7 Reasons Why Your Facial Skin Is Darker Than Your Body, With Solutions

Who wouldn’t like glowing skin? All of us try our best to keep our skin looking good. Have you ever wondered why your skin appears darker and duller despite all of your conscious efforts?

Different factors can cause darkening on your face. You can easily prevent these darkenings with home remedies.

Find out why your skin is darkening and how to treat it.

Why is your face darker than your body?

1. Sun Exposure

The face is the most exposed area of the body. When you’re out in the sunlight, it naturally reflects direct sun rays. Harmful UV rays stimulate melanin production in your skin. The darker your skin becomes, the more melanin it produces. This is why your facial skin is darker compared to the rest of your body. Also, sun spots and age spots can appear on your skin. This can cause hyperpigmentation. [2]

2. Inflammation

Discoloration can be caused by inflammation of the skin on your face. This can be caused by many things, such as acne or lupus (an autoimmune disease), eczema, or an injury. The skin condition causes inflammation, and when the inflammation subsides you will notice hyperpigmented areas.

3. Melasma

Melasma is a skin condition that can be caused by hormonal changes or excessive sun exposure. This skin condition is most common in pregnant women. On your forehead, cheeks and nose, you will see grey-brown patches. The skin tone of your face becomes uneven and dull.

4. Medicines

Some medications can cause hyperpigmentation of the skin on your face. Some medications, such as tricyclic antidepressants or antimalarials, can cause discoloured skin. You may also notice that your skin is a little grey.

5. Medical Conditions

Hyperpigmentation can be caused by a variety of medical conditions, both mild and severe. Addison’s Disease, for example, affects the adrenal glands. It can lead to discolouration on your lips and cheeks.

6. Cosmetics that are harmful

When you use cosmetic products that contain harmful chemicals, your face will suffer. These chemicals can damage your skin, causing wrinkles, dry patches, and age spots. Some cosmetics can cause acne and discolour your skin.

7. Age

Your melanocytes (cells that produce melanin) decrease as you age. Existing melanocytes grow in size, and their distribution becomes more centralized. You may start to notice age spots once you hit your 40s.

What to do when your face is darker than your body?

1. Treatment Options

a. Retinoids
Retinoids can be used for a variety of skin problems, from acne to signs of ageing. It reduces age spots and dark spots. As the dark spots fade, your skin will naturally become more even.

b. Hydroquinone
This is a well-known skin-lightening ingredient that can be found in many products such as skin-lightening creams, cleanser, and moisturizer. It regulates the melanin and skin tone when applied to darkened skin.

c. Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid removes the outer skin layer and regenerates new skin. This is a very popular skin-lightening solution.

d. Kojic Acid
Kojic acid can also be used to lighten skin. You can find kojic acids in creams, lotions and gels. It is used to treat skin problems like melasma and hyperpigmentation.

e. Glycolic Acid
Exfoliating your skin is achieved by removing the dead skin cells on your face. Glycolic acids also lighten your skin tone. It is not recommended to use glycolic if you take topical medications.

f. Alpha Hydroxy Acids
AHAs are natural acids that treat skin problems like wrinkles, sunspots, and age spots. AHAs can even reduce discoloration.

g. Laser Treatments
Laser therapy speeds up the process of removing your outer skin layer to equalize your skin tone on your face. The procedure is expensive compared to other options.

2. Home Remedies

a. Aloe Vera
Aloin is the active ingredient in aloe vera. Aloin, along with other ingredients, has soothing and skin-lightening properties. Aloe vera can be used to treat pigmentation problems.

Use

1. Use aloe vera on your face for 15 minutes every day and wash it away with water.

2. You can also make a mask using 2 tablespoons aloe vera and a few drops honey.

3. Use the mask to cover your entire face for 10 to 15 minutes. It should be washed with lukewarm or warm water.

b. Vitamin C
Vitamin C [7] can solve major skin issues, including skin darkening. Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits like oranges, mandarins, and lemons. They are good for your skin, and also your health. Choose over-the counter creams containing Vitamin C. You can also use lemon juice to treat darkened skin.

Use

1. Mix lemon juice with sugar to use as a scrub for your face.

2. Mix lemon juice with honey and apply to your face for 10 min.

3. Apply the mixture gently to your face. After applying the mixture, wash your face thoroughly.

c. Yogurt
It is very beneficial to your hair and skin. Lactic acid in yogurt reduces discoloration and dark spots on your skin. If your facial skin is darker on your face than your rest of the body, you can use a mask made from yogurt.

Use

1. Add a few drops lemon juice to one tablespoon of yogurt. If you like, you can add turmeric.

2. Apply the mixture to your face.

3. After 15 minutes, wash off the mask.

d. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil can also be used to treat darkened skin. It can also reduce the appearance of scars and spots on your face. It is easy to use and will show results quickly.

Use

1. Tea tree oil diluted on a cottonball.

2. Use it to cover dark spots and blemishes, or apply all over your face.

3. Apply your favorite moisturizer after letting your skin absorb the oil.

Orange Peel
Hesperidin is the active ingredient in orange peel [8]. Hesperidin has been shown to be effective in reducing scars and spots.

Use

1. Mix dry orange peel powder with water.

2. Use the paste as a face mask.

3. Peel it off after it dries.

4. Use it no more than twice a day.

How to prevent your face from getting dark?

1. Sunscreen will protect you from sun damage. Don’t forget to use sunscreen on your face whenever you are in the sun.

2. Wear a scarf and sunglasses when you go outside. This will protect your skin against harmful UV rays and also prevent dust and pollution from sticking to your face.

3. Before purchasing cosmetics, check the ingredients. Avoid products that contain harsh chemicals. Skinkraft’s Skin Lightening serum is a great way to reduce skin darkness. It prevents the signs of aging, and combats free radicals.

4. Remove your makeup before going to bed. The skin can be damaged by leaving makeup on all night.

5. Before using any skincare product or creating a daily routine, make sure to know what your skin type is. It can prevent many skin problems.

Wrapping up

In some cases, the skin on your face can darken compared to other parts of your body due to medical conditions or excessive sun exposure. It’s not a major problem and can be resolved easily with home remedies, simple skin care techniques, and medication. To maintain healthy skin, you should also practice healthy lifestyles, eat healthy, and stay well hydrated. Consult your dermatologist if you do not see any improvement after trying the above treatment options.