Face skin turns black

What causes black skin discoloration? Is it treatable?

Skin discoloration can happen on any type of skin. However, it may be more apparent when it occurs on darker skin. Skin conditions, such as acne or eczema, could discolor black skin.

Many treatments can reduce skin discoloration, including laser therapy and chemical peels. Home remedies may include creams that contain vitamin C or retinol.

A person should speak with a dermatologist before trying any sort of treatment. A dermatologist specializes in treating skin conditions and can suggest a product or treatment that is a good match for an individual’s skin type. A person may find a dermatologist directly, or they may receive a referral from their doctor.

Below, we look at the different causes of discoloration on black skin and how to treat it.

Discoloration on dark skin can happen for a variety of reasons, including:

acne
eczema
rashes
infections
birthmarks
pigmentation disorders
skin cancer

Skin discoloration causes skin to look lighter (hypopigmented) or darker (hyperpigmented).

Hyperpigmentation is when the skin becomes highly pigmented and appears darker than usual. This results in dark spots.

Acne, eczema, wound healing, and sun exposure can all cause hyperpigmentation.

A form of hyperpigmentation called melasma typically occurs with hormonal changes. Pregnancy or some types of hormonal birth control could cause melasma.

Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation is common in dark skin and may develop after an injury or inflammatory response. The resulting dark spots and discoloration sometimes last for years.

With hypopigmentation, the skin loses its pigment and becomes lighter than usual. A person can be born with hypopigmentation or they can acquire it.

Like hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation may occur once a wound heals. It is also much more noticeable on black skin.

Vitiligo is a condition that causes melanin-producing cells to malfunction, leaving some patches of skin lighter than others.

Hypopigmentation from inflammation or infection usually resolves on its own. However, hypopigmentation from scarring is more difficult to alleviate and people respond differently to vitiligo treatment.

Learn more about vitiligo here.

Causes of discoloration on the face include:

vitiligo, which can affect any area of the body
postinflammatory hypopigmentation
acne
eczema
certain medications
sun damage
pityriasis rosea, a rash that can affect multiple parts of the body and cause severe itching
skin cancer

Discoloration of the hands can happen because of:

vitiligo
scratching and skin irritation due to eczema or other skin conditions
burn, cuts, scratches
sun damage
pityriasis rosea
skin cancer

Potential reasons for discoloration on the legs include:

vitiligo
scratching from chickenpox or eczema
scars or cuts due to shaving
insect bites
pityriasis rosea
sun exposure
skin cancer

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) say that skin-lightening creams can help reduce hyperpigmentation.

However, it is advisable to buy these from a reputable retailer. Some creams may contain toxic ingredients, including mercury. Creams that do not meet stringent manufacturing safety standards may cause rashes, make discoloration worse, and exert other harmful effects on the body.

Before trying any treatment or cream, a person should either contact a dermatologist directly or speak with their doctor. A doctor may treat the condition on their own, or they may refer an individual to a dermatology department.

A person should notice their skin getting better when they stop using products that cause skin irritation and discoloration. However, it can take up to a year for some dark spots to fade.

To alleviate skin discoloration and scarring people may want to use products that contain:

aloe vera
vitamin E
tea tree oil

Therapies that help alleviate skin discoloration include laser therapy and chemical peels.

However, a person may experience some side effects from these treatments. For example, laser therapy can help reduce dark spots but may produce hypopigmentation around the affected area. It can also worsen hyperpigmentation in some cases.

Learn more about laser therapy for scars here.

If a person notices a sudden patch of discoloration that does not go away, or gets worse, they should speak with a doctor. It is important to talk with a doctor about sudden skin discoloration as it could be a sign of skin cancer.

Similarly, if a person feels self-conscious about skin discoloration, they should talk with a dermatologist. They can suggest treatment options to reduce hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation. A person can find a dermatologist directly or seek a referral from their doctor.

In some cases, discoloration is unavoidable.

With acne, wounds, and sunburn, some strategies can help prevent discoloration. These include:

not picking at the skin
not popping pimples
wearing sunscreen daily
ensuring proper wound care

When a person has eczema, emollients and lotions may help provide relief from itching.

While most skin discoloration is nothing to worry about, in some cases it could be a symptom of skin cancer.

According to the AAD, people of color often receive skin cancer diagnoses when their cancer is at a later stage. Because of this, it is crucial that people of color do regular skin checks.

Addressing the underlying cause of the discoloration may help reduce any future instances of hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation. However, in some cases, hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation can be permanent, especially if it is present at birth.

If a person has concerns about discoloration on their skin, they should speak with a dermatologist. In many cases, medical treatments may produce better results than at-home remedies. A person can contact a dermatologist directly or receive a referral from their doctor.

Skin discoloration is often harmless and not usually cause for concern. However, a person should speak with their doctor if they notice sudden changes in skin color, or the discoloration is spreading or getting worse.

Melasma on black skin: Causes, treatment, and more

Melasma is a common form of hyperpigmentation that causes dark patches to develop on the face and other areas of the body commonly exposed to sunlight.

Possible causes of melasma include sun exposure, changes in hormones, and skincare products that contain irritating chemicals. The dark patches develop as a result of malfunctioning melanocytes, the cells that produce color in the skin.

Females and people with dark complexions are at a higher risk of developing melasma. Although it is harmless, some people may seek treatment for aesthetic reasons.

Read on to learn more about melasma on dark skin, how doctors diagnose it, how to prevent it, and more.

Learn more about melasma here.

The symptoms of melasma look different depending on a person’s skin tone. In general, melasma causes patches of dark skin on high points of the face.

Melasma on dark skin appears as dark brown or grey-brown patches. These patches often appear in a symmetric pattern on both sides of the face.

These patches often appear on the:

cheeks
nose
forehead
upper lip
chin

These patches can also appear on other parts of the body that a person exposes to the sun, such as the:

neck
chest
shoulders
arms

Learn more about what causes discoloration on black skin here.

The patches usually have irregular borders. Some patches form flat solid patches of discoloration, while others have a freckly or blotchy appearance.

Melasma occurs when melanocytes produce too much pigmentation in the skin, resulting in dark patches. People with black or brown skin have more melanocytes. This means that they are more likely to develop melasma than people with lighter complexions.

This condition usually develops in adults in their 20s or 30s. However, some forms of melasma do not appear until a person reaches their 40s.

Melasma occurs more often on female skin than on males. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (ADD), only 10% of people with melasma are male.

Possible causes of melasma include:

genetics
frequent sun exposure
skincare products that contain irritating ingredients
hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy or while taking hormonal birth control

Learn about other skin conditions that occur during pregnancy here.

Hormones

Melasma due to hormonal changes will fade once hormone levels return to normal. This can happen after pregnancy ends or once a person stops taking hormonal birth control.

Certain medical conditions can cause hormonal imbalances. Examples include:

thyroid disease
type 1 and type 2 diabetes
polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
menopause and perimenopause
chronic stress
hypogonadism or low testosterone
prostate cancer

Treating an underlying hormonal imbalance may help improve melasma symptoms.

Learn more about menopause in our dedicated hub here.

Melasma causes distinctive skin changes that most doctors or dermatologists can identify easily. A doctor may use a Wood’s light to see how far melasma has penetrated the skin.

Melasma can resemble other hyperpigmentation conditions. A doctor may order a skin biopsy to rule out other diagnoses, such as melanoma or dermatitis.

Learn more about a biopsy here.

Melasma does not typically require treatment. However, some people may seek treatment for aesthetic reasons. While various topical agents and cosmetic procedures can help fade melasma patches, not all treatments work for everyone.

Treatment might not completely clear melasma patches, and melasma can return even after successful treatment.

Since sun exposure can contribute to melasma, people must wear sunscreen to protect their skin and prevent melasma flares.

Learn more about sunburn on dark skin here.

Treatment options for melasma include:

Creams

Topical creams and gels are the first-line treatment options for melasma. Hydroquinone is a topical medication that lightens the skin. Hydroquinone is only available as a prescription through your doctor. Previously it had been available over the counter but the status was changed in 2021 following a ruling by the FDA.

Although hydroquinone can help improve the appearance of melasma patches, it can cause side effects.

Side effects of hydroquinone include:

dry skin
inflammation
a burning or tingling sensation
blue-black discoloration

People can use hydroquinone alone or in combination with other topical therapies.

In a 2015 study, researchers randomly assigned 233 participants a cream containing hydroquinone, fluocinolone acetonide, and tretinoin or a placebo cream. After 8-weeks of daily use, the combination cream was 64.60% effective, and the placebo was 0.88% effective in treating melasma in Chinese people.

Other topical agents that may improve melasma include:

corticosteroids
retinoids
azelaic acid
glycolic acid
kojic acid

Learn how to get rid of dark spots on black skin here.

Laser therapy

If hydroquinone and other topical therapies do not improve melasma, laser and light-based treatments may help. Laser therapy does not affect melanocyte activity. Instead, it removes pigmentation from the skin.

Unfortunately, laser therapy can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and lead to rebound melasma flares. It is best to use laser therapy alongside topical treatments.

Learn more about post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation here.

Medical procedures

Medical procedures may help fade melasma patches if topical treatments do not work. These include:

Chemical peel. A chemical peel uses glycolic acid to promote rapid skin cell turnover. This procedure may help remove discolored skin cells.
Microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasion is a form of physical exfoliation. During the procedure, a doctor uses an abrasive tool to remove the outer layer of skin.
Microneedling. During microneedling, a dermatologist pricks the skin with a very fine needle. According to a 2017 pilot study, microneedling helps stimulate collagen production, and it can even improve melasma and other hyperpigmentation disorders.

Learn more about what dermatologists do here.

Can a change in diet help?

While topical treatments are effective, some people may wonder if they can treat melasma through diet and lifestyle changes. Currently, there are no known foods that improve or exacerbate melasma.

But the authors of one 2017 systematic review found evidence that suggests oral medications and dietary supplements are effective treatments for melasma. The specific dietary supplements cited in this review include beta carotene and procyanidin.

Beta carotene is a red-orange pigment found in colorful fruits and vegetables, such as:

carrots
sweet potatoes
broccoli
pumpkin
grapes
grapefruit

Procyanidin is another plant compound commonly found in:

blueberries
cranberries
strawberries
grapes
apples

Learn about other foods that are good for the skin here.

While melasma is treatable, people can take steps to prevent melasma. These steps include:

wearing sunscreen daily
wearing broad-brimmed hats outside
avoiding direct sun exposure
using gentle skincare products
eating a healthful, balanced diet
maintaining a healthy weight
managing any underlying health conditions

Learn more about taking care of black skin here.

Melasma is a common pigmentation disorder that causes dark patches to form on the skin of the face and upper body. It occurs when specialized skin cells, called melanocytes, produce too much pigment.

People with dark skin have more melanocytes and have a higher chance of developing melasma. Melasma on dark skin causes dark brown or grey-brown patches.

OTC and prescription creams can help lighten melasma patches. Other treatments include laser therapy, microdermabrasion, and microneedling. However, melasma can return even after successful treatment.

People can prevent future melasma flares by wearing sunscreen and avoiding direct sun exposure.

Dull (gray) complexion. Diagnostics and treatment in the clinic

A dull complexion looks like an unhealthy grayish skin tone. And there is a similar problem not only in adulthood, but also in young people.

What affects the complexion?

The main reason for is the wrong way of life - little sleep, rest and walks, poor nutrition, bad habits. Usually a dull complexion is combined with the problem of dryness and sensitivity of the skin.

This complexion is typical for residents of megacities: they are characterized by a sedentary lifestyle, lack of fresh air, snacks on the go and late going to bed. As a result of lack of sleep and oxygen starvation, the skin does not have time to recover: the face looks pale and tired, and the process of premature aging starts. Due to malnutrition, the body does not receive enough useful substances: trace elements and vitamins. Physical inactivity leads to a lack of oxygen, which also affects the complexion.

Masking the skin with foundation is not an option, the skin from the tone will not look fresh and radiant.

To improve complexion, you should not only use an arsenal of cosmetic procedures, but also change your lifestyle: you should give up bad habits and lead a healthy lifestyle, spend more time in the fresh air, moderate sun consumption has a positive effect on complexion.

How to improve complexion?

Good habits contribute to a good complexion, but by combining them with the achievements of cosmetology, you can achieve the greatest effect and save the result for a long time.

Cosmetic treatments to improve complexion:

Biorevitalization and mesotherapy are injection techniques that help moisturize the skin and improve complexion. Completed by the course.
Collost - collagen injections that help tighten the skin and even out complexion.
Plasma therapy - injections of one's own blood plasma enriched with platelets. Platelets contribute to the activation of metabolism and cell renewal, increase local immunity and accelerate regeneration processes, stimulate the production of collagen and elastin.
Peelings - a composition containing various acids is applied to the face and helps to exfoliate dead cells. The skin is cleansed and renewed, it perceives cosmetic care more effectively, the complexion becomes healthy, irregularities and spots disappear.
Fraxel laser rejuvenation is a hardware technique that renews up to 20 percent of the skin in the treated area in one procedure. The course of procedures noticeably improves the quality of the skin: it becomes more dense and elastic, spots and post-acne disappear, pores narrow.
Photorejuvenation - a hardware procedure improves the skin due to the effects of pulsed light. Eliminates skin defects: age spots, freckles, spider veins, rosacea. Promotes skin rejuvenation.

7 causes of dull skin and how to deal with it

"I can't define it, but I'll know it when I see it," Potter Stewart, Judge of the Supreme Court, famously said after he heard a case about healthy skin . (Although, if you think about it, he was probably talking about something else.) But you understand that a face with this subtle glow is quite difficult to describe. Perhaps this is the result of a regular eight-hour sleep, balanced energy and inner beauty.

However, there is good news for those of us who are left out of the above: there are some great foods and a couple of great tips on how to use them to make you look healthy too. We have identified the pests that stand between you and this elusive inner glow, and then we have developed a specific plan to eliminate them. (And by "us" we mean us and the best dermatologists).

Whether you're looking for a simple at-home solution or a more effective professional treatment, here's your guide to combating what's holding you back from your radiance.

Problem #1

Dead cells - they are everywhere

No, you won't see them - they have an ashy color on the face. “We shed millions of skin cells a day, so if you don’t actively remove the ones that won’t fall off on their own, your skin will have a grayish tint despite its natural tone,” explains Mona Gohara, Professor of Dermatology at Yale School of medicine. Think of this accumulation of dead cells as dust. Until you get rid of it, this dirty layer will prevent living cells from reflecting light.

Solution: You will need to gently cleanse your face once or twice a week. “Sugar and jojoba oil scrubs are gentle enough even for the sensitive type, while granular scrubs with crushed nuts are good for everyone else,” advises Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic research at New York's Mount Sinai Hospital. (Try the Missha Brown Sugar Facial Scrub.) The peels use alpha and beta hydroxy acids to help exfoliate dead cells. To minimize irritation, look for formulations that contain soothing ingredients, such as aloe or green tea. (We love 3W Clinic Pure Clean Scrub Foam Cleansing Green Tea.)

Problem #2

Fossil fuel savings and environmental mitigation

Yes, yes, this also matters in personal care. Polluted air contains many small particles, such as dirt and sulfur dioxide, which create free radicals. But these free radicals damage collagen (hello new wrinkles!) and stimulate pigmentation over time. When the color and surface of your skin is uneven, dullness is unavoidable.

Solution: wash your face before going to bed, every day. If the dirt of the day lingers, it will harm you while you sleep. (But feel free not to wash your face in the morning.) "Pollution is irritating and can break the skin, so it's important to choose a gentle, creamy cleanser that will help repair that skin," Zeitner advises. (Try A'Pieu Pure Medic Daily Facial Cleanser.) Studies have shown that using soap and a cleansing brush is more effective at removing micro-dirt than manual cleansing. (Wet wipes don't remove dirt well, but if you're too tired for a thorough cleansing, wipes are better than nothing.) In the morning, stock up on serums and lotions with antioxidants like vitamin C and idebenone. “Imagine building a defense system to minimize the potential harm from free radical exposure,” Zeitner explains.

Problem #3

Skin problems cause stress, which leads to skin problems that...

You are stressed out because of a work deadline, a fight with a loved one, or poor sleep. And then you hear three of the most annoying words in one sentence: "You look tired." Whatever the stress, the result is always the same. “The hormone cortisol rises, you become easily provoked, and blood rushes to your vitals instead of your face, making you look sick,” says Kohara.

Solution: The advice to calm down or rest often leads to an even higher cortisol level, so we will omit it. Instead, try giving yourself a quick massage while you cleanse or moisturize your face. "It's a great way to stimulate circulation, which will add radiance and firmness to the skin," adds Kohara. For a firming effect, consider microdermabrasion (mechanical peeling) by a professional dermatologist. With it, you can get rid of dead cells and speed up blood circulation.

Problem #4

Your skin is a dehydration station

Without moisture, it looks dull, but the problem is deeper than you think, literally. “The lack of moisture in the skin and lower levels of the epidermis leads to a decrease in the skin,” Zeitner explains. “It can be compared to a deflated balloon. It won't be as bright as pouting."

Solution: Pat the Hyaluronic Acid Serum onto the face to absorb moisture deeper. (Try Elizavecca Witch Piggy Hell Pore Control Hyaluronic Acid 97%) Then top with a layer of moisturizer with strong emollients like cetyl alcohol or dimethicone. (A good choice is the Ladykin Affinitic Whitening Moisturizer.) "Emollients create a thin sheen," explains Zoe Diana Draelos, professor of dermatology at Duke University. “This layer will help the cells lie flatter and better reflect light.”

Problem #5

Are you not getting your daily ration of...metal?

"Micronutrients are vital for the formation of the body's natural antioxidants that promote your health and radiance," says Draelos. But it's hard to get the recommended amount from food alone.

Solution: Take a daily multivitamin. Draelos advises looking for those that include the following metals:

Selenium (helps increase immunity and has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin, prevents the appearance of free radicals).
Copper (participates in the process of converting the body's iron into hemoglobin, plays an important role in the formation of collagen and the synthesis of endorphins, hormones of "happiness").
Iron (protects the body from bacteria, promotes the formation of hemoglobin in the blood, prevents fatigue, increases resistance to disease).
Zinc (participates in the formation of bone tissue, ensures rapid healing of wounds).

The required amount of each metal depends on age and gender, so it's best to discuss this with your dermatologist.

Problem #6

You can't avoid the sun forever. Not impressive? What about all over pigmentation that can lead to patchy skin? Sun damage is also the main cause of weakened collagen, and therefore the dullness of your face.

Solution: we know, you know, but do it. Apply sunscreen. No remedy will show any effect until your skin is protected. Then use a vitamin A product every night. “It will protect existing collagen from breaking down and build even more structural protein,” says Kohara. Then add a serum or use a brightening mask, such as kojic acid or arbutin, to get rid of dark spots. (Try the BeauuGreen Hydrogel Clear Brightening Mask.)

Problem #7

Hormones are out of control

When your hormone levels fluctuate—due to puberty, menopause, medication, or other circumstances—it often takes a toll on your appearance. Just look at what happens when estrogen levels drop and testosterone levels stay the same: skin gets oilier, which creates a superficial sheen that highlights pores and dilutes radiance. And from melasma, a hormonal form of excessive pigmentation, you are left with dark spots that do not disappear with the use of brightening cosmetics for external use, since the pigment is kept in both the uppermost and deepest layers of the skin.

Solution: mattifying wipes and clay masks will help to remove excess fat. But if that's not enough, your dermatologist may prescribe a medication, such as spironolactone, to correct the hormonal cause of the oil. In the fight against stubborn melasma, ask your doctor to prescribe hydroquinone or have the pigment removed with a YAG laser or a fractional laser.

Dull appearance is a problem that does not just appear and is fixable. By changing or adding certain cosmetic products to your regular facial care, you can achieve that very inner glow, thanks to which you will look healthy, rested and bright.