What causes darkened skin on face?
What causes darkened skin on face?
Hyperpigmentation is a medical term used to describe darker patches of skin. These patches result from excess melanin production, which can be caused by everything from acne scars and sun damage to hormone fluctuations. If you’re dealing with hyperpigmentation, know that you aren’t alone.
How do I get rid of dark discoloration on my face?
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends the following treatments for dark spots in skin of color:
- 2% hydroquinone.
- azelaic acid.
- glycolic acid.
- kojic acid.
- retinoids, such as retinol, tretinoin, adapalene gel, or tazarotene.
- vitamin C.
Why did my skin suddenly get darker?
If your body makes too much melanin, your skin gets darker. Pregnancy, Addison’s disease, and sun exposure all can make your skin darker. If your body makes too little melanin, your skin gets lighter. Vitiligo is a condition that causes patches of light skin.
Can vitamin D deficiency cause skin darkening?
Although vitamin D is essential for skin health, its primary role is the promotion of melanin formation, which may cause more skin darkening.
Why does melasma happen?
What causes melasma? Sun exposure: Ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun stimulates the melanocytes. A change in hormones: Pregnant women often get melasma. Skin care products: If a product irritates your skin, melasma can worsen.
Will hyperpigmentation go away on its own?
Keep in mind that hyperpigmentation does not always fade. Even with treatment, some hyperpigmentation will be permanent. Without any treatment at all, it can take 3 to 24 months to see improvement. It really depends on the severity of darkened skin and how much the hyperpigmentation covers.
How do I get rid of melasma on my face?
Doctors often use hydroquinone as the first line of treatment for melasma. Hydroquinone is available as a lotion, cream, or gel. A person can apply the hydroquinone product directly to the patches of skin that are discolored. Hydroquinone is available over the counter, but a doctor can also prescribe stronger creams.
Why did I get darker as I get older?
As we age, melanin-synthesizing cells known as melanocytes become victim to excess sun exposure, inflammation, free radicals, and hormonal changes. As we age, this process becomes dysregulated, causing the skin’s outward appearance to develop unsightly dark spots and uneven areas of hyperpigmentation.
What hormone causes darkening of the skin?
Adrenocorticotropic hormone can be broken down to produce melanocyte-stimulating hormone, leading to hyperpigmentation of the skin. Melanocyte-stimulating hormone levels are also raised during pregnancy and in women using birth control pills, which can cause hyperpigmentation of the skin.
How much vitamin D should I take brown skin?
People with darker skin can benefit from consuming 1,000–2,000 IU (25–50 mcg) of vitamin D daily, especially during winter months ( 32 ).
