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my face is several shades darker
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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #14905
45 days ago
69

my face is several shades darker - #14905

Kimaya

I am really concerned because my face is several shades darker than the rest of my skin. I've noticed it over the past month or so, and it's super frustrating! I mean, I'm trying to figure out if it's sun damage or something else. I went to the beach a couple of weeks back and didn’t apply sunscreen like I usually do, which I think might’ve made it worse. But now it’s like, why is my face is several shades darker? I've tried using some brightening creams, and honestly, it feels like they’re not doing anything. Plus, I noticed that along with the darker skin, I’ve got these weird patches near my cheeks that bother me. The other night, I looked in the mirror, and I had a mini freak out. What could it be? Is it something serious that I should see a dermatologist for? Or will this go away on its own? I really don’t know, but I’d appreciate any advice from you guys about why my face is several shades darker and if there are any remedies to help even it out again. Thanks!

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Doctors’ responses

Seeing your face become noticeably darker than the rest of your body can indeed be concerning, especially if it happened rather suddenly. The fact that you were at the beach recently and didn’t apply sunscreen suggests that sun exposure could have played a significant role. Ultraviolet rays have a habit of causing uneven skin pigmentation, leading to conditions such as melasma or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Sometimes, even if you don’t realize it, increased sun exposure can affect the pigmentation process in the skin layers more than you expect.

The odd patches on your cheeks also hint at the possibility of melasma, which is a common skin problem resulting in brown to gray-brown patches, often in sun-exposed areas. Brightening creams might take a while to show any effect, and they’re not always effective, especially if they’re over-the-counter and not tailored to your specific skin condition. It’s definitely a good idea to see a dermatologist; they can offer a proper diagnosis and tailor more effective treatments, which might include prescribed topical medications like hydroquinone or even procedures like chemical peels or laser therapy if necessary.

In the meantime, make sure to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day, even when it seems overcast, as UV rays can penetrate clouds. It would also be beneficial to avoid prolonged sun exposure and consider wearing a wide-brimmed hat if you plan to spend more time outside. Consistent sun protection can prevent further pigmentation changes and may help in the gradual fading of the darker skin areas over time. If any other symptoms arise or the patches begin to change in shape or texture, it would be urgent to seek immediate consultation, as those could be red flags that require more prompt medical attention.

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