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How to get rid of black skin?
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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #12127
45 days ago
74

How to get rid of black skin? - #12127

Nikhil

I am dealing with something that’s been really bothering me. Over the last year or so, I've noticed these dark patches on my skin, especially on my elbows and knees. I first thought it was just dry skin or something like that, but it seems to be getting worse. My friend mentioned it could be a sign of something more serious, and now I’m super worried. I’ve tried scrubbing harder and using different lotions, but nothing seems to work. I want to know how to get rid of black skin spots — is there something specific I should be doing? I've even looked up remedies online, but I just get more confused. I've heard that exfoliation can help? Should I go for stronger products instead? Also, are there natural solutions that actually work, or is that just a myth? Some people say it could be related to my diet or hormone levels. Should I add any particular foods to my meals? My doctor didn’t seem too concerned, but I just can't shake off this feeling like I should be doing something more aggressive to treat these black skin areas. Any advice from you all would be greatly appreciated!

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Doctors’ responses

It sounds like you’re dealing with a condition known as hyperpigmentation, which can indeed make areas like elbows and knees appear darker. This can be due to various reasons including friction, sun exposure, or hormonal changes. It’s crucial to approach this with a gentle strategy rather than aggressive scrubbing, which could potentially worsen the situation by irritating the skin or even stimulating more melanin production, leading to darker discoloration. Exfoliating gently can help by removing dead skin cells, but mild products like a lactic acid-based lotion would be more appropriate. Over-the-counter creams containing ingredients like niacinamide, glycolic acid, or vitamin C can help lighten these areas over time by interfering with melanin production. Natural remedies like aloe vera, green tea extracts, or licorice root have mild skin-lightening effects, though they aren’t substitutes for proven treatments. Regarding diet, while no specific food is proven to directly affect hyperpigmentation, a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals supports overall skin health. You might want to increase your intake of foods high in vitamin C and E, like citrus fruits, nuts, and vegetables, as they help repair and protect your skin. Always apply sunscreen if the affected areas are exposed to the sun; this prevents darkening from UV rays. If you notice any other symptoms, such as unexpected fatigue or weight gain, it might be worth revisiting your healthcare provider, as these could be indicators of underlying conditions like hormonal imbalances or metabolic issues. If non-prescription measures don’t result in noticeable improvement, visiting a dermatologist might provide more targeted treatments like chemical peels, laser therapy, or prescription creams that could be more effective. Remember, it’s key to tailor the approach to your own skin type and sensitivities, so being gentle yet consistent with whatever regimen you choose is essential.

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