You might have noticed and asked yourself why is your face darker than your body. You likely noticed skin darkening around your cheeks, knees, elbows, and butt areas. If you are wondering what causes skin darkening and how to get rid of it, you’re on the right page.

How are the dark patches created?

Your normal skin cells, called melanocytes produce a brown pigment called melanin. It’s responsible for protecting your skin from the harsh rays emitted from the Sun. It likewise works with vitamin D, which strengthens bones and reduces inflammation. In short, melanin is beneficial in protecting our skin from harmful UV rays. But, when melanocytes get produced in excess, it causes hyperpigmentation. This results in the formation of dark patches on the skin. The key to getting even-toned skin is to find the root cause as to why your cell produces more of the pigment called melanin.

Why is your face darker than your body?

Mentioned below are some common reasons that lead to skin darkening. If you got your body lighter than the face, you’d know the reason behind it.

Sun Tan

Our face often gets exposed to the sun and our body remains covered in clothes. This causes our facial skin to tan very easily. Excessive amounts of melanin get produced under the rays of the sun. It results in dark patches on your skin making your face look darker than your body.

Underlying medical conditions

Excessive melanin production might happen due to insulin resistance which is a kind of metabolic syndrome often caused due to sedentary lifestyle. It can also be a result of hidden kidney disease or hormonal imbalance caused during pregnancy,

Use of pills or drugs

Long-term intake of certain drugs or steroids can cause hormonal imbalance which eventually leads to dark patches. Intake of birth control pills can also be one of the reasons for your face is darker than your body.

Skincare products

Sometimes using skincare products that are substandard can lead to the darkening of the skin. Products such as underarm rolls or powders or face creams can be harsh on your delicate skin.

Home remedies

In case your face is darker than your body here are some home remedies you can get started with immediately before opting for other treatments.

Orange Peel Aloe Vera Face Pack

Aloe vera contains many amino acids and nutrients that help regenerate your skin. Orange peel powder contains high vitamin c that fights hyperpigmentation. Multani mitti has been used for generations to beautify your skin and fight dark spots.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp Aloe vera gel
• 2 tbsp Multani mitti
• 2 tbsp Orange peel powder
• 2 tbsp Rosewater

Method

Mix all the ingredients with the rose water and apply to your face. Let it sit for 20 minutes. Then rinse with cold water. Repeat twice a week.

Baking Soda Gram flour (besan) Face Pack

Baking soda has often been used as a natural bleaching agent and helps lighten skin tone. Gram flour helps reduce sun tan and fastens the process of skin lightening.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp baking soda
• 1 tbsp gram flour
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp honey

Method

Mix all the ingredients with some water to make a paste. Spread it evenly on your skin and let it dry. Wait for at least 15 mins. Rinse with plain water. Repeat twice a week.

Some Over The Counter Tropical Options

If you have tried many home remedies but are still unable to find a solution then here are some other treatment options.

Hydroquinone

Hydroquinone is an active skin-lightening agent. It has a standard depigmentation feature. When you apply it to your skin, it may regulate melanin production. It reduces dark spots while lightening your skin tone.

Retinoid Creams:

Retinoids are derivatives of Vitamin A. It helps you treat skin issues like acne and symptoms of aging. Typically, retinoids help you treat melasma. It also helps you reduce age spots by improving the turnover of cells.

Kojic acid

Kojic acid helps you treat hyperpigmentation. It lightens the skin by inhibiting the formation of an amino acid named tyrosinase. It is a compound responsible for melanin production. This in turn reduces the formation of excess pigment which eventually leads to skin lightening. You may find kojic acid in cosmetic items like creams, lotions, and gels.

Niacinamide

Niacinamide is a type of Vitamin B3. It helps improve the appearance of the mature facial skin by helping the skin retain its moisture. It helps fight hyperpigmentation by reducing melanin concentration of the skin and promoting cell turnover.

Glycolic acid

Glycolic acid peels may work to exfoliate your skin and remove dead cells from the face. They are one of the safest as well as effective ways to fight hyperpigmentation or scars of any kind.

Laser Pigmentation Removal

This procedure uses light laser beams on targeted areas of the skin. It takes 4-6 weeks after the treatment to show its effect.

How can you prevent your skin from darkening?

Here are some simple points to remember in case you are serious about improving your skin’s appearance. Try to add these things to your daily routine.

• Wear good quality sunscreen before stepping out in the sun.
• Eat a diet high in vitamin A since it helps the skin fight the harsh sun rays.
• Cover your face as much as possible while out in the sun
• Use a good quality vitamin C cream after washing your face every day.
• Exercise to improve blood circulation throughout your body and face.
• Reduce carbohydrates in your diet. Eating excess amounts of carbohydrates can lead to hormonal imbalance which in turn causes skin darkening.
• Remove makeup before bed. Apply good night cream before bed. You will wake up with glowing facial skin every morning.
• Go for regular facials every month.

You may also like to read: Home Remedies For Dark Armpits: Tips & Causes

We shared some simple yet effective solutions. We suggest starting using some of these treatments and trying to use them regularly for the best results.

References:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-to-get-rid-of-dark-spots-on-the-face#causes

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34751927/