Diet for Hyperpigmentation: The Complete Guide

Hyperpigmentation is an atypical complaint of dermatology patients. It is often regarded as not attractive and can produce significant psychosocial distress. There are two main types of melanin, namely the pheomelanin (yellow-red colour) as well as eumelanin (black-brown color). The form and amount of melanin pigments determines the color of the skin. Both kinds of melanin are produced by melanocytes. Each melanocyte is enclosed by roughly 40 Keratinocytes. Melanin is produced and stored inside melanocytes within specialized organelles known as melanosomes. The melanosomes then get transported to overlaying keratinocytes which allow for the spread of pigmentation. As might be expected, an increase in melanin-colored pigmentation treatment on the skin is frequently caused by chronic exposure to sun. However, it's also well known to occur in many different conditions of the system, including Addison's disease (adrenal gland insufficiency) and Wilson's disease (excess copper) and hormonally-mediated conditions (e.g. pregnancy), hemochromatosis (excess iron) as well as thyroid diseases, diabetes, and malnutrition, and exposure to certain drugs. The presence of causes that are systemic of skin hyperpigmentation suggests that some forms of hyperpigmentation can be improved by treatment for systemic issues. 

Glutathione The most commonly used systemic lightening agent for skin are glutathione (Malathi). It is a tri-peptide antioxidant that is synthesized by animal, plant, fungi and certain bacteria derived from the amino acids glutamateand cysteine and Glycine. Fruits and vegetables have moderate to high amounts of glutathione. Freshly prepared meats are relatively rich in glutathione as well (Jones). Glutathione may work by a variety of mechanisms to block melanin synthesis. These include interrupting the activity of tyrosinase, by binding to and chelating copper and also reducing the free radicals and peroxides which contribute to tyrosinase activation (Villarama). In a single, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 60 subjects, orally taken glutathione, 500mg per day for 4 weeks decreased melanin production and led to the improvement in the skin's complexion measured on the face and forearm (Arjinpathana). Oral glutathione falls under the "generally regarded as harmless" group of Food and Drug Administration and is usually marketed as a food or dietary supplement. However, long-term safety requires thorough clinical studies. Amino Acids Cysteine Cysteine is an amino acid that is semi-essential, that means it is biosynthesized in humans. As we've mentioned, it is a precursor to glutathione. 

Cysteine is found in most high-protein food items, such as poultry and yogurt, egg yolks, eggs and red peppers. It is also found in garlic onion, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, oatmeal along with wheat germ. A high concentration of the L-enantiomer of cysteine have been shown to inhibit tyrosinase function in melanocytes that have been cultured (Smit). However, cysteine deprivation has been discovered to increase eumelanogenesis in human melanomas (Del Marmol). Tranexamic acid Tranexamic Acid is a synthetic derivative of the amino acid Lysine. It is commonly used in medicine to prevent bleeding by inhibiting the activation of plasminogen into the plasmin. Plasmin breaks down fibrin, which is a protein that creates the framework of blood clots. Plasmin is a member of the World Health Organization lists tranexamic acid as an essential medicine. 

The treatment of melasma using oral tranexamic acid is described as an effective and safe treatment. One study showed that the dose of 250 mg twice daily for 6 months was found to offer 65% of patients with excellent or very good improvement pigmentation treatment at home. The effects on the skin of tranexamic acid is believed to be triggered by its antiplasmin action that reduces the keratinocyte pool of arachidonic acid involved in ultraviolet melanogenesis that is caused by ultraviolet (Malathi). The application of tranexamic acid in lightening dark spots on skin could lead to the development of thrombosis.