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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #20383
47 days ago
82

dark spots in face - #20383

Tanmay

I am really worried about these dark spots in my face that have been popping up over the last few months. At first, I thought it was just a reaction to some new skincare product, but it’s like they just keep multiplying. I’ve tried exfoliating and even switched to more gentle products, but nothing seems to help. The dark spots in my face are honestly making me feel super insecure, and I keep covering them up with makeup, which probably isn’t helping either. My friends say it could just be sun damage — I do love the outdoors — but I don’t remember being out that much. I went to a dermatologist last week who said it might be hormonal, but I’m not sure how my hormones could cause these dark spots in my face. They didn’t suggest any specific treatment yet! I also checked my diet, maybe something I’m eating? I feel a bit lost here... like am I overthinking things? Can anyone share if they've dealt with dark spots in face and what worked? I would really appreciate any advice or personal experiences. I’m just hoping for some clarity here!

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Doctors' responses

Dark spots on the face can be quite frustrating, and it sounds like you’re doing a thorough job considering various potential causes. There might be a few possibilities that could be contributing to the appearance of these spots. First, let’s talk about hyperpigmentation, which is a common cause of dark spots. This condition can be triggered by factors like sun exposure, which your friends mentioned; even incidental exposure can contribute over time, particularly if you’re not consistently using sunscreen. Hormonal changes, like those that occur during pregnancy or from using certain contraceptives, can also cause melasma — a related form of hyperpigmentation. Given that your dermatologist suggested hormones, this could be a path worth exploring. Another possibility could be post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), often resulting from skin inflammation or trauma, like acne or even harsh exfoliation. Switching to gentle products was a good step, but it might be helpful to minimize irritation further by using a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer and sunscreen daily. You might want to consider products with ingredients like niacinamide or azelaic acid, which can help with pigmentation and are generally gentle on the skin. If over-the-counter products aren’t providing results, prescription treatments like topical retinoids or hydroquinone may be options, although these should only be used under medical supervision. It’s essential to circle back with your dermatologist to discuss potential treatments tailored to your case, especially if hormonal factors are at play; they might recommend hormonal treatment options or perform tests to clarify underlying issues. Lastly, diet plays a minimal role in pigmentation unless there’s a specific allergy or deficiency, so focus instead on sun protection and avoiding skin irritation. Keep in touch with your healthcare provider for persistent or changing spots, as occasionally skin issues may require more immediate attention.

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