Is Your Face Darker Than Your Body? – Causes, Treatments, And Remedies

Why Is Your Face Darker Than Your Body?: The Possible Reasons

1. Overexposure To The Sun

Did you know that your facial skin experiences more damage than other parts of your body due to the suns rays? The harmful UV rays from the sun are responsible for skin darkening and sun damage. You can observe this color change when you are out in sunlight for a few hours. UV rays can deeply penetrate your skin layers and stimulate melanin (pigment) production.

Melanin is responsible for your skin color. It also protects your skin from UV damage. However, your skin produces more melanin when you are exposed to the sunlight (1). This is one of the main causes for your face being darken than your body. It can also cause age spots that appear as tan, brown, or black marks on your skin causing an uneven skin tone  (2).

An online survey conducted on 31,162 respondents found that 34.2% had experienced sunburn in 2015. Participants between 18 -29 had a prevalence rate of 51.2%. It was further noted that the prevalence rate of sunburns was 42.5% in non-Hispanic white people, 29.7% in Hispanic, and 13.2% in Black participants.

2. Hormonal Issues

An increase in estrogen levels in the body may lead to increased skin pigmentation. This condition is known as melasma. You usually notice it in women who are on oral contraceptive pills or hormone replacement therapy and pregnant women.

This skin disorder mainly occurs due to sun exposure, hormonal changes during pregnancy, photosensitizing drugsⁱ  XMedications that can increase sensitivity to light or drugs that cause an adverse reaction to sun exposure. , and steroidsⁱ  XBiologically active compounds or anti-inflammatory medications used to treat a range of conditions. (3). You can observe brown patches on the skin that look similar to age spots. Also, genetics play a key role in the case of this skin disorder. That means you are likely to have melasma if people in your family have melasma.

Abnormal cortisolⁱ  XAn essential hormone produced by the adrenal glands that regulate a wide range of vital processes throughout the body. level is also said to cause estrogen imbalance in the body (4). This then increases melanin production which, in turn, causes darkening of the skin (5).

3. Irritating Cosmetic Products

Most of the skin care products that you put on your face contain harmful chemicals that are harsh on your skin. These chemicals may cause dry patches, age spots, and discoloration. They may also contain some ingredients that are susceptible to darkening in the sun. Also, some cosmetic products cause acne outbreaks and make your face even darker.

4. Autoimmune Diseases

A few autoimmune diseases can cause inflammation in your facial skin. Diseases like lupus can change your skin color (6).Vitiligo is also an auto-immune disease caused due to the loss of melanocytes which manifests as lighter-colored patches on darker skin (7). Discoloration can also be the first symptom of diabetes (8). Also, if you have any kidney-related disease, your skin color may turn dark (9).

5. Medications

Intake of certain medications can cause hyperpigmentation on your face. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, and cytotoxic drugs may cause skin discoloration (10).  They can impart a gray tone to your skin.

These are the reasons for facial skin darkening. Are you looking for natural ways to improve your facial skin color? Here are home remedies that you should try.

Home Remedies You Should Try

1. Aloe Vera: Aloesin, a compound derived from aloe vera, is effective in treating pigmentation issues (11). This active compound works as a depigmenting agent and inhibits melanin production. You can apply it regularly to your face.

2. Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil is considered to be effective in treating pigmented skin. The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree oil reduce the severity of acne lesionsⁱ  XAbnormal changes of the skin compared to the surrounding tissue caused by trauma or certain medical conditions. (12). You can use it regularly to see results.

3. Orange Peel: Orange peel contains an active compound called hesperidin that lightens the skin (13).

4. Vitamin C: Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons are a good source of vitamin C. Vitamins can treat several skin problems like skin darkening (14). It protects your skin from UV damage and free radicals while reducing hyperpigmentation  (15).  You can opt for over-the-counter creams or serums that contain vitamin C.

5. 5. Almond Oil: Almond oil is known for its antioxidant and photoprotective qualities, and its alpha-tocopherols can combat wrinkles and uneven pigmentation. Vitamin E is another prominent component of almond oil that can treat hyperpigmentation by inhibiting tyrosinase, a key enzyme responsible for pigmentation. Notably, vitamin E shows limited effectiveness in treating pigmented conditions like chloasma (melasma) when used by itself. However, it has been found to display a notable improvement in skin pigmentation issues when used in combination with vitamins A and C. Almonds also contain niacin, which has shown promise in enhancing complexion (16).

Quick Tip

You can also combine honey and lemon juice and apply the mixture on your face for 10 minutes. Make sure to wash your face afterward properly.

Best Treatment Options To Improve This Condition

1. Retinoids

Retinoids are derivatives of vitamin A. They are used to treat many skin issues, like acne and signs of aging. Retinoids are an effective topical treatment for melasma (17). They help to reduce age spots by improving cell turnover. Also, they are used to treat post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

2. Kojic Acid

Kojic acid is used for skin lightening. It is used to treat skin hyperpigmentation, melasma, and wrinkles (18). It lightens the skin by inhibiting the production of tyrosine (an amino acid) that is responsible for the production of melanin. You can find kojic acid in many cosmetic products such as gels, creams, and lotions.

3. Hydroquinone

Hydroquinone is a standard depigmentation and skin-lightening agent used in many medicated creams (19). When applied to your skin, it regulates melanin production, reduces dark spots, and lightens your skin tone.

4. Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid prevents acne formation by disrupting cellular functions and stimulating natural exfoliation (20). This skin-lightening acid peels off the outer layer of your skin and allows new skin cells to be regenerated.

5. Niacinamide

Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3. It can improve the appearance of aging facial skin and hyperpigmented spots on the face (21). It reduces the sebum production on the face and works as an excellent treatment for acne (22).

6. Alpha Hydroxy Acids

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are natural water-soluble acids that exfoliate the skin to reduce comedone formation (20). They reduce the appearance of acne scars, age spots, and minimize discoloration.

7. Glycolic Acid

Glycolic acid peels work to exfoliate your skin by removing dead skin cells from your face. It lightens your skin tone and decreases the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (21). If you are taking any topical medicines, avoid using glycolic acid.

You can also opt for laser treatments that can speed up the process of removing the outer layer of your skin. However, laser therapies and other dermatology procedures are expensive compared to the other options mentioned above.

You can prevent your facial skin from getting dark. Find out how in the next section.

How To Prevent Your Face From Getting Dark

1. Always use skin care products that are suitable for your skin type to avoid any unwanted skin problems.
2. Use any skin-lightening cream that is suitable for your skin type.
3. Dont forget to apply sunscreen whenever you go out. Also, try to wear a hat, scarf, or sunglasses while going outside. They will protect your face from tanning and harmful UV rays.
4. While buying any cosmetic product, do check the product label. Also, avoid products with harsh chemicals that can damage your skin. Do not fall into the trap of using harmful products for the sake of unrealistic beauty standards which will end up causing more damage.
5. Make sure to remove your makeup every day before you go to sleep. Otherwise, it can lead to rashes or other skin issues.

You may also try home remedies to balance your uneven skin tone. Jasmine Ama, a vlogger, documented her personal seven-day experience of using a homemade rice flour and dairy product mask for skin brightening. She applied the mask daily before shower and allowed it to dry. Although she experienced a minor breakout, on the sixth day, she observes on her blog: “My skin looks significantly better; it looks so much brighter. I don’t have many breakouts, and it [the skin] just looks firmer (i).”

Quick Tip

Reapply sunscreen every 3-4 hours, 2 to 3 times daily. Experts recommend SPF 30 to SPF 50 for Indian skin tones.

Infographic: Most Common Reasons Why Your Face Is Darker Than Your Body

Most of us always blame the sun for making our skin dark. Yes, it is right to blame it on the sun’s harmful rays. However, there are other common reasons of which we are not aware. Are you wondering why your skin is getting darker without sun exposure? Check out the infographic to learn the most common reasons that can make your face darker than the body.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my face darker without sunlight?

Hyperpigmentation is the most common cause of skin darkening without exposure to the sun. This is a condition where the body produces extra melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color.

What foods make your skin lighter?

Some of the foods that can make your skin lighter are:

Is it safe to use skin-lightening products?

Some people use skin lighteners all over their bodies to alter their skin tone, but this can be very dangerous. Bleaching can result in mercury poisoning because mercury is an active ingredient in some skin lighteners. Mercury is a poisonous substance that can result in severe neurological, kidney, and psychiatric issues. So, avoid using skin-lightening products too often.

Can makeup help even out my skin tone?

Makeup products like concealers and foundations help cover uneven skin tones.

Can skin lighten with age?

The skin’s epidermis thins with age, meaning that a lesser number of melanocytes, or pigment-containing cells, are present. This can make fairer skin tones appear paler.

• Carrot
• Yogurt
• Cucumber
• Sesame seeds
• Kale
• Orange
• Strawberry
• Avocado
• Tomato

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Dr. Ipshita JohriMBBS, DDV, Diploma in Practical Dermatology

   

Dr. Ipshita Johri is a dermatologist and cosmetologist with over 7 years of experience. She ensures result-oriented treatment with maximum patient comfort and satisfaction using updated methods and tactics and best and contemporary US FDA approved technologies. She aims to understand the patient’s needs and concerns to find the root cause and provide the best possible solutions. She believes in...more

Arshiya SyedaSenior Editor

 

Arshiya Syeda is a senior editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer and combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She holds a bachelor's degree in literature and psychology from Osmania University, Hyderabad, and a post-graduate diploma in psychological...more

Ramona SinhaEditor

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal. She also did a certificate course in dermatology offered by the Novosibirsk State University...more

Monomita ChakrabortyBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Monomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach with a keen interest in skin, hair, tattoos, nail art, and lifestyle trends. Her passion for and understanding of all things related...more