HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Dark Pigmentation On Facial Skin?

default
Posted on Fri, 2 Jan 2015
Question: Hello
My skin colour is white from my childhood. but later days i am noticing slight colour changes to dark on my face and lower part of my hand. may i know the reason and is there any remedy?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Rahul Tawde (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Seems to be normal darkening of sun-exposed areas

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for posting the concern in the HCM. As I can see here, you are 25 year old male with fair complexion with present complaints of slight darkening of skin over face and exposed parts of the hands recently. You want to know two things-
1. The reason behind such darkening
2. The remedy for it
I will answer one by one.

1. Your face and lower part of your upper limbs are parts of your body that are exposed to sun directly during the daytime, while the rest of the body remains covered with cloths. Sun exposure increases melanin deposition and causes hyperpigmentation of sun-exposed areas.

2. Currently, there is no cure for hyperpigmentation. Only the appearance can be lightened and further increase can be prevented.
Preventive options-
1. Reduce exposure by covering extremities with full sleeve clothing, reducing the duration of exposure if possible.
2. You may use a sunscreen with at least SPF 15
3. Exfoliation by mild scrubbing is needed 1-2 times/ week for dry skin and 2-3 times/ week for oily skin.
Treatment option-
1. Lotion containing glycolic acid
2. Cream containing Kojic acid
3. Hydroquinone creams

You should consult a local dermatologist for further evaluation.

There are certain features to which you need to be watchful-
1. Any itching or scaling or drying of the skin in the affected parts.
2. Any altered sensation in the affected part.
3. Any sudden increase in darkening.
In the above mentioned cases you need to visit your local dermatologist urgently for further help.

If you find this answer helpful, please close the thread and rate my answer.
Regards,
Dr. Kaushik Sarkar


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Rahul Tawde (26 minutes later)
Thank you doctor and one more thing. My friend suggested to use fair & handsome. is that good or bad for skin? whether it reduces duration of exposure?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Rahul Tawde (49 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
It is a cosmetic product with SPF 15+

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for posting again.

Firstly, I would tell you that fair and handsome is a cosmetic product. I cannot comment on its efficacy and safety issues. However, the manufacturer claims that the product comes with SPF 15+. If that is so, it can be used as sunscreen protection. Whether it is good or bad, I cannot comment as well because I don't know the safety and efficacy of the product.

Secondly, no product can reduce the duration of sun exposure. Staying indoor whenever possible and wearing full sleeve cloths can help in this regard. Creams and lotions can give hydration to your skin, help in exfoliation, may have antibacterial effect and may protection from UV rays.

Please apply a fingertip of the product over your back and check for hypersensitivity/ allergy reactions if any before applying it over exposed areas.

If you find this answer helpful, please close the thread and rate my answer.
Regards,
Dr Kaushik Sarkar
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Rahul Tawde (1 hour later)
Thank you
doctor
Answered by Dr. Rahul Tawde (47 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Thanks for your appreciation

Detailed Answer:
Thank you very much for appreciating the answer. For any future query, please write back.
If you find my answer helpful, please close the thread and rate my answer.
Regards,
Dr. Kaushik Sarkar
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Rahul Tawde

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1980

Answered : 1 Question

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Dark Pigmentation On Facial Skin?

Brief Answer: Seems to be normal darkening of sun-exposed areas Detailed Answer: Hi, thanks for posting the concern in the HCM. As I can see here, you are 25 year old male with fair complexion with present complaints of slight darkening of skin over face and exposed parts of the hands recently. You want to know two things- 1. The reason behind such darkening 2. The remedy for it I will answer one by one. 1. Your face and lower part of your upper limbs are parts of your body that are exposed to sun directly during the daytime, while the rest of the body remains covered with cloths. Sun exposure increases melanin deposition and causes hyperpigmentation of sun-exposed areas. 2. Currently, there is no cure for hyperpigmentation. Only the appearance can be lightened and further increase can be prevented. Preventive options- 1. Reduce exposure by covering extremities with full sleeve clothing, reducing the duration of exposure if possible. 2. You may use a sunscreen with at least SPF 15 3. Exfoliation by mild scrubbing is needed 1-2 times/ week for dry skin and 2-3 times/ week for oily skin. Treatment option- 1. Lotion containing glycolic acid 2. Cream containing Kojic acid 3. Hydroquinone creams You should consult a local dermatologist for further evaluation. There are certain features to which you need to be watchful- 1. Any itching or scaling or drying of the skin in the affected parts. 2. Any altered sensation in the affected part. 3. Any sudden increase in darkening. In the above mentioned cases you need to visit your local dermatologist urgently for further help. If you find this answer helpful, please close the thread and rate my answer. Regards, Dr. Kaushik Sarkar