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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #19348
62 days ago
107

darkness in face - #19348

Arush

I am really worried about this darkness in face that I’ve been noticing. It started a few months ago, and at first, I thought it was just tiredness or perhaps not enough sleep, but now it’s becoming more pronounced. It first appeared under my eyes which made me look super exhausted all the time. I tried to cover it with makeup, thinking it was just a cosmetic issue, but nah, I think it might be more. Like, sometimes I see my face in the mirror, and it’s like this shadow across my cheeks, kind of blotchy but not really. I am a bit light-skinned, so the contrast is really noticeable. I asked my friend about it, and she suggested it could be something serious like diabetes or anemia, but that freaked me out. I haven’t had any other symptoms, though my skin feels kinda dry. Should I see a dermatologist or a general physician? I am just so concerned about this darkness in face — is it could be some lack of vitamins or something worse? Like, has anyone else experienced this darkness in face thing? What tests should I even ask for? I just want it gone!

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Doctors' responses

It’s understandable to be concerned about changes in the appearance of your skin, especially when they are new or becoming more pronounced. The darkness on your face, especially around the under-eye area and cheeks, might be influenced by several factors but usually isn’t due to a serious underlying condition if you’re otherwise healthy without other symptoms. Dark circles under the eyes, for example, can be due to genetics, lack of sleep, or even skin conditions like eczema, which sometimes make the area appear darker because of increased pigmentation or dilated blood vessels. The blotchy appearance you mentioned across your cheeks could also align with hyperpigmentation, which may be linked to sun exposure, hormonal changes (like melasma), or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, sometimes following acne or skin irritation. Dry skin can occasionally contribute to the appearance of dullness or darkness in some people too.

Given your concerns, it may be best to start with a general physician who can evaluate your overall health through a clinical examination. They can check for signs of anemia or nutritional deficiencies, and if necessary, conduct or refer you for blood tests like a complete blood count (CBC) or iron levels, which are standard when considering such issues. If the physician finds it appropriate, they may siuggest a dermatologist for specialized skin concerns, especially if treatment like topical creams or laser therapy might be required. Meanwhile, protect your skin from sun exposure by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily to prevent worsening of any pigmentation. Consider using moisturizers to address the dryness, and ensure you maintain a balanced diet with ample hydration. Such steps can often positively impact the skin’s appearance, although seeing a healthcare provider will give you the targeted advice you need.

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