AskDocDoc
/
/
/
dark spots on face reason
FREE!Ask Doctors — 24/7
Connect with Doctors 24/7. Ask anything, get expert help today.
500 doctors ONLINE
#1 Medical Platform
Ask question for free
00H : 13M : 07S
background image
Click Here
background image
Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #19436
62 days ago
131

dark spots on face reason - #19436

Vivaan

I am super confused and a bit worried about these dark spots on my face. They popped up out of nowhere, like one day I woke up and bam! There's one on my cheek, a couple near my forehead, and honestly, they seem to be getting darker! I thought maybe it was just me being out in the sun too much, but I've always used sunscreen. The other day, I noticed that when I put makeup on, the dark spots on my face really stand out and I feel like I can’t hide them anymore. I read somewhere that they could be age spots or something but I’m only 30! I’m not sure if it’s hormonal either since my cycle has been a bit off lately, or is there some other reason for these dark spots on my face? Really looking for thoughts from anyone who’s been through this or knows what could be going on. Do dark spots on your face normally mean something serious? It feels kinda embarrassing to talk about. I just want to know if I should see a doc or if there’s something I can do at home? Any tips on fading them a little bit or remedies? Thanks in advance!

FREE
Question is closed
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.
CTA image asteriksCTA image

Doctors' responses

Dark spots on the face, often called hyperpigmentation, can arise from various reasons, and it’s understandable that you’re concerned about their sudden appearance. While sun exposure is a common cause, your use of sunscreen suggests there may be other factors involved. In your case, given your mention of hormonal fluctuations and being relatively young, melasma could be a possibility. Melasma is a condition more common in women and can be related to hormonal changes, sometimes exacerbated by sun exposure, even if sunscreen is used diligently. Other potential causes include post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which can occur following acne lesions or other skin trauma, and certain medications that increase sensitivity to sunlight might also play a role.

While it’s reassuring to know that these aren’t typically signs of a serious medical condition, it can still be a worthwhile to visit a dermatologist to get a definitive diagnosis and tailored advice. They might recommend topical treatments like hydroquinone, retinoids, or azelaic acid, which can help lighten these spots over time. It’s crucial to continue wearing sunscreen daily, ideally one with broad-spectrum protection and an SPF of 30 or higher, to prevent worsening.

For home care, try incorporating skincare products with vitamin C or niacinamide which have brightening properties. Over-the-counter options like these can sometimes provide noticeable improvement. Avoid products that could irritate your skin further, as irritation can worsen pigmentation. If you prefer natural remedies, aloe vera and green tea extract are known for their soothing properties and may help, though results vary widely. Should your menstrual cycle irregularities continue alongside these skin changes, it might be worth discussing with your GP to see if there’s a deeper hormonal issue at play. Always patch-test new products to ensure they don’t cause additional irritation.

16226 answered questions
86% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously

Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.

About our doctors

Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


Related questions