Dark spots are a kind of skin blemish you do not want to have. Dark spots occur when there is an increased amount of melanin. Whether you are dark, light, brown or olive skin depends on this pigment. Although the dark-skinned people face higher odds of developing brown spots, but that does not mean it will not develop on people with fair skin. Is sun exposure the only reason why you have these awful-looking blotches? Here are 5 causes of hyperpigmentation that you probably do not know.
Does Plucking Facial Hair Cause Dark Spots?
Having a shadow of a mustache is any woman's nightmare. Usually, women will use tweezers to get rid of undesirable facial hair. Wax and hair removal creams are also widely used. The trauma on the skin from tweezing could cause the skin to become inflamed. It happens if you do not get rid of the hair from the root. Depilatory creams can be harsh on the skin causing inflammation too. This will pave way for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
You could use a hydrocortisone cream if you are afraid your skin will become dark. Dab some on the infected skin. Use it sparingly though and only for a short term. You need to take care of your skin. Make sure your cleanser is not too harsh for your skin. Using a toner and exfoliator is not advisable when you have skin inflammation.
Your Hormonal Level Goes Berserk
Hormonal imbalance is very common in women. Pregnancy and birth control pills can cause havoc in the chemical processes in your body. A rise in your hormone level can cause a rise in melanin. The type of hyperpigmentation in this case is usually melasma. It typically happens on the face and appears as brown patches.
For pregnant women, it is referred as "the mask of pregnancy". There may also be a clear dark line running from your belly to the pubic area.
If the skin darkening is indeed due to hormone imbalances, it should not persist after your delivery. If you're unfortunate and the problem does not go away, use skin brightening lotions or chemical peels to treat it. Do not hesitate to change your birth control pill if you think that is where your skin darkening problem lies.
Spending Long Hours On Your Laptop
Never in a million years would I have guess that a computer can be the culprit for dark spots. Dark spots on your thighs could be the work of a laptop. That is why you should avoid working with the laptop on your lap for prolonged hours. After a few months, the hyperpigmentation problems may arise. If you feel the bottom of the laptop, you will know that it is warm. That heat over time is warm enough to cause your skin to turn dark. Some people know this as toasted skin syndrome or fire stains. The more scientific name would be "erythema ab igne". If you are an avid laptop user, you should get a laptop cooler or place it on a tray table which is laid over your thighs.
Do You Often Spill Lemon Juice On Your Hand?
Do you often have cocktails? Then beware of the lemon or lime that you squeeze into it. It could give you discolored streaks on your skin. When exposed to the sun's UV rays, some botanical substances in citrus fruits start a phototoxic reaction. Some people call it a "bartender's burn".
So, if you spill your hands with lemon juice and walk in the sun, not only will you have sunburn but also discolored streaks that look like drip marks. Getting brown spots this way is very rare. However, it is something you might want to keep in mind anytime you are dealing with lemon juice.
Is Your Bra Too Tight?
When you want to make your breasts look bigger and bouncier, a tight bra would be ideal. Too bad this could lead to dark spots. What is the explanation? Skin is irritated due to the friction between the bra and your skin. This triggers a change in skin color at that area. There is a special name for this form of hyperpigmentation, which most doctors label it as "bra burn". The skin takes on a dark red and shiny look, almost like it has been burned.
Read below to see if you having the following bra problems. If yes, you should get a bra that fits better.
- The clasp of your bra can not stay fastened.
- The straps are so tight below your armpits that your flesh bulges out.
- The bra straps are too tight over the shoulders that it leaves a line on your skin after you take it off.
For bra-related hyperpigmentation treatment, you can try an over-the-counter or prescribed topical cream. Some people even suggest doing a chemical peel which works quicker.