Taking care of your skin can be a challenge when it’s marred by dark spots of hyperpigmentation. It’s one of the most common reasons that people of color visit a dermatologist. Find out what causes these blotches and what you can do to ensure that uneven pigmentation doesn’t persist.
Why am I getting dark patches on my skin?
Dark patches can surface on anyone’s skin. However, people with dark skin tones tend to get more dark spots than people with light skin tones because darker skin produces more melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. You're likely to get dark spots as a dark-skinned person if you have one of these two skin conditions:
How should I treat dark spots?
If you suspect that dark patches are the result of the buildup of dead skin cells, try exfoliating the patches with a gentle scrub. For sensitive areas such as the underarms, skin creams that contain urea and a low percentage of glycolic acid can help remove excess dead skin.
It always helps to talk to your dermatologist, too. Consult him or her about the benefits of a cream containing hydroquinone, which blocks melanin synthesis and helps fade existing dark spots. Also, enlist a retinol, such as Retin-A, because it works well with hydroquinone. Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, helps turn over skin cells and can help reverse small signs of sun damage. In addition, emphasize antioxidants such as soy and licorice root in your daily skin regimen — these ingredients help calm inflammation.
Why am I getting dark patches on my skin?
Dark patches can surface on anyone’s skin. However, people with dark skin tones tend to get more dark spots than people with light skin tones because darker skin produces more melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. You're likely to get dark spots as a dark-skinned person if you have one of these two skin conditions:
Melasma: Commonly known as pregnancy mask, melasma causes your face to appear as if you’re wearing a dark, blotchy veil. It’s generally the result of the combination of hormone fluctuations from birth control or pregnancy, and sun exposure.
Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation: If your skin undergoes any trauma, including pimples, a rash, cuts, scrapes, or bruises, the affected area can become discolored because the body increases pigment production in an injured area.Dark spots on elbows and knees may also result from the buildup of layers of dead skin cells. Dark patches in the underarm area may be caused by friction, or by irritation from shaving or waxing.How should I treat dark spots?
If you suspect that dark patches are the result of the buildup of dead skin cells, try exfoliating the patches with a gentle scrub. For sensitive areas such as the underarms, skin creams that contain urea and a low percentage of glycolic acid can help remove excess dead skin.
It always helps to talk to your dermatologist, too. Consult him or her about the benefits of a cream containing hydroquinone, which blocks melanin synthesis and helps fade existing dark spots. Also, enlist a retinol, such as Retin-A, because it works well with hydroquinone. Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, helps turn over skin cells and can help reverse small signs of sun damage. In addition, emphasize antioxidants such as soy and licorice root in your daily skin regimen — these ingredients help calm inflammation.
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