There are many reasons why one can get dark marks on their face: hormone fluctuations, sunlight exposure, natural aging process, heredity, and post-inflammatory blemishes are typically the most frequent causes. Skin pigmentation spots are more likely to appear on individuals with fair skin that tend to also easily get sunburned.
These kinds of marks generally appear when enough melanin forms in a concentrated location. Spots tend to appear as freckles in light-skinned children that stay outdoors under the bright sun for extended periods of time. Plenty of adults also develop dark spots over time as they get older and older.
The best way to effectively treat dark marks on the face typically involves incorporating some lifestyle-based preventative habits.
The Process
The dark spots on one’s face can be as small as a freckle to noticeably large patches that can easily make one feel self-conscious about their appearance. Larger sections of skin pigmentation frequently appears in individuals whose family has a history of being very sensitive to the sun’s UV rays.
The natural skin fibers of collagen and elastin are typically more susceptible to sun damage in these individuals, resulting in their skin losing suppleness more quickly. This deterioration can quickly trigger an overproduction of melanin as a natural part of the skin’s defense mechanism, resulting in visible dark marks.
Hormones
In the human body can be found a set of hormones that naturally control various different internal processes, one of which is skin pigmentation. Some females are highly sensitive to hormone fluctuations when using contraceptives or during pregnancy, developing dark marks.
Fortunately this is usually temporary, apparent only when the body’s hormones are in this particular state. Once a woman is no longer pregnant or using contraceptives, the dark spots disappear on their own. Daily use of a broad spectrum sunscreen is an effective and simple way to prevent the hyperpigmentation from getting darker.
Skin care experts recommend keeping well hydrated, eating a low-fat diet, and stopping smoking (or avoiding second-hand smoke) to decrease the development of hormone-related skin pigmentation.
Acne
Fainter reddish-brown spots may develop in people who are more susceptible to acne blemishes. Some types of cystic and nodular acne can often cause these kinds of dark spots to appear on the face, and this is known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. These spots often disappear on their own after a few months, so long as one’s skin remains protected from the sun.
Treatment
Various types of treatment for stubborn dark marks include specialized facial cleansing procedures using products containing skin-whitening ingredients like kojic acid or tretinoin. Many of these products can simply be purchased over-the-counter, while others require a doctor’s prescription.
Home remedies are also available, and such methods include making a facial mask from mixtures of honey, onion, lemon juice, or oatmeal.