Dark Complexion and Hyperpigmentation: 4 Causes and Treatments

Skin color comes from melanin, a pigment made by cells called melanocytes. People with a naturally dark complexion have more melanin, especially eumelanin, and that is a normal, healthy skin tone.

Hyperpigmentation is different. It means patches or areas of skin that turn darker than your usual tone because of extra melanin, as explained in MedlinePlus's guide to skin color changes.

Hyperpigmentation often shows up on sun-exposed areas such as the face and hands. It can also follow hormone changes, such as pregnancy, or a medical condition such as Addison disease.

Some people feel pressure to lighten their skin. That pressure can push them toward harsh "whitening" products that can badly damage the skin and, in some cases, harm their health.

Causes of Dark Complexion or Hyperpigmentation

1- Genetic Causes

Your natural skin tone is set mainly by your genes. Some inherited or congenital conditions can also cause darker patches of skin, such as:

Acanthosis nigricans (more often linked to insulin resistance, obesity or diabetes than to genes alone)
Incontinentia pigmenti
Neurofibromatosis (café-au-lait spots)
Xeroderma pigmentosum

2- Hormonal Causes

Addison Disease (HYPOADRENALISM)

Addison disease is a long-term shortage of hormones from the adrenal glands. Higher levels of ACTH in Addison disease can increase melanin in the skin and mucous membranes. The darkening may be even, or it may appear in patches, for example on the lips, gums, skin creases and scars.

Mechanism Of Melanin Deposition

When the adrenal glands make too little cortisol, the normal feedback to the pituitary gland weakens. The pituitary then releases more ACTH. ACTH and related hormones can stimulate melanocytes, which leads to more melanin in the skin.

Cushing’s disease

It refers to hypersecretion of adrenocorticoids such as cortisol. When the cause is extra ACTH, for example from a pituitary tumor, that extra ACTH can also darken the skin. Not everyone with Cushing's has skin darkening.

Pregnancy

Hormone changes during pregnancy can darken the nipples, the line down the belly, and patches on the face. Facial patches in pregnancy are called melasma.

3- ENVIRONMENTAL CAUSES

Dark patches may also be caused by:

Sunlight (the most common trigger)
Skin inflammation or injury, such as acne, burns or eczema
Some medicines, such as minocycline, certain chemotherapy drugs and birth control pills
Harsh chemicals, including some illegal skin-lightening creams

4- Other Common Causes

Other causes of hyperpigmentation include:

Freckles
Diabetic dermopathy
Hemochromatosis (iron overload)

Symptoms Might Occur With Dark Complexion

Darker patches can sometimes be a sign of another health condition, such as Addison disease or Cushing's disease. Depending on the cause, you may also notice:

Redness
Itching or a burning sensation
Warmth or swelling
A patchy, uneven tone

Some people also feel self-conscious or low because of skin changes. If skin worries affect your mood or daily life, talk with a health care provider.

See a provider if you have new darkening without a clear cause, darkening with tiredness, weight loss or dizziness, or any spot that changes in shape, size or color. A changing spot can be a sign of skin cancer.

How Can I Get Rid Of Dark Complexion?

A natural dark complexion does not need treatment. Uneven patches of hyperpigmentation, however, can often be lightened when the cause is found and treated.

Be careful with skin-lightening products. The FDA advises consumers not to use over-the-counter skin lightening products because testing has found high levels of mercury and hydroquinone in some of them.

The FDA says there are no FDA-approved or legally marketed over-the-counter skin lighteners. Mercury can damage the nervous system, kidneys and other organs.

The tips below can help with an even skin tone.

1- Drink Water

Staying hydrated supports your overall health, but drinking extra water will not lighten your skin or "flush out toxins" that cause dark spots. The NHS suggests about 6 to 8 cups or glasses of fluid a day for most adults.

Water, lower-fat milk and sugar-free drinks all count. Moisturizing your skin can help it feel and look healthier.

2- Apply Sunscreen

Dark complexion Sun Block

Ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun is the main trigger for hyperpigmentation. It makes the skin produce more melanin and can darken existing spots.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, reapplied throughout the day. A tinted sunscreen with iron oxide can help with melasma. A wide-brimmed hat and shade also help.

3- Lemon Juice

Dark complexion lemon juice

Lemon juice is a popular home remedy, but there is no good evidence that it lightens dark patches. It is acidic and can irritate the skin.

Citrus juice on skin that is then exposed to sunlight can also cause phytophotodermatitis, a burn-like rash that can leave patches darker than your natural tone. For that reason, avoid rubbing lemon or lime on your skin, especially before going outside.

Drinking water with a little lemon is fine, but it will not change your skin color.

4- Aloe Vera Leaves

Dark complexion treatment

Aloe vera is traditionally used for many skin issues, such as uneven tone, acne spots, and dryness. It contains aloesin, a compound that has been studied for blocking melanin production, but evidence that plain aloe gel fades dark spots is limited.

Aloe gel is generally gentle. Test it on a small patch of skin first, since some people react to it.

5- Licorice Roots

Licorice root extract contains glabridin, which has been studied for blocking melanin production. Some cosmetic products include licorice extract for this reason.

Evidence for homemade licorice preparations is limited. Store-bought products with tested ingredients are a safer choice than home brews.

How to use licorice root for skin?

If you want to try licorice, look for a skin care product that lists licorice root extract and follow the label. Stop if your skin becomes red, itchy or irritated.

For stubborn patches or melasma, see a dermatologist. Prescription options include hydroquinone, tretinoin, azelaic acid and combination creams, and procedures such as chemical peels or laser treatment. Results usually take 3 to 12 months.

Related Tag: Fair Skin Complexion