin and makes it a perfect ground for bacteria growth.
Soy and Spicy Food
Soy causes hormonal imbalance, which can leave a negative impact on your body. Spicy food also causes inflammation and worsens your skin conditions.
Coffee and Caffeinated drinks
Coffee and Caffeinated drinks spike cortisol, the stress hormone, and alter estrogen levels. An imbalance in these hormones seriously affects your skin, and might trigger skin conditions.
Last Note
In this article, we talked about the foods that cause skin darkening and those that help reduce the dark spots. However, as we mentioned, not all types of hyperpigmentation can be treated with a diet. So, we recommend you contact TatoyanMD Medspa for a free consultation about your skin conditions to get the ideal result.
Yes, there are foods that cause skin darkening, and foods that brighten your skin. This article discusses these foods and how to get clear skin with your diet.
