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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #12122
45 days ago
80

Darkness in face - #12122

Aditi

I am super confused about this weird thing happening with my skin. For the past few months, I’ve noticed some sort of darkness in face, like darker patches on my cheeks, and I’m not talking about tanning or anything. At first I thought it was just some breakouts or that I wasn't cleaning my face well enough, but it’s way deeper than that. The darkness in face isn’t even consistent – some days it’s more pronounced than others, especially after I'm out in the sun, which is strange because I always wear sunscreen. I tried changing my skincare routine, but it doesn’t seem to help. I saw a dermatologist who said I might have some form of melasma or hyperpigmentation, but it’s frustrating because I don’t know what’s causing it. I’m worried something more serious could be going on. Has anyone else experienced this darkness in face? I feel like I need more than just topical treatments. Has anyone tried different options or know what could really be causing this darkness in face? Any advice would be appreciated!

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Doctors’ responses

Dark patches on the face, especially the kind you’re describing, can indeed be related to melasma or hyperpigmentation. These conditions are more common among people with darker skin tones and are often influenced by hormonal changes, genetics, and sun exposure, even if you’re diligent with sunscreen. It’s possible that hormonal fluctuations, such as those from birth control, pregnancy, or even stress, could be contributing factors. Topical treatments like hydroquinone, retinoids, and corticosteroids are standard recommendations and can help. You mentioned that the dermatologist suggested melasma, so it’s good to explore treatments that manage that specifically, like tranexamic acid or kojic acid, which might also help fade the dark areas over time. However, since you’ve noticed changes with sun exposure despite using sunscreen, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least an SPF 30, and reapply it every two hours if you’re outdoors, to shield against UVA, which contributes to pigmentation. A physical block like a wide-brimmed hat or umbrella can offer extra protection. Avoid irritants like scented products, as they can worsen hyperpigmentation. If there’s no improvement, laser therapy or chemical peels might be explored, though they should be administered cautiously due to the risk of worsening pigmentation. Occasionally, certain internal factors such as thyroid or nutritional deficiencies can also bank on such skin changes, so a re-evaluation by a healthcare professional, possibly including blood tests, might uncover any underlying systemic causes. If you’re concerned about something more serious, monitor for any additional symptoms like unexpected weight changes or fatigue, as these can hint at systemic conditions that warrant further investigation.

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