Dark spots, facial hyperpigmentation, scars, and proper face washing routine

Question #18272

162 days ago

284

Dark spots, facial hyperpigmentation, scars, and proper face washing routine - #18272

Souhaib

Hello Doctor, I am seeking advice regarding a skin problem affecting my face. I have been experiencing darkening of the facial skin, including dark spots, uneven skin tone, and marks left from pimples or minor wounds. Some areas of my face appear dull and darker than others, and I am not sure if this is due to sun exposure, improper skin care, or other causes. I would like professional advice on how to improve my facial skin condition safely. I am especially interested in understanding the correct way to wash my face, how often it should be washed, and which habits might be worsening the dark spots and scars. My questions are: 1. What are the common causes of facial dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and acne scars? 2. What is the proper daily face-washing routine to improve skin tone? 3. Are there safe treatments or natural remedies that can help reduce dark spots and scars? 4. What lifestyle changes, nutrition, or skincare habits can help restore healthy and clear facial skin? 5. Are there any products or ingredients I should avoid to prevent further skin damage? Thank you for your guidance and advice.

Skin care

Dermatology

Face washing

Uneven skin tone

Facial dark spots

Hyperpigmentation

Acne scars

300 INR (~3.53 USD)

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Doctors' responses

Dr. Bharat Joshi

I’m a periodontist and academician with a strong clinical and teaching background. Over the last 4 years and 8 months, I’ve been actively involved in dental education, guiding students at multiple levels including dental hygienist, BDS, and MDS programs. Currently, I serve as a Reader at MMCDSR in Ambala, Haryana—a role that allows me to merge my academic passion with hands-on experience. Clinically, I’ve been practicing dentistry for the past 12 years. From routine procedures like scaling and root planing to more advanced cases involving grafts, biopsies, and implant surgeries. Honestly, I still find joy in doing a simple RCT when it’s needed. It’s not just about the procedure but making sure the patient feels comfortable and safe. Academically, I have 26 research publications to my credit. I’m on the editorial boards of the Archives of Dental Research and Journal of Dental Research and Oral Health, and I’ve spent a lot of time reviewing manuscripts—from case reports to meta-analyses and even book reviews. I was honored to receive the “Best Editor” award by Innovative Publications, and Athena Publications recognized me as an “excellent reviewer,” which honestly came as a bit of a surprise! In 2025, I had the opportunity to present a guest lecture in Italy on traumatic oral lesions. Sharing my work and learning from peers globally has been incredibly fulfilling. Outside academics and clinics, I’ve also worked in the pharmaceutical sector as a Drug Safety Associate for about 3 years, focusing on pharmacovigilance. That role really sharpened my attention to detail and deepened my understanding of drug interactions and adverse effects. My goal is to keep learning, and give every patient and student my absolute best.

162 days ago

Hello dear
See as per clinical history it seems facial pigmentation with presence of acne
See usually they are prominent due to either advent of puberty or due to hormonal alterations
Yes there are some products which can bring improvement
Iam suggesting some medication and precautions please follow them for atleast a month
. Topical Treatments -Benzoyl Peroxide (2.5–5%)	twice a day  for week
Salicylic Acid, Adapalene 0.1% can also be given as additive medications.
2.Clindamycin 1%	Clindac A	,Tretinoin	( if already not taken).
3.Azelaic Acid	10 percent for two weeks.
4. Oral Medications -tablet Doxycycline 1 month twice a day  for max 5 days
Niacinamide serum –antiinflammatory in nature twice daily for 1 week
Aquaphor moisturizer twice a day for 1 month
Besides that
In addition use aloevera - tulsi solution to apply topically for 1 month
In addition you can take go for non invasive procedures
Lasers
Photo dynamic therapy
Electrcautery
Botulinum toxin
In case of no improvement consult dermatologist in person for better clarity
Regards

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Dr. Shayeque Reza

I completed my medical degree in 2023, but honestly, my journey in healthcare started way before that. Since 2018, I’ve been actively involved in clinical practice—getting hands-on exposure across multiple departments like ENT, pediatrics, dermatology, ophthalmology, medicine, and emergency care. One of the most intense and defining phases of my training was working at a District Government Hospital for a full year during the COVID pandemic. It was chaotic, unpredictable, and exhausting—but it also grounded me in real-world medicine like no textbook ever could. Over time, I’ve worked in both OPD and IPD setups, handling everything from mild viral fevers to more stubborn, long-term conditions. These day-to-day experiences really built my base and taught me how to stay calm when things get hectic—and how to adjust fast when plans don’t go as expected. What I’ve learned most is that care isn't only about writing the right medicine. It’s about being fully there, listening properly, and making sure the person feels seen—not just treated. Alongside clinical work, I’ve also been exposed to preventive health, health education, and community outreach. These areas really matter to me because I believe real impact begins outside the hospital, with awareness and early intervention. My approach is always centered around clarity, empathy, and clinical logic—I like to make sure every patient knows exactly what’s going on and why we’re doing what we’re doing. I’ve always felt a pull towards general medicine and internal care, and honestly, I’m still learning every single day—each patient brings a new lesson. Medicine never really sits still, it keeps shifting, and I try to shift with it. Not just in terms of what I know, but also in how I listen and respond. For me, it’s always been about giving real care. Genuine, respectful, and the kind that actually helps a person heal—inside and out.

162 days ago

Your condition is common and treatable
Consistency + sunscreen = key
Avoid shortcuts and harsh remedies

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Dr. Aarav Deshmukh

I am a general physician with 8 years of practice, mostly in urban clinics and semi-rural setups. I began working right after MBBS in a govt hospital in Kerala, and wow — first few months were chaotic, not gonna lie. Since then, I’ve seen 1000s of patients with all kinds of cases — fevers, uncontrolled diabetes, asthma, infections, you name it. I usually work with working-class patients, and that changed how I treat — people don’t always have time or money for fancy tests, so I focus on smart clinical diagnosis and practical treatment. Over time, I’ve developed an interest in preventive care — like helping young adults with early metabolic issues. I also counsel a lot on diet, sleep, and stress — more than half the problems start there anyway. I did a certification in evidence-based practice last year, and I keep learning stuff online. I’m not perfect (nobody is), but I care. I show up, I listen, I adjust when I’m wrong. Every patient needs something slightly different. That’s what keeps this work alive for me.

160 days ago

Dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and acne scars can be attributed to several factors. Common causes include sun exposure, hormonal changes, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne or injuries, and genetic predisposition. Ensuring the skin is protected from UV rays is crucial, so wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily is highly recommended. Your face washing routine should be gentle and not overdone. Ideally, washing your face twice a day—after waking up and before going to bed is sufficient. Use a mild cleanser that suits your skin type and avoid products with harsh chemicals or fragrances that might irritate the skin. When you wash, use lukewarm water and be gentle; aggressive scrubbing can exacerbate irritation or inflammation. For reducing dark spots and scars, consider treatments such as topical retinoids, vitamin C serums, or products containing niacinamide or azelaic acid. These ingredients can help even skin tone and reduce pigmentation over time. However, introducing new skincare products should be done slowly to monitor for any adverse reactions.
Natural remedies like aloe vera or green tea may offer some benefit due to their soothing and antioxidant properties, though they won’t work overnight. When it comes to lifestyle changes, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and antioxidants supports skin health. Ensure proper hydration and adequate sleep, which affects overall skin appearance. Avoid smoking too, as it accelerates skin aging. Stay away from skin products with alcohol, strong perfumes, or those labeled “sells miracle results” since they often worsen skin conditions. Products like lemon juice or baking soda, commonly touted as natural remedies, can actually irritate and damage skin further. When in doubt, consult a dermatologist especially if you experience severe or persistent skin issues. Remember that consistent, gentle care typically yields better results than aggressive treatments.

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Dr. Arsha K Isac

I am a general dentist with 3+ years of working in real-world setups, and lemme say—every single patient teaches me something diff. It’s not just teeth honestly, it’s people… and how they feel walking into the chair. I try really hard to not make it just a “procedure thing.” I explain stuff in plain words—no confusing dental jargon, just straight talk—coz I feel like when ppl *get* what's going on, they feel safer n that makes all the difference. Worked with all ages—like, little kids who need that gentle nudge about brushing, to older folks who come in with long histories and sometimes just need someone to really sit n listen. It’s weirdly rewarding to see someone walk out lighter, not just 'coz their toothache's gone but coz they felt seen during the whole thing. A lot of ppl come in scared or just unsure, and I honestly take that seriously. I keep the vibe calm. Try to read their mood, don’t rush. I always tell myself—every smile’s got a story, even the broken ones. My thing is: comfort first, then precision. I want the outcome to last, not just look good for a week. Not tryna claim perfection or magic solutions—just consistent, clear, hands-on care where patients feel heard. I think dentistry should *fit* the person, not push them into a box. That's kinda been my philosophy from day one. And yeah, maybe sometimes I overexplain or spend a bit too long checking alignment again but hey, if it means someone eats pain-free or finally smiles wide in pics again? Worth it. Every time.

162 days ago

Hello dear,
Answers to your questions:
1. Sun exposurewithout sunscreen
Picking or squeezing acne
Hormonal factors
2/3:
Use gentle cleanser- cetaphil/simple facewash
You can use - minimalist anti pigmentation kit
USE SUNSCREEN MANDATORY
4. 	
Daily use of sunscreen SPF 30+
Drink enough water
Eat fruits and vegetables (Vitamin C & E)
Get 7–8 hours of sleep
Reduce stress
Avoid touching or picking the face
5.
Fairness or bleaching creams
Steroid creams without prescription
Alcohol-based toners
Frequent harsh scrubs or peels
Lemon/toothpaste/baking soda on face
I trust this helps
Thank you

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Dr. Prasannajeet Singh Shekhawat

I am a 2023 batch passout and working as a general physician right now, based in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan. Still kinda new in the bigger picture maybe, but honestly—every single day in this line teaches you more than textbooks ever could. I’ve had the chance to work under some pretty respected doctors during and after my graduation, not just for the clinical part but also to see how they handle people, real people, in pain, in panic, and sometimes just confused about their own health. General medicine covers a lot, right? Like from the smallest complaints to those random, vague symptoms that no one really understands at first—those are kinda my zone now. I don’t really rush to label things, I try to spend time actually listening. Feels weird to say it but ya, I do take that part seriously. Some patients just need someone to hear the whole story instead of jumping to prescription pads after 30 seconds. Right now, my practice includes everything from managing common infections, blood pressure issues, sugar problems to more layered cases where symptoms overlap and you gotta just... piece things together. It's not glamorous all the time, but it's real. I’ve handled a bunch of seasonal disease waves too, like dengue surges and viral fevers that hit rural belts hard—Hanumangarh doesn’t get much spotlight but there’s plenty happening out here. Also, I do rely on basics—thorough history, solid clinical exam and yeah when needed, investigations. But not over-prescribing things just cz they’re there. One thing I picked up from the senior consultants I worked with—they used to say “don’t chase labs, chase the patient’s story”... stuck with me till now. Anyway, still learning every single day tbh. But I like that. Keeps me grounded and kind of obsessed with trying to get better.

162 days ago

Hello Souhaib
1. Common Causes
- Sun Exposure: UV rays can lead to dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
- Hormonal Changes: Conditions like pregnancy or hormonal medications can cause pigmentation changes.
- Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation:This occurs after acne or skin injuries.
- Genetics: Family history can play a role in skin pigmentation.
2. Daily Face-Washing Routine
- Morning:
- Use a gentle cleanser suitable for your skin type (gel for oily, cream for dry).
- Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry with a clean towel.
- Evening:
- Cleanse again to remove dirt and makeup.
- Follow with a toner (optional) and a moisturizer.
3. Safe Treatments and Natural Remedies
- Vitamin C Serum: Helps brighten skin and reduce dark spots.
- Aloe Vera Gel: Known for its soothing and healing properties.
- Lemon Juice: Can lighten spots but use cautiously; always dilute and apply sunscreen afterward.
- Niacinamide: A great ingredient for reducing pigmentation and improving skin tone.
4. Lifestyle Changes and Nutrition
- Hydration:Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated.
- Balanced Diet:Include fruits, vegetables, and foods rich in antioxidants (like berries and nuts).
- Sun Protection: Use sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days, to prevent further pigmentation.
- Regular Exercise: Improves blood circulation and skin health.
5. Products or Ingredients to Avoid
- Harsh Scrubs: Can irritate the skin and worsen scars.
- Alcohol-Based Products:Can dry out the skin and lead to irritation.
- Fragrance: May cause allergic reactions or irritation, especially for sensitive skin.
Hope you’re all queries are clear.
Thank you

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