Skin Discoloration On The Face

Chronic Inflammatory Skin Conditions

1. Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition characterized by flushing and redness. This is of 4 types erythematotelangiectatic, papulopustular, phymatous and ocular.

In papulopustular type, one can see papules and pustules on a red background.

The exact cause is not clear however genetics, abnormal immune response and sensitivity to the demodex mites are some theories.

It can be triggered by sun exposure, heat, stress, certain foods and harsh skincare products.

2. Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition in which our skin cells turn over too fast resulting in buildup of dead skin cells.

This results in red raised patches with silvery scales. In people with darker skin tone, these may leave dark-red to violet areas of skin discoloration.

It can be triggered by dry and cold climate, stress, infection, injury and smoking.

3. Seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition which results in scaly red patches on the face . It is thought to occur due to Malassezia fungus, skin barrier dysfunction and excessive oiliness of skin.

4. Perioral dermatitis

Perioral dermatitis results in a red skin rash with red papules. It usually appears around the mouth. It is very commonly seen in young females and is strongly associated with the use of topical steroids.

5. Lupus

Lupus is an autoimmune condition which can affect various organs of our body. The skin on the face is commonly affected by this condition.

6. Atopic dermatitis

Is It Ok To Apply Lemon On Face Daily

How to use lemon on the face safely. When applying lemon directly to your face, youll want to treat the fruit like you would any new skin care product. Once the lemon juice dries, you can continue with the rest of your skin care routine. Start with one daily application, potentially working your way up to twice a day.

Avoid Picking Your Skin

Its never a good idea to pick at your skin. It can cause unnecessary scratching, bruising, bleeding, scarring, and irritation, all of which can lead to an uneven skin tone and unhappy skin. Do your best to never pick at your face, even when you have scabs or blemishes that are bothering you. Once they heal, youll be thankful you resisted the urge to pick.

You May Like: Skin Condition That Produces Wart Like Growths

Skin Discoloration On Face

Krystal Morris

Skin discoloration can be induced by many external factor including pregnancy, birth control pills and sun exposure. Skin discoloration manifests in the form of dark round patches that appear on the external layer of the skin. Sometimes, the cause for it is simply the excess production of melanin in the skin and if this is the cause, then dark circles appear on the skin. Since people who are fair already have a low level of melanin, then skin discoloration will be distinctly visible.

Facial Skin Discoloration Causes

Treatment

There are some homemade remedies that can be used in order to eliminate those discomforting dark patches on your skin and restore your look as it used to be.

Preventing And Treating Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation can happen due to overexposure to the sun. Fortunately, you can help prevent it by using sunscreen as part of your daily skincare routine. Aside from prevention, theres no best treatment for skin discoloration, but several topical treatment options may work. For more persistent cases, a dermatology provider may recommend more advanced treatments like chemical peels or laser therapy.

Don’t Miss: Best Facial Treatment For Aging Skin 2021

How Can Vitamin C Help Treat Skin Discoloration

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps treat the look of dark spots and skin discoloration. Vitamin C helps protect the skin from oxidative stress, helping to protect the skin against UV induced free radicals to help maintain a youthful appearance. The body does not produce Vitamin C, but instead relies on obtaining it through nutritional and topical applications, so be sure to give your skin its daily dose!

Cosmeceuticals & Prescription Skin Care

• Broad Spectrum Sunscreen: The use of broad-spectrum sunscreen like SPF 30 and above is highly recommended during sun exposure in order to prevent any further skin damage due to UV rays exposure.
• Hydroquinone & Kojic Acid: Both are very effective cosmeceutical skin lightener products. Hydroquinone is also referred to as the Gold Standard for treating hyperpigmentation. For enhancing the results of this hyperpigmentation treatment, it can be used in combination with antioxidants, hydroxy acids retinoids. Kojic acid offers almost similar results to that of hydroquinone and even better when used in combination with hydroquinone and glycolic acid.
• Vitamin A products: these include Retinol and Tretinoin that helps in skin rejuvenation and resurfacing and also helps to increase the turnover of cells.
• Alpha Hydroxy Acids: these not only exfoliate skin but also smooth the skin and increase the cell turnover while giving even skin tone.

Don’t Miss: Does Medicare Cover Skin Cancer Removal

How Can I Treat Skin Discoloration If I Have Sensitive Skin

Gluconolactone is a Polyhydroxy Acid that is found naturally in the skin and provides gentle exfoliating benefits without sun sensitivity. Due to this molecule’s gentle nature, it is ideal for use on sensitive skin types as well as those who have had recent superficial cosmetic procedures. Gluconolactone is featured in the NEOSTRATA Restore Collection in a full regimen of gentle cleansers, moisturizers, serums and eye cream.

This soothing face serum helps counteract redness and improve the look of blotchiness with an exclusive BioCalm Complex, a 6% Polyhydroxy Acid Blend and Willow Herb and Algae Extract for antioxidant protection.

How Are The Causes Of Cyanosis Treated

The treatment plan your doctor recommends will depend on the underlying cause of your cyanosis.

For example, your doctor may prescribe supplemental oxygen therapy if you have a condition that affects your airways or breathing. In this therapy, you will receive oxygen through a mask or a tube placed in your nose.

For conditions that affect your heart or blood vessels, your doctor may prescribe medications, surgery, or other treatments.

If youve been diagnosed with Raynauds syndrome, your doctor may advise you to dress warmly and limit your time in cold environments.

Read Also: Where Does Skin Melanoma Metastasis To

How To Get Rid Of Skin Discoloration On Your Face

Medically reviewed by Kristin Hall, FNP

Have you ever noticed dark or gray-colored patches of skin on your cheeks, chin or other parts of your face?

Skin discoloration, or hyperpigmentation, is a common issue that can cause your skin to appear darker than normal. Its caused by a variety of factors, including your age, level of sun exposure, hormone levels and certain underlying medical conditions.

While most skin discoloration is harmless, dealing with unwanted dark spots or patches can be a frustrating experience.

Luckily, skin discoloration is usually easy to treat. Below, weve explained how skin discoloration can develop, as well as the factors that may increase your risk of developing hyperpigmentation, age spots and other types of discoloration on your face.

Weve also discussed how you can get rid of skin discoloration and maintain an even, consistent skin tone on your face and body.

Medication Or Treatment Side Effect

Certain oral medications like antibiotics or non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs can make our skin more sensitive to sunlight or result in excess pigment formation resulting in patches of discoloration.

In addition, some treatments can result in discoloration like:

• Radiation therapy can result in red or dark discoloration of the skin.
• Lasers, chemical peels and microdermabrasion can result in alteration in pigment resulting in hyper or hypopigmentation.

Also Check: How Do You Get Skin Cancer From The Sun

Try: 15% Vitamin C + Pha Serum

Try this new powerhouse Vitamin C face serum designed to give your skin its daily brightening boost with L-Ascorbic Acid , Feverfew Extract, Green Tea to boost Vitamin Cs antioxidant capacity and gently exfoliating Gluconolactone . This multi-action blend of acids and antioxidants helps protect the skin from environmental aggressors, helping to diminish visible skin discoloration on the face and neck.

How Do You Treat Melasma

Your dermatologist will diagnose and treat melasma by visually examining the skin and determining what is causing the melasma.

Melasma should not and cannot be self-treated. You must see a dermatologist, Dr. Chow said.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, these are some of the common treatments:

Don’t Miss: What Does Skin Cancer On Scalp Feel Like

Keep Skin Moist To Boost Cell Turnover

While your primary goal with hyperpigmentation is to lighten the dark spots, an effective over-the-counter moisturizer should contain ingredients that benefit the skin in other ways. In addition to addressing the pigment issues, a good product will have moisturizing agents like glycerin or hyaluronic acid, and maybe even a retinol to boost cell turnover, says Doris J. Day, MD, a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at NYU Medical School in New York City and the author of Beyond Beautiful: Using the Power of Your Mind and Aesthetic Breakthroughs to Look Naturally Young and Radiant. These inactive ingredients allow the active brighteners to work more effectively.

A good moisturizer can also restore the skins lipid, or fat, barrier, helping new skin cells stay healthy as they rise to the surface in place of old ones, notes the University of Tennessee Medical Center.

Dont Miss: Can Skin Cancer Spread To Organs

Other Causes Of Skin Discoloration

Other conditions and medical treatments that can cause skin discoloration include:

• Bleeding into the skin.This happens when blood vessels burst due to injury, bruising, or an allergic reaction.
• Radiation therapy.Radiation therapy is a cancer treatment that can cause the skin to blister, itch, and peel.
• Spider veins. Damaged veins that can appear as clusters of red, blue, or purple lines underneath your skin, particularly in your legs.
• Hormonal changes. Hormonal changes may cause the development of melasma hyperpigmentation.
• Thermal injuries. Skin discoloration can occur after healing from burns such as those associated with frosbite, sunburn, fire, and electrical injuries.
• Toxic exposures. Chronic application or ingestion of silver compounds and heavy metals can

You should schedule an appointment with a doctor if you:

• have any lasting changes in your skin color
• notice a new mole or growth on your skin
• have an existing mole or growth that changed in size or appearance
• have any other concerning symptoms, such as pain, inflammation, or discharge

At your appointment, your doctor will first take a look at areas of skin discoloration and ask you about any changes youve noticed. They will also ask about other symptoms you may be experiencing.

• blood tests to check for conditions that may cause changes in skin color

Read Also: Red Spots On The Skin

How To Get Rid Of Facial Skin Discoloration

There are several ways to get rid of facial skin discoloration. Its usually possible to treat mild to moderate skin discoloration using topical skin care products and medications such as retinoids, hydroquinone and peeling agents.

For more severe hyperpigmentation, you may benefit from undergoing a cosmetic procedure to resurface your skin.

If you have facial skin discoloration, its important to talk to your healthcare provider or schedule an appointment with a dermatologist to discuss your symptoms. Theyll be able to recommend a suitable treatment for you and work with you to improve your skin tone.

Best Ways To Get Rid Of Hyperpigmentation

The good news is that there are quite a few options that work to neutralize the excess melanin production and get rid of hyperpigmentation. All types of hyperpigmentation that make up the darker skin tone area can be lightened back to your natural skin tone.

The first option to even out your skin is to use an over-the-counter lightening product for this skin condition. When considering this purchase, be sure to choose a product that contains moisturizing agents in it to avoid dry skin as well as to encourage cell turnover. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin will boost the growth of skin cells and can also restore the lipid barrier in your skin to protect it from sun rays.

Don’t Miss: What Is The Most Serious Skin Cancer

Causes And Risk Factors Of Melasma

It isnt totally clear what causes melasma. Darker-skinned individuals are more at risk than those with fair skin. Estrogen and progesterone sensitivity are also associated with the condition. This means birth control pills, pregnancy, and hormone therapy can all trigger melasma. Stress and thyroid disease are also thought to be causes of melasma.

Additionally, sun exposure can cause melasma because ultraviolet rays affect the cells that control pigment .

How Is Melasma Diagnosed

A visual exam of the affected area is often enough to diagnose melasma. To rule out specific causes, your healthcare professional might also perform some tests.

One testing technique is a Woods lamp examination. This is a special kind of light thats held up to your skin. It allows your healthcare professional to check for bacterial and fungal infections and determine how many layers of skin the melasma affects. To check for any serious skin conditions, they might also perform a biopsy. This involves removing a small piece of the affected skin for testing.

Read Also: Is Hyaluronic Acid Good For Dry Skin

Skin Discoloration On The Face

Your most recognizable physical feature is your face.

In terms of your physical appearance, it’s the part of you that makes you uniquely you. So when there’s a problem with the skin on your face, like discoloration, it’s normal to get concerned. There are several types of discolorations, and, while almost all types are harmless, there can be many different causes of skin pigmentation disorders.

How We Vet Brands And Products

Healthlineonly shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

• Evaluate ingredients and composition:Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims:Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand:Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

Don’t Miss: Best Red Lipstick For Dark Skin

Leading Skin Care In Central Texas

The health and appearance of your skin is personal. At Ascension Seton, our dermatologists start by getting to know you and your skin concerns. Then, we work together to deliver the skin care that is right for you. From acne to skin cancer, we provide advanced skin care for both children and adults.

• Cosmetic services
• Mohs surgery and skin cancer care

If you have a more complex or rare skin condition, our dermatologists will work with your primary care doctor to create a care plan. Our board-certified dermatologists are faculty at Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin. With access to research and resources, our dermatology team is a leader in skin care.

Skin Discoloration Risk Factors

Although skin discoloration is a relatively common problem, certain factors may increase your risk of developing melasma, dark spots and other types of discoloration.

You may have a higher risk of developing skin discoloration if you:

• Are female. Some forms of skin discoloration, such as melasma, are more common in women than in men. For example, women make up 90 percent of people who develop melasma.

• Have skin of color. Skin discoloration tends to be more common in people with skin of color, which contains more melanocytes. You may have a higher risk of developing melasma or other types of skin discoloration if you are of African American, Latin/Hispanic, Indian, North African, Middle Eastern, Asian or Mediterranean descent.

• Have relatives with pigmentation disorders. Some skin pigmentation disorders, such as melasma, are more common in people with relatives who also have melasma.

• Spent lots of time in direct sunlight. UV radiation from sunlight stimulates your skin to produce melanin. This can worsen age spots, melasma, moles and other forms of skin discoloration.

Don’t Miss: What Is Stage 2 Melanoma Skin Cancer

How To Prevent Hyperpigmentation

Sun protection is key. Again, the best treatment against hyperpigmentation is using sunscreen every day. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 about 15 minutes before heading outside to all exposed areas of your skin, including your neck, chest, and hands. Reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming, sweating, or toweling off. Remember, the best sunscreen is one youll actually use regularly!

Pro tip: If your skin is acne-prone, our dermatology providers have a list of acne-friendly sunscreens to help you avoid comedogenic ingredients.

How To Treat Hyperpigmentation

When it comes to treating hyperpigmentation, topical treatments containing ingredients like tretinoin, azelaic acid, hydroquinone, niacinamide, and tranexamic acid can help. Many options exist, but some require a prescription from a dermatology provider.

• Tretinoin is a retinoid used to treat signs of aging and acne. It works by increasing the skins cell turnover rate. It’s been shown to effectively improve uneven skin tone both alone and with other topical ingredients .

• Azelaic acid is used to treat different types of hyperpigmentation . Lower dosages are available over the counter, but higher strengths require a prescription.

• Hydroquinone is a prescription cream that works to prevent melanin production .

• Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 thats been shown to be effective in fading hyperpigmentation.

• Tranexamic acid works as a brightening agent that helps reduce the appearance of dark spots by inhibiting melanin formation.

• Chemical peels are in-office medical procedures that remove dead or damaged skin cells using an acid like glycolic acid or lactic acid.

• Laser treatment is a skin resurfacing technique that uses light therapy to remove the outer skin layers and stimulate collagen production. Naturally pigmented skin replaces old or damaged skin affected by different types of hyperpigmentation.,

You May Like: Can Tanning Beds Cause Skin Cancer