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- Dr Sharon Crichlow
- Reading Time: 8 Mins
Are you noticing spots of darker skin appear on your face or body? Hyperpigmented skin typically manifests itself as dark patches and spots, usually found on the neck, chest, arms, upper lip, and cheeks.
This darker skin can lead to a dull complexion and reduce your confidence. Darker skin can develop at any age and is often associated with hormonal changes, certain fungal infections, acne outbreaks, sun exposure, and aging.
We offer specialised treatments for hyperpigmentation at our skin clinic, treatments such as the popular Nordlys laser or medical skin peels work fantastically well for reducing pigmentation.
Key Takeaways
- Your skin can develop darker patches as the result of excess melanin production, typically caused by skin inflammation, hormone fluctuations, and poor lifestyle choices. Age spots – also known as sun spots and liver spots – can also be signs of skin conditions, such as Melasma.
- Skin darkening can be treated with laser pigmentation treatment and skin peels to restore an even skin tone and brighten your complexion.
- Take your skin health seriously by wearing a daily SPF, limiting sun exposure, and avoiding using a sun lamp for an artificial tan.
Table of Contents
What is Skin Discoloration and Pigmentation?
Skin discolouration is when there’s any noticeable change from your normal skin and is typically associated with skin pigmentation. Melanin protects your skin from the sun and provides its colour. Normal skin contains cells called melanocytes; these cells produce melanin.
Discolouration can occur on different skin areas across the body due to differences in melanin levels. If your body produces too much melanin, it causes your skin tone to change, often leading to the appearance of dark spots.
Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition where your skin becomes darker than your natural skin tone. By comparison, it’s known as hypopigmentation if your body produces too little melanin, leading to abnormally light areas.
Most hyperpigmentation is harmless, but it’s important to consider other symptoms when determining if other skin issues are present.
Skin with too much melanin is called hyperpigmented skin and can be divided into three common types:
- Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation: typically caused by acne and may be a side effect of birth control pills.
- Liver spots: also known as sun spots, are abnormally dark. This type of spot develops slowly as the result of excessive sun exposure. They usually occur on sun exposed areas, such as the face and hands.
- Melasma: instead of being caused by sun exposure, pregnancy is usually the main reason for this type of hyperpigmentation. These dark spots can develop suddenly, usually on the face or stomach.
Understanding Melasma
90% of people who develop Melasma are women. Melasma is a skin condition where dark patches develop on the skin. It’s also known as chloasma – alternatively the ‘mask of pregnancy’, due to its common occurrence in pregnant women.
Most cases of Melasma do not require treatment, but those that do will usually opt for skin peels or topical steroid treatments.
Melasma usually appears on the face, creating symmetrical marks. Areas of the body exposed to harmful UV rays are more likely to develop melanoma. Dark brown spots may appear on the chin, bridge of the nose, cheeks, or forehead.
Not all cases of Melasma are a cause for significant concern, but it’s always advisable to speak to a medical professional.
The exact causes of Melasma are unclear. However, we do know that those with darker skin tones are more at risk than those with a light skin tones.
Progesterone and estrogen sensitivities are commonly associated with Melasma as taking birth control pills and hormone therapy have been identified as triggers, leading to it being associated with hormone system diseases. Thyroid disease and excessive stress can also cause Melasma.
How Sun Exposure Causes Skin Darkening
When your body is exposed to UV radiation, your skin produces excess melanin, causing sunspots and dark areas to appear. As we age, our skin starts to lose its ability to regulate its melanin levels the same way. Spending too long in the sun can result in premature aging, sunspots, hyperpigmentation, and age spots.
Excessive sun exposure is one of the leading causes of skin cancer. It’s important to take sun protection seriously. We recommend wearing protective clothing, using a daily SPF, and adopting healthy lifestyle habits to maintain your radiant complexion.
Myths Around Skin Darkening, Skin Tone, and UV Rays
There is lots of misinformation around skin darkening. The most common myth is that it only occurs as a result of sun damage and exclusively impacts those with darker skin. In reality, those with a light skin colour are also at risk of developing this skin condition.
Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation is also related to skin darkening, along with hormone fluctuations during pregnancy and menopause. These conditions can impact anyone.
It’s also a common misconception that this condition is irreversible. We recommend laser pigmentation treatment and skin peel for pigmentation, as well as incorporating products with vitamin c into your daily routine.
These treatments can lessen hyperpigmentation, lighten dark areas, and restore glowing skin.
Concerned about Skin Discoloration? Visit Your Local Skin Clinic
Book a free online skin assessment with our specialist, Dr Sharon Crichlow, as soon as you see discoloration develop on your skin. We’ll help you develop a tailored treatment plan to deal with skin discoloration and specific concerns, such as post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and sun spots.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I protect my skin from getting too much sun exposure?
You can reduce your risk of skin inflammation and sun damage by taking proactive steps. Always wear protective clothing, apply a daily SPF, monitor the UV index, and avoid excessive sun exposure. Apply aloe vera if your skin starts to burn and immediately seek shade.
What products should I add to my daily skincare routine?
If you're trying to create a more even skin tone, we recommend using products with vitamin C, niacin amide, and salicylic acid.
Bleaching creams can lighten darkened skin, but always follow the specific recommendations for the skincare products you're using. You may be able to use prescription creams if recommended by a specialist.
Why is my skin getting darker without sun?
There are several reasons why your skin may be darkening without any sun exposure. An adrenocorticotrophin hormone stimulation test can help show if hormonal changes are increasing your body's melanin production.
Similarly, a physical exam can help identify if you have a potential skin condition. Darker skin on the arms, certain birthmarks, and other inflammation are worthy of a trip to your local skin clinic.
Lifestyle habits have a major impact on your skin. Avoid using a sun lamp, always apply aloe vera on skin burns and the surrounding skin, and use products with naturally brightening ingredients, like vitamin c.
A poor diet and smoking can result in oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to facial skin concerns, such as age spot.
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