Skin Discoloration on the Face

Skin discoloration can be caused by several factors, including sun damage (such as sun spots and age spots), hormonal changes, acne scars, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation associated with scarring or injury. Hyperpigmentation occurs when excess melanin is produced in the skin, creating dark spots and uneven skin tone, while hypopigmentation occurs when not enough melanin is produced in areas of skin. While forms of hyperpigmentation are extremely common, discoloration and uneven skin tone can still be a significant skin concern for many people, prompting them to seek the best treatment options and cosmetic procedures. Luckily, many treatment options are available at the expert board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Michele Green’s, New York City dermatology office, including laser treatments, skincare products, and microneedling.

The best first step for receiving treatment is to schedule a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green, who can diagnose the root cause of the discolored skin and develop a personalized treatment plan. Different skin problems require different treatment methods, so proper diagnosis is crucial. Some patients may experience hyperpigmentation in the form of harmless skin conditions, such as sunspots, age spots, freckles, moles, or birthmarks. Others may experience rashes, blisters, or infections like eczema, psoriasis, contact dermatitis, rosacea, tinea versicolor, or ringworm, which can also irritate the skin’s surface. Health conditions such as Addison’s disease, Lupus, and diabetes, as well as autoimmune disorders like vitiligo and melasma, can also cause areas of discoloration. Suppose you notice a new or changing dark spot on the skin’s surface. In that case, it is always best to have it checked out by a dermatologist, who can also diagnose skin cancers such as actinic keratosis, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.

Internationally renowned, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green has been expertly treating patients at her Upper East Side, New York City dermatology office for more than 25 years. In addition to treating cases of age spots and hyperpigmentation, Dr. Green is a master at addressing other effects of the natural aging process, such as fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, volume loss, and uneven skin tone and skin texture with such treatments as Botox, dermal fillers, laser therapy, microdermabrasion, microneedling, chemical peels, and more. Along with addressing cosmetic concerns, Dr. Green provides many treatment options for medical conditions associated with dark spots, including skin cancer, melasma, and rosacea. With her proprietary line of skincare products, MGSKINLABs, Dr. Green can recommend the highest quality topical lightening creams, lotions, cleansers, acne treatments, and sunscreens. Well-known for high patient satisfaction, Dr. Green has been consistently voted one of the best dermatologists in New York City by such publications as Castle Connolly, Super Doctors, and New York Magazine.

What is hyperpigmentation on the face?

Hyperpigmentation happens when patches of skin on the face are noticeably a different shade from your natural skin color. It is often caused by too much production of the pigment melanin, which is naturally made in the body and determines eye, hair, and skin color. When the cells that produce melanin, called melanocytes, are damaged, uneven melanin production may occur. Some people might experience hyperpigmentation, with excess melanin in specific areas, while others might have hypopigmentation, with too little melanin in patches. Hyperpigmentation can also result from inflammation, sunburn, damaged or visible blood vessels, rashes, or other skin irritations.

What are the causes of skin discoloration?

Many patients wonder, “What causes dark patches on the face?” Many skin conditions can cause facial discoloration, and understanding the root cause of this discoloration is crucial for developing an effective treatment plan.

Some common causes of skin discoloration include:

• Sun Damage from unprotected exposure to the sun’s UV rays. Sun damage can lead to the appearance of sunspots (also known as age spots or liver spots) and may also increase the risk of skin cancer.
• Birthmarks are often apparent on the skin’s surface from birth, and are generally not harmful. Some birthmarks are caused by uneven melanin production, while others are caused by damaged blood vessels.
• Moles are brown or black spots on the skin’s surface. Moles can be completely harmless, but a mole that changes shape or color may be an early indicator of skin cancer, so it is always best to get them checked out.
• Eczema is a skin condition characterized by dry, irritated skin that can lead to the appearance of skin discoloration.
• Rosacea is characterized by small red bumps on the face that darken in appearance when the blood vessels expand.
• Tinea versicolor is a kind of yeast infection that leads to the appearance of discoloration on the skin’s surface.
• Ringworm is a fungal infection that creates the appearance of a red, circular rash on the skin’s surface.
• Vitiligo is an autoimmune skin condition that is characterized by a loss of pigmentation in the skin’s surface, leading to patches of skin that are lighter in color than the surrounding skin.
• Melasma is a skin condition characterized by gray or brown areas of discoloration. Hormonal fluctuations and unprotected sun exposure can worsen the condition.
• Immune system conditions, such as Lupus or Addison’s Disease, can contribute to the appearance of dark patches of skin and rashes.
• Skin Cancer is often characterized by patches of discoloration on the skin’s surface. If you notice new moles or moles whose borders have changed, it is best to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist.

What does melasma discoloration look like on the face?

Melasma is a skin condition characterized by areas of pigmentation due to the overproduction of melanin. These blotchy gray or brown patches of discoloration appear most commonly on areas of the face, such as the upper lip, cheeks, bridge of the nose, and forehead. Melasma occurs when the pigment melanin is overproduced in the melanocytes, which are responsible for producing melanin. When melanin is overproduced, it causes uneven pigmentation across the skin’s surface, resulting in uneven dark patches. The exact cause of the skin condition is not yet known. However, several major risk factors increase the likelihood of developing melasma, including sun exposure, hormonal fluctuations, and certain skin types.

Is skin discoloration an indicator of skin cancer?

Sunspots, skin pigmentation caused by acne scars, age spots, and melasma, are not a health concern; they are only a cosmetic issue. However, signs of malignant melanoma, which are skin cancerous lesions or melanin-rich lesions on the skin, can look similar to sunspots. Malignant melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer and develops within the melanocytes themselves. Melanoma is induced by genetics, ultraviolet sun exposure, and UV radiation from tanning beds. The appearance of sun spots or liver spots is flat, mostly even in color and size, and generally symmetric in appearance. Malignant melanoma lesions are characterized by the “ABCDEs” characteristics of melanoma. Generally, there is asymmetry, irregular borders, changes in color, and a diameter of more than 6 millimeters, and it is evolving or changing over time (in either size, color, or shape). If you are concerned about the appearance of a new dark lesion on your skin, it is best to have it examined by an expert board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green in New York City. Skin cancer is a frequently discussed and well-researched topic in healthcare because of its prevalence and potential for malignancy. Dr. Green is highly experienced in treating all skin types and will be able to determine if the lesion is a benign liver spot or potentially dangerous skin cancer, and assess whether a skin biopsy and other treatments are necessary.

How does sun protection help prevent skin discoloration?

One of the most common causes of skin discoloration is unprotected sun exposure, so it is essential to wear sunscreen to prevent hyperpigmentation, such as age spots, and flare-ups of skin conditions like melasma. Dr. Green highly recommends that patients add sunscreen application to their daily skincare routine. In the morning, patients should wash their face with a gentle cleanser, apply a light, hydrating moisturizer, and then a broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen. Even when you are inside, UVA rays can still filter through some windows and cause melasma to flare up, which is why it is imperative to wear sunscreen every day. When patients do spend significant time outside, Dr. Green suggests reapplying sunscreen every two hours to ensure full UVA and UVB protection.

How to get rid of dark patches on the face

Many treatment options are available to treat hyperpigmentation at Dr. Green’s Upper East Side dermatology office. If dark patches are caused by unprotected sun exposure or acne scars, Dr. Green will turn to the following treatment options:

The Clear + Brilliant Laser, which is often referred to as the “Mini-Fraxel laser,” is an FDA-approved treatment for skin resurfacing that is gentle and safe for all skin types. The laser employs fractionated technology to create micro-injuries on the top layer of the skin, triggering the body’s natural healing response and stimulating the production of collagen and new skin cells. As a result, the new skin appears lighter and brighter, giving it a youthful and revitalized appearance. The treatment effectively addresses sun damage and age spots, enhances skin tone and texture, and minimizes the appearance of fine lines.

The Fraxel Laser is a treatment specifically approved to address sun damage, age spots, fine lines, acne scars, and restore a smooth texture to the skin. The laser employs two wavelengths at 1927 and 1550 to resurface a targeted treatment area while leaving the surrounding skin unaffected. The two wavelengths work to treat different skin conditions, with 1927 being best used for hyperpigmentation and 1550 being used for fine lines, acne scars, and improving skin texture. When used together, the two wavelengths of the Fraxel laser can work for a full facial rejuvenation, improving brown spots on the face and eliminating fine lines and creases for a lighter, brighter, more youthful appearance.

Microneedling is a highly effective treatment option for removing dark spots and addressing various forms of hyperpigmentation, including sunspots, age spots, melasma, and uneven skin tone. In addition to boosting new collagen production and triggering skin cell turnover, microneedling can disrupt melanin production in the skin by reducing the activity of the melanocytes, which are responsible for creating pigmentation in the skin. Microneedling can also be paired with skin-lightening serums, which are topical serums applied after treatment. Microneedling creates microchannels that help increase the absorption of serums, thereby improving overall skin lightening results.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment, also known as a “Photofacial,” is an excellent way to treat various forms of hyperpigmentation, including sun spots and redness, as well as fine lines, and to improve the skin’s texture. The treatment works via emitting several different wavelengths of light, which penetrate the dermal layer of skin to be absorbed by the melanin-rich cells that form the sunspot. The melanin cells transform the light energy into heat, which works to destroy the pigmentation cells. IPL differs from other laser treatments, such as the Candela Alex-Trivantage laser, in that it uses multiple wavelengths of light rather than just one to treat the skin condition. The treatment is safe and effective, involving minimal discomfort. Typically, patients report feeling as though a rubber band is being snapped lightly on the face.

Chemical Peels are highly effective treatments for a variety of conditions, including the elimination of sun spots and other forms of hyperpigmentation, addressing melasma, and reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars. A chemical peel works by reacting the acid in the peel with the dead skin cells, debris, and dirt on the surface of the skin. This reaction exfoliates the skin, unclogging the pores, removing dead skin cells, and triggering the production of new, lighter skin cells.

IMAGE34 chemical peel treatment to improve skin condition MGwatermark

How can I get rid of pigmentation and birthmarks?

Birthmarks are areas of discoloration on the skin’s surface that appear at birth. The best way to get rid of birthmarks depends on the type of birthmark you have. Some birthmarks are vascular, meaning that they are often red and raised, and caused by irregular or damaged blood vessels. The other type of birthmark that patients may experience is a pigmented birthmark, which is characterized by either excessive or insufficient melanin production. When you have your initial consultation with Dr. Green, she will examine the treatment area and determine the treatment option that is best for you.

What is the best chemical peel for pigmentation?

Many types of chemical peels help remove dark spots, but typically, Dr. Green will turn to the Cosmelan peel. The Cosmelan peel is a two-part chemical peel applied in Dr. Green’s office. Depending on your skin type and the extent of the hyperpigmentation, Dr. Green will advise you on how long to leave the peel on your skin. Once the Cosmelan peel has been removed, patients should always wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher when going outside to avoid unwanted side effects.

How can I get rid of discoloration on the face?

Patients often wonder, “How to get rid of discoloration on the face?” If dark spots on the face are caused by melasma, several treatment methods are available:

Tri-Luma Cream: Tri-Luma is the only FDA-approved topical cream designed specifically for the treatment of moderate to severe melasma. Melasma is a skin condition that is notoriously difficult to treat and impossible to cure. The best way to control the condition is to manage the symptoms and then avoid possible triggers, including sun exposure, tanning beds, sunlamps, and hormonal birth control pills. Tri-Luma is effective in controlling melasma flare-ups in the short term, reducing the symptoms of melasma, such as dark spots and skin discoloration, over an eight-week period. Several clinical trials have demonstrated that Tri-Luma is effective in reducing symptoms of melasma, with 77% of patients who received Tri-Luma treatment experiencing a full or near-full reduction in discoloration by week 8. Once the round of Tri-Luma is complete, patients should practice strict sun avoidance by wearing protective clothing and applying sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher whenever they go outside.

Chemical Peels can be performed in-office to improve skin tone and texture, with minimal downtime and reduced risk of serious side effects. They work by applying a topical chemical solution that reacts with the dead skin cells and debris on the skin’s surface, causing them to slough off and boosting skin cell turnover for clearer, brighter, lighter skin. Dr. Green is an expert in many different types of chemical peels, which have a range of active ingredients to address various skin concerns, but will often turn to the TCA peel for melasma.

Cosmelan Peel: A professional-grade mask applied in-office, the Cosmelan Peel is often Dr. Green’s go-to treatment for melasma. Based on the severity of the pigmentation, skin tone, and skin type, Dr. Green will determine the duration required for the peel to remain on the patient’s face. Patients can then wipe away the mask at home using a gentle cleanser. The resulting skin peeling will help patients achieve smoother, clearer, and brighter skin, as well as reduce the appearance of melasma.

Mesopeels: Mesopeels are specially formulated chemical peels designed to reduce hyperpigmentation on the skin. Mesopeels work not only to eliminate excess pigment but also to inhibit tyrosinase activity, a key enzyme in melanin production. There is no downtime associated with Mesopeels, and they are safe to perform on patients of all skin types and tones, including patients with darker skin tones. Unlike other chemical peels, Mesopeels are gentle, allowing them to be used on sensitive body areas, including the face, back, chest, inner thighs, and groin. Multiple treatments are required to see the best cosmetic results.

How to get rid of white patches on the face

Patients will often ask, “How to get rid of white patches on the skin?” White patches of skin are another form of discoloration that can occur on the face. The first step in treating white patches on the face is determining the underlying cause of the discoloration. Some patients may experience light patches due to an autoimmune condition called vitiligo, which is when the skin loses its color. Other patients may experience hypopigmentation, which is when insufficient melanin is produced after scarring or an injury. Some treatment options can include laser light therapy, camouflage, surgery, or repigmentation therapy.

How to remove pigmentation from the face permanently

When looking for a long-lasting treatment, patients often wonder, “How to remove pigmentation from the face permanently?” Many treatment options available at Dr. Green’s dermatology office are permanent, providing patients with long-lasting results. Following treatment, patients should practice strict sun avoidance, as sun damage that occurs after treatment can result in the appearance of new dark spots.

How to fix skin discoloration on the face

Patients often ask, “How to fix skin discoloration?” Many topical treatments are available to address skin discoloration, including both over-the-counter options and prescription medications prescribed by a dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green. When you have your initial consultation with Dr. Green, she will generate a treatment plan to address your specific pigmentation disorder by assessing the underlying cause of the hyperpigmentation. The most common treatment options that Dr. Green will recommend include:

Hydroquinone – Dr. Green may recommend a topical skin lightening cream containing the powerful ingredient hydroquinone, which works to block melanin production and movement of melanin in the dermis. Hydroquinone can have significant side effects and be irritating to the skin, especially for patients with darker skin tones or sensitive skin. For patients with a darker skin tone or sensitive skin, Dr. Green may recommend a hydroquinone-free brightening cream containing tranexamic acid rather than hydroquinone. The tranexamic acid-based cream works similarly to block melanin production, while being a gentler product for the skin overall.

Topical Retinol Cream – Retinoid-based creams and lotions are a common and effective way to help reduce the appearance of sun spots. They work to enhance the skin exfoliation and rejuvenation process, boosting collagen production for brighter skin.

Spot Acne Treatment – When left untreated, acne breakouts can lead to acne scars, characterized by post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This discoloration remains visible on the skin even after the initial breakout has subsided. As such, it is important to address acne breakouts before they can lead to scarring. The Acne Spot Treatment from MGSKINLABs contains active ingredients like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid to dry out pimples and reduce acne. Dr. Green recommends using a damp cotton swab to apply the product to the affected area and then letting it dry. Patients should always avoid popping pimples, as this can lead to skin irritation, scarring, and the spread of bacteria across the skin and deeper into the pores.

Vita-C-Serum – Dr. Green often recommends applying a vitamin-C serum, which has antioxidant properties and is used to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and decrease unwanted redness, while rejuvenating the skin.

Exfoliating Solutions – Exfoliating the skin should be performed one to two times a week to help remove dead skin cells from the face, promoting skin cell turnover and clearing pores. Two types of exfoliation can be performed: chemical exfoliation and physical exfoliation. Chemical exfoliation involves the application of a solution containing such key ingredients as lactic acid, salicylic acid, kojic acid, or glycolic acid, which causes a reaction with the dead skin cells and debris, causing them to slough off the skin, boosting new collagen production, and leaving the skin bright and clear. Physical exfoliation involves the application of an abrasive ingredient, such as biodegradable beads or sugar. Physical exfoliation is highly effective but is more likely to cause skin irritation, so consult your dermatologist on which method would be best for you, especially if you have sensitive skin. The best exfoliating ingredients for dark spots include kojic acid, azelaic acid, and salicylic acid.

How do you get rid of skin discoloration on your face naturally?

For the best results, dark spot elimination is best performed in the office of an expert dermatologist, such as Dr. Green. Still, some treatments can be done at home to help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation.

• Aloe Vera – When applied to the skin, compounds found in aloe vera can help lighten the skin.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – The acetic acid found in apple cider vinegar can also reduce the appearance of sunspots.
• Milk and buttermilk – milk contains lactic acid that may help to lighten sunspots when applied to the skin.
• Green Tea – Green tea may help fade sun spots when applied to the skin.

Any natural products applied at home can have some effect, but will never be as effective as cosmetic procedures or skincare products available at Dr. Green’s office.

What is the best treatment for pigmentation on the face?

The best treatment option for facial pigmentation depends on the underlying cause of the condition, which is why the first step in receiving treatment is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Michele Green. For patients experiencing skin discoloration due to an underlying condition or medication, the most effective treatment method is to address the underlying condition or discontinue the medication. For patients experiencing sun spots, age spots, or acne scars, in-office treatments such as laser therapy, chemical peels, microneedling, microdermabrasion, or prescription topical creams may be the best treatment options. For patients experiencing early signs of skin cancer, Dr. Green will remove the harmful lesion and may recommend additional treatments to prevent recurrence.

What vitamin deficiency causes skin discoloration on the face?

While it has not yet been widely studied, some preliminary research has shown that Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to hyperpigmentation as a side effect of the condition. A Vitamin B12 deficiency can result in numerous complications, primarily affecting the tissues that produce blood cells and bone marrow, as well as the nervous system. Patients experiencing hyperpigmentation due to B12 deficiency will most commonly see dark patches of skin on their hands and feet. When experiencing Vitamin B12 deficiency, patients will be prescribed oral treatment.

Why do I have sudden discoloration on my face?

Sudden discoloration on the face can be alarming, and may occur for a number of reasons, including:

• Sunburn
• New medication
• Melasma flare-up
• Hormonal changes
• Skin cancer

If you notice new discoloration on the face, it is best to schedule an appointment with Dr. Green to ensure that the pigmentation is harmless.

What is the main reason for pigmentation on the face?

Several factors can cause pigmentation on the face. One of the most common forms of hyperpigmentation is the development of sunspots due to unprotected sun exposure. When the skin is exposed to the sun’s UV rays without sunscreen, it can cause damage to the DNA in the skin, resulting in an overproduction of melanin. While sunspots are harmless, severe sunburns can also contribute to skin cancer, which can be potentially very dangerous. Dr. Green advises that it is always best to wear sunscreen every day and reapply every two hours that you are outside.

How to get rid of pigmentation on the face today

Areas of pigmentation are very common, but can still be distressing to many patients, leading them to wonder how to remove areas of hyperpigmentation on the face. The best way to address areas of pigmentation on the face is to schedule a consultation appointment with expert, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green. Dr. Green will begin by examining the treatment area to determine the underlying cause of the skin discoloration and then generate a treatment plan that best meets your needs. To find out which treatment option will be best for you, schedule your appointment today.

Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist with over two and a half decades of experience providing her patients with the best non-invasive treatment options. Dr. Green takes a holistic approach, embracing a less-is-more philosophy, and creates customized skincare routines and treatment plans that cater to the unique concerns and aesthetic goals of her patients. She is consistently identified as one of New York’s best dermatologists by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, and Super Doctors for her dedication to her patients and expertise. Please call us at 212-535-3088 or email our New York City-based office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Michele Green.