Skin discoloration on the face? How to treat it? Causes & Prevention

One of your most valuable assets is your skin, and having confidence in it is an important element of self-love and self-care. Sunspots, vitiligo, rashes, birthmarks, infections, and melasma can all cause skin discoloration, which can be aggravating. Adding on, skin discoloration on the face can be caused by a variety of factors, including lifestyle modifications, hormonal changes, excessive exposure to the sun, repeated friction/exfoliation, and just growing older. It's normal for people with severe acne to get black spots after the acne has cleared up. The same is true for persons who have skin injuries and are left with a different color as a result.

What is Facial Discoloration?

Melanin, the pigment that gives our skin its color, is usually the culprit. When there is an increase or reduction in melanin, the pigmentation of our skin can become uneven, resulting in skin discoloration on the face or other parts of the body. The appearance of darker or lighter areas on the skin is referred to as skin discoloration.

Hormones may also have a role to play in certain types of pigmentation, like melasma. Melasma has a similar appearance to age spots, however, the patches are more distinct and are grouped. The name originates from the pigmentation's cause, which is an excess of melanin. Melasma is most common in women during periods of major hormonal fluctuation, such as when they are pregnant. Melasma can also be triggered by birth control medication since they contain hormones. 

Skin discoloration on the face is striking because it differs from a person's natural skin tone. They can be a different color, such as red, grey, brown, black, blue, or white. Let's have a look at some of the reasons behind facial discoloration:

#1 Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a skin disorder that causes pale white spots to appear on different parts of the body. The face, lips, fingertips, and pressure points are the most typically impacted locations. Melanin cells die or stop working, resulting in this disease. It's an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system assaults the body's healthy tissues. Although the skin patches caused by vitiligo are not hazardous, they may indicate the possibility of other autoimmune conditions in the same person. Thus they need to be evaluated and followed up. 

 

#2 Melasma

Melasma, also known as chloasma, is characterized by dark, uneven, and blotchy skin in places that are frequently exposed to sunlight. These usually appear on the face- forehead, nose, cheeks, chin, and over the arms.  Although they are not life-threatening, the facial discoloration can be difficult to deal with. It occurs when the skin produces too much melanin, and it is more common in those with darker skin tones, pregnant women, and those on certain medication. 

#3 Tinea Versicolor

Tinea versicolor, also known as pityriasis Versicolor, is a yeast infection-related skin pigmentation condition. This may cause either light or dark patches on the skin. They may occur on the face, neck, chest, upper arms, and back. The infection is mild but is communicable. It can be treated easily if identified early. 

 

#4 Rosacea

Rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition that mostly affects the face and can lead to skin discoloration on the face in the form of red patches. The nose and cheeks are mostly affected. But at times it can also affect the eyes. It is especially common in persons with light skin tones. Although the exact reason for rosacea is unknown, some studies believe it may be induced by environmental factors. Rosacea can flare up at any time, especially during times of stress, and it usually follows a cyclical pattern. Frequent redness and visible blood vessels on the face, acne, and dry, itchy, swollen, red eyes are just a few of the symptoms of rosacea. This condition requires active management.

 

#5 Cancer Treatment

After surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy, skin discoloration might occur. It could also be a side effect of pain medicine or an allergic response to the injection. Your skin could get bruised, red, or pigmented. When you're through with therapy, these alterations normally go away.

#6 Freckles

Freckles are multiple pigmented spots that are equally distributed and are relatively uniform in size and color. They are genetically determined and most commonly involve the nose, cheeks, shoulders, and arms. These spots appear in childhood and increase in number in adults. But they seem to regress during old age. They can, however, be treated for cosmetic reasons. 

#7 Birthmarks

Birthmarks are a broad term that may involve red, brown, or white-colored skin patches. Most of them are present at birth, but some develop only later in life and can cause confusion. These are mostly harmless, though some may rarely turn cancerous. If you notice a sudden increase in size or further darkening of the patch, you should seek medical attention immediately.

Apart from the above-mentioned causes, some other reasons that can lead to facial discoloration include:

•  Sunspots
•  Healing after a rash or burn or infection or injury
•  Hormonal changes
•  Aging
•  Genetics
•  Pregnancy
•  Skin inflammation

When to see a doctor?

Skin discoloration does not always require treatment but you should seek the advice of a dermatologist when:

•  Any skin sore that changes shape, size, or color is observed
•  Persistent, inexplicable darkening or lightening of the skin is experienced
•  It is giving you physical or emotional suffering

If your dermatologist feels an underlying issue is causing your facial discoloration, you will be prompted to get diagnostic testing to figure out the cause for the same. These tests may involve the following:

•  Blood test to look for derangement of any blood parameters or hormones that could cause skin color changes
•  Examination to rule out any infection, inflammation, or malignancy
•  Taking a small sample of the afflicted skin and examining the same under a microscope to detect the presence of abnormal cells.

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The treatment for facial discoloration is determined by the cause of the discoloration. If a patient has an underlying health condition, the doctor will advise on the best treatment options. Any skin problems that are caused by the underlying ailment are usually resolved when the underlying issue is treated.    

If skin cancer is the underlying cause, the person must receive treatment as soon as possible. The majority of birthmarks and skin pigmentation issues do not necessitate treatment. Some people, though, may want therapy for cosmetic reasons. Laser treatment, chemical peels, and topical lotions are all options for treatment.

The good news is that there are a variety of effective therapies available to help you reduce the degree of your skin discoloration. For a complete assessment and treatment of your facial discoloration, always see a skilled dermatologist. Here are a few choices for treatment in general: 

#1 Chemical Peel

A chemical peel is a chemical agent applied to the skin in a controlled manner by a dermatologist that causes the top layer of your epidermis to shed faster than it normally does. Since most of your facial discoloration is in the top layers, eliminating it will leave you with smooth and even skin. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), trichloroacetic acid (TCA), and phenol are three forms of chemical peels that range in strength from mild, moderate to powerful, with formula strengths adjusted to each patient.

Chemical peels with Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are the gentlest. They're usually administered once in 2-3weeks, but they can also be combined in a lesser proportion with a cream or cleanser and used daily. This therapy takes around 10 minutes. TCAs are widely used to treat pigment problems in medium-depth peeling (though the depth can be adjusted), often in combination with AHAs. 

#2 Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a minimally invasive technique that improves the appearance of the skin by removing pigmentation caused by sun exposure and other undesirable skin conditions. To exfoliate the surface layer, your dermatologist will use a handheld instrument to transmit microscopic crystal particles across the targeted area of skin discoloration on the face. This skin is then abraded and suctioned away with a vacuum instrument, leaving just the healthy, fresh underlying skin. After the treatment, you may notice slight redness for about an hour, but this normally goes away on its own. After a series of five to ten therapy sessions spaced one to two weeks apart, most patients can see noticeable benefits.

#3 Liquid Nitrogen

Liquid nitrogen, also known as cryotherapy, can successfully treat many types of skin discoloration on the face. The affected cells are blasted with liquid nitrogen, which freezes the skin, destroys the cells, and turns it white. It will produce a small blister that will normally heal in one to two weeks, along with the excess pigmentation.

#4 Laser Treatment

Skin resurfacing lasers are a minimally invasive cosmetic technique for reducing the appearance of skin discoloration on the face. Laser skin resurfacing is a non-surgical procedure that removes a layer of skin using brief, pulsed laser light energy to remove as much skin as needed to treat aging, damaged skin. This enables a deep removal using very precise and less intrusive methods. The laser is run over the targeted area several times until no flaws are apparent and just a smooth layer of skin remains. Depending on the size and severity of the condition, the procedure might take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours to complete. To attain the desired results, more than one sitting is usually required.

#5 Microneedling

This is a technique that uses a particular instrument to renew the skin while also improving pigmentation and collagen production. This hyperpigmentation treatment helps to reduce pigmentation by promoting cell turnover while infusing potent antioxidants and skin brighteners into the skin at the same time.

In addition to the above, a good product that features moisturizing agents like glycerin or hyaluronic acid, as well as retinol to stimulate cell turnover can be used to address pigment concerns and reduce skin discoloration on the face.It is impossible to prevent many of the causes of skin discoloration on the face. However, sun protection is of utmost importance as it may lower the risk of many conditions like melasma, sunburn, and skin cancer. People can reduce the risk of facial discoloration by ensuring the following:

• Applying sunscreen having an SPF of at least 30 or above, once every 2-3 hours

• Wearing hats with a broad brim that protects your face

• Until extremely necessary, avoid staying out in sun during the hottest part of the day, which is normally between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM

• Staying away from certain drugs might also help you avoid hyperpigmentation

In addition to the above, a good product that features moisturizing agents like glycerin or hyaluronic acid, as well as retinol to stimulate cell turnover can be used to address pigment concerns and reduce skin discoloration on the face.It is impossible to prevent many of the causes of skin discoloration on the face. However, sun protection is of utmost importance as it may lower the risk of many conditions like melasma, sunburn, and skin cancer. People can reduce the risk of facial discoloration by ensuring the following:

• Applying sunscreen having an SPF of at least 30 or above, once every 2-3 hours

• Wearing hats with a broad brim that protects your face

• Until extremely necessary, avoid staying out in sun during the hottest part of 

 

Concluding note:

Discolored skin patches can be caused by a variety of factors. Birthmarks, for example, are not harmful and may not require treatment. Others, such as skin cancer, will almost certainly necessitate prompt medical attention.

It might be challenging to deal with a persistent skin issue. For many skin problems, you can usually keep your disease under control by sticking to prescribed medication or cream regimes. If your skin condition worsens or you detect any changes, such as new growths, bleeding, or symptoms of infection, you should immediately contact your doctor. 

A chronic skin problem can be debilitating, but with the correct tools and advice, you can lessen its effect on your appearance and quality of life. Always ensure that if you are pregnant or on any hormone treatment, you should convey the same to your dermatologist. Changes in your skin can be influenced by these events. 

SkyMD has a line of products designed to help you get rid of facial discoloration. We also provide several remedial procedures that help to level out skin tone. A visit to SkyMD does not need a prior booking appointment. To offer our patients a seamless and convenient experience, we offer consultation via both video and chat. Visit our app and fill in the details required, and connect with our experienced dermatologists over a video call or chat. Whatever approach you select, we're here to help you get the bright, even skin tone you've always wanted.

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