What makes your skin darken

A dermatologist can diagnose the cause of your hyperpigmentation. They will request your medical history and give you a physical exam to determine the cause. In some cases, a skin biopsy can narrow down the cause. Topical prescription medication can treat some cases of hyperpigmentation. This medication usually contains hydroquinone , which lightens the skin.

However, prolonged use of topical hydroquinone without any breaks in use can cause darkening of the skin, known as ochronosis.

Home care sometimes includes over-the-counter medications that may lighten dark spots. Home care also includes using sunscreen. Sunscreen is the single most important factor in improving most causes of hyperpigmentation. Look for:. Use a sunscreen daily. There are also skin disorders with which visible light may play a role in perpetuating the hyperpigmentation, such as in melasma.

In that case, look for a mineral sunscreen that also has iron oxide in it, which can block some visible light. Use daily. Shop for SPF-infused clothing online. Your doctor may also suggest laser treatment or chemical peels to reduce hyperpigmentation, depending on the cause of your hyperpigmentation.

In some cases, dark areas will fade on their own with good sun protection. In other cases, more aggressive treatment is needed. Aloesin, a compound that is present in aloe vera, may lighten hyperpigmentation. Aloesin works by inhibiting the production of melanin in the skin.

One study suggests that taking aloe vera capsules can relieve melasma in pregnant women. People can apply aloe vera gel from the plant directly to the skin daily. However, no research has directly linked aloe vera to reduced areas of hyperpigmentation, so scientists do not yet know the effectiveness of using this technique. Licorice extracts may lighten hyperpigmentation.

Research suggests that a licorice extract called glabridin can have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant , and skin-whitening effects. People can use creams containing glabridin on areas of hyperpigmentation. Products containing glabridin are available at drug stores and online. Green tea extracts may improve hyperpigmentation.

Researchers have long studied green tea for its potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. There is very limited research suggesting that green tea extracts can improve melasma and reduce sunburn. More research is needed before scientists can fully understand whether or not green tea can actually improve symptoms. The cause of hyperpigmentation depends on the type.

The most common causes of hyperpigmentation are:. The body produces more melanin to protect the skin from prolonged exposure to the sun. This can cause dark spots or patches on the skin called age spots or sun spots. Areas of skin can darken after people have had inflammation of the skin.

This can include acne, eczema, lupus, or an injury to the skin. People with darker skin are more likely to develop post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Darker patches of skin can form when people experience hormonal changes. This type of hyperpigmentation is common during pregnancy. Certain medications, such as antimalarial drugs and tricyclic antidepressants, can cause hyperpigmentation.

In these cases, patches of skin may turn gray. It can cause hyperpigmentation in certain areas of the body, including:. Hemochromatosis is an inherited condition that causes the body to contain too much iron. It can cause hyperpigmentation, making the skin appear darker or tanned. Melasma is a type of hyperpigmentation. Melasma usually covers a larger area of skin than other types of hyperpigmentation, and it usually appears on the face. Cosmetics may also help mask a discoloration.

Your provider may recommend creams, ointments, surgery, or phototherapy, depending on the type of skin condition you have. Bleaching creams can help lighten dark areas of skin. Chang MW. Disorders of hyperpigmentation. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; chap Passeron T, Ortonne JP. Vitiligo and other disorders of hypopigmentation. Editorial team. Abnormally dark or light skin.

Abnormally dark or light skin is skin that has turned darker or lighter than normal. Skin with too much melanin is called hyperpigmented skin. Causes of hyperpigmentation include: Skin inflammation post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation Use of certain drugs such as minocycline, certain cancer chemotherapies, and birth control pills Hormone system diseases such as Addison disease Hemochromatosis iron overload Sun exposure Pregnancy melasma, or mask of pregnancy Certain birthmarks Causes of hypopigmentation include: Skin inflammation Certain fungal infections such as tinea versicolor Pityriasis alba Vitiligo Certain medicines Skin condition called idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis in sun exposed areas such as the arms Certain birthmarks.

Avoid too much sun exposure. Always use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Abnormally dark skin may continue even after treatment. When to Contact a Medical Professional.