If you are in your 30s or even older, you may have noticed changes in your skin. You may have some areas of skin that are darker than the normal tone and could even have scaly patches. The spots are likely on the skin exposed to the elements, such as the face and hands, but can also appear on the upper back, neck, chest, forearms or shoulders. These changes in the skin can be quite upsetting and even affect your self-confidence if they appear on the face. You would probably look for ways to get your smooth and even skin tone back.
This article will take a closer look at what skin discoloration is and why the skin has so many discolorations with age. Additionally, we will also discuss ways of getting rid of skin discolorations. We have taken valuable insights for this post from Dr. Rajdeep Mysore, the best skin specialist in Bangalore and the founder of Charma Clinic. Continue reading for more.
What is Skin Discoloration?
Skin discoloration is a prevalent skin condition that is characterized by lightening or darkening. The condition can appear as a small patch and impact large body areas. For example, a common type of skin discoloration is small dark spots on those areas of the body that are exposed to sunlight. At the same time, vitiligo is considered a more uncommon type of discoloration that shows up as large white patches on the body's trunk.
What Causes Skin Discoloration?
You might be questioning yourself: “Why does your skin have so many discolorations as you age?”
Skin discolorations often occur naturally in all skin types in response to an array of everyday occurrences. These include sun exposure, acne, burns, cuts etc. Other factors that affect skin discoloration include medications such as topical steroids or having low levels of Vitamin D. Let's understand some of the factors that cause skin discoloration:
1. Dark Spots
Dark spots occur when the skin cells become damaged. For instance, from UV exposure when you do not wear sunscreen. The skin cells induce pigment production in the skin, which is called melanin, in response to healing the damage. This overproduction of melanin makes the skin darker, leading to dark spots and patches.
2. Post-Acne Marks
Post-acne marks occur when an acne breakout is so deep that it actually harms the skin and the tissues beneath it. When acne goes away, the body tries to heal the damage by producing collagen, a substance that supports the skin. If too much or too little collagen is produced, it becomes a scar.
3. Age Spots
Age spots refer to small, dark and flat areas on the skin. They usually vary in size and appear in areas that are exposed to the sun. These include face, hands, shoulders and hands. Age spots are commonly seen in adults older than 50, but even youngsters can get them if they spend a lot of time in the sun without proper SPF application. Age spots also tend to affect individuals of all skin types, but they are common in adults with lighter skin tones.
4. Redness
Redness is a common skin concern with many causes, such as exposure to medications and skin conditions like rosacea. Some redness could be temporary, while others are long-lasting with certain skin conditions.
Other Reasons for Skin Discoloration
- Bleeding in the Skin: This happens when the blood vessels burst due to bruising or any allergic reaction.
- Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy is a cancer treatment that causes the skin to peel and itch.
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes cause the development of melasma.
- Toxic Exposures: Chronic application of silver compounds and heavy metals leads to the deposition of metallic compounds and stimulates excess melanin production.
If you are experiencing skin discoloration, you can consider consulting Dr. Rajdeep Mysore, the best dermatologist in Bangalore at Charma Clinic.
How is Skin Discoloration Treated?
The treatment for discolored skin depends on the underlying cause. If the dermatologist finds the underlying condition, they will treat it first. Any ongoing infection must be treated with the appropriate kind of medication. For instance, antibiotics can treat bacterial injections, whereas antifungal medications can treat fungal infections.
If you want treatment for cosmetic reasons, a dermatologist might recommend over-the-counter or prescription topical treatments to reduce signs of skin discoloration. Professional treatments such as microdermabrasion or chemical peels also help reduce hyperpigmentation. It is best to consult a skin doctor before trying topical treatments or any home remedies to treat skin discoloration.
How To Prevent Skin Discoloration?
The most effective technique to avoid UV damage and discoloration is to apply medical-grade sunscreen every day. Medical-grade sunscreens can enter the skin more deeply and offer a higher concentration of active chemicals, which leads to better skin protection. A good sunscreen will give the UVA and UVB protection needed to protect the skin from unwanted signs of ageing, such as discoloration, fine lines, and wrinkles. Maintaining an at-home skincare routine can make a huge difference in the appearance and health of the skin.
Final Takeaway
While many situations of skin discolorations are harmless, any unusual changes in the skin can be a cause of concern. Some causes of discolored skin patches are minor conditions that require simple treatments. Other causes could be more severe and can require ongoing treatment. It is vital to consult a skin specialist about any changes that are bothering you, especially if you notice any unusual symptoms or rapid changes in the skin. This could indicate a more serious condition. The doctor will diagnose the cause of discolored skin and recommend the most appropriate treatment. If the skin discoloration is linked to any underlying medical condition, the skin symptoms will not disappear if the medical condition is first addressed.
If you are searching for a leading skin specialist to treat skin discoloration, consider consulting Dr. Rajdeep Mysore at Charma Clinic. Apart from treating skin discoloration, the expert dermatologist offers acne treatment, pigmentation treatment, laser hair reduction, moles, warts, skin tag removal and uneven skin tone treatment in Bangalore. To consult him, visit Charma Clinic today.
