Causes of Dark Spots on Face

No other part of the human anatomy is subject to as much scrutiny as the face. Thus any imperfections or dark spots on the face would cause distress and annoyance. There are many forms and causes of dark spots on the face.

Acne

Overproduction of oil in the hair follicles results in acne. Sebum is meant to lubricate the skin and help slough of dead skin cells. But in excessive amounts, sebum and dead skin cells, along with dirt and bacteria on the skin surface, tend to plug the pores. The plugs or comedones can either be whiteheads or blackheads. Infected comedones turn into pimples. Hormonal changes, steroids and testosterone drugs contribute to sebum overproduction and thus, acne development. Some people are also predisposed to oily skin and are more prone to acne than others.

Melasma

Blemishes on the face known as melasma are too obvious to ignore. The brownish splotches are caused by hormone-induced overproduction of pigments. The harmless, but unsightly discoloration can worsen with sun exposure, estrogen or progesterone-involved therapies and medication allergies that tend to intensify production of melanin. Genetic predisposition and darker skin tones are additional causes of dark spots on the face.

Age Spots

When melanocytes go into overdrive, melanin will clump into brownish spots known as age spots, liver spots or solar lentigenes. Melanin production is aggravated by hormonal imbalance, reaction to medication and environmental stress, among other factors. Age spots develop as part of the aging process because accumulation of melanin from years of sun exposure begins to show at some point.

Sun exposure/ Sun damage

Facial skin is very sensitive to UV rays. Prolonged exposure without adequate sun protection will cause uneven discoloration of the skin. Darkened skin can become dull and lifeless as sun exposure and tanning lotions rob the skin of moisture. Sunburn, with redness, pain and blister symptoms lead to more uneven dark spots on the face.

These facial flaws are relatively benign and treatments are initiated out of aesthetic concern. Sometimes, the conditions resolve without treatment, but aggravating factors may intensify dark spots on the face. The face is very susceptible to toxins that cause imperfections. It deserves some measure of protection because the face is irreplaceable.