Subsequently, the patient had been receiving a MVI tablet daily containing Vitamin B12 (1 mg) and showed improvement in his presentation [Figure 4]. Usually, hyperpigmentation resolves within 3 months of initiation of treatment, in about 87% of such patients.
Hyper pigmentation of the extremities especially over the dorsum of the hands and feet, with accentuation over the inter-phalangeal joints and terminal phalanges associated with pigmentation of oral mucosa is characteristic of vitamin B12 deficiency.
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is used as a treatment modality in depigmentation of hyperpigmented spots on the skin and gingiva.
Several vitamins have long been recognized as being useful for treating hyperpigmentation in daily life and are present in many cosmetics. These include vitamin E, also called tocopherol, and vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid. These two vitamins are powerful antioxidant molecules.
8. Brightens skin. Vitamin B12 (cobalamin): B12 encourages cells to reproduce, evening skin tone, and brightening dull and dark spots. It also helps reduce inflammation, acne and can treat skin conditions like eczema.
What it does: B12 is necessary for cell reproduction and can be applied topically for skin benefits because it reduces inflammation, dryness, and acne. It is sometimes used to treat conditions like psoriasis and eczema.
It is suggested that deficiency of vitamin B12 causes decrease in intracellular reduction potential that leads to oxidation of the reduced glutathione and decrease in GSH/GSSG ratio. The epidermal melanocytes are then stimulated to produce melanin as the tyrosinase inhibiting effect of GSH has been diminished.
Dermatologists consider products with hydroquinone, alone or combined with other lighteners, to be the gold standard for fading dark spots because it slows the production of pigment. These are available by prescription, per the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Aloe vera contains aloin, a natural depigmenting compound that has been shown to lighten skin and work effectively as a nontoxic hyperpigmentation treatment, according to a 2012 study. To use: Apply pure aloe vera gel to pigmented areas before bedtime. Rinse using warm water the next morning.
For post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), without any treatment at all it can take anywhere from three months to two years for the discoloration to fade, depending on how dark the patches are, and even then it may not disappear completely.
Chemical peels, laser therapy, microdermabrasion, or dermabrasion are all options that work similarly to rid skin of hyperpigmentation. These procedures work to gently remove the top layer of your skin where the dark spots lie.
While melasma most often develops after prolonged sun exposure or during pregnancy due to fluctuating hormone levels, it may also be a sign of malnutrition or liver disease. Studies have linked melasma to people with poor liver function, vitamin B12 deficiency and iron deficiency anemia.
exfoliate. This is the first step to speed up cell turnover and remove the damaged, overly pigmented and dead skin cells. Using a gentle yet effective chemical exfoliator like with Quick Refiner every night will also help your skin to absorb the key ingredients of the brightening products much better.
Cutaneous manifestations associated with vitamin B12 deficiency are skin hyperpigmentation, vitiligo, angular stomatitis, and hair changes.
Melasma treatment
Whereas some types of hyperpigmentation can be treated with topical creams, melasma is not treated so easily due to the hormones that contribute to its cause in the first place.
The key takeaway on hyperpigmentation
Sun damage is the number one cause of patches of hyperpigmentation, and you can do a lot to prevent sun damage by applying SPF and staying out of direct sunlight. To treat darker skin pigmentation, using products that contain ingredients such as retinol or Niacinamide can help.
It may take a few weeks before your vitamin B12 levels and symptoms (such as extreme tiredness or lack of energy) start to improve. If you have hydroxocobalamin injections to boost your vitamin B12 levels at the start of treatment, the cyanocobalamin tablets may start to work within a few days.
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin): B12 boosts the radiance of dull and mature skin. This B vitamin also helps to diminish the look of dark spots and uneven skin tone.
Bananas also contain fibre and potassium. It helps manage blood pressure, reduce stress, and relieve constipation and ulcer problems. The fruit also helps regulate body temperature. Another fruit that is rich in vitamin B12 is blueberries.
And given B12 is required for the production of red blood cells, a deficiency in Vitamin B12 can lead to a deficiency in Iron. This is why the onset of anemia is often the result of a B12 deficiency rather than an Iron deficiency on its own.