5 unusual things that cause skin discoloration
DESCRIPTION
While exposing your skin to the sun regularly can trigger the appearance of dark spots, here are additional causes of skin discoloration that may not be as well-known.TRANSCRIPT
5 Unusual Things That Cause Skin Discoloration
Many people are concerned with the appearance of
dark spots and blemishes on their skin. It can trigger
self-consciousness and embarrassment, and a large
number of people find these spots on their skin
regularly. When melanin production is increased in the
body, dark spots on the surface of the skin begin to
appear.
The coloration of your skin in general is a result of the
particular pigment of melanin that your skin possesses.
People with darker skin tones are far more likely to
notice the appearance of dark spots, but they are also
fairly common on people with fairer skin tones.
While exposing your skin to the sun regularly can trigger the appearance of these dark spots, here are an
additional set of triggers that may not be as well-known as continued exposure to the sun and its
harmful rays.
Can plucking or tweezing facial hair trigger dark spots?
No woman wants to admit that she has facial hair at any cost, and having a female version of a
mustache is most women's worst nightmare. A lot of women with facial hair will resort to using
tweezers to pluck the individual offending hairs out in a painful yet effective ritual to rid themselves of
these embarrassing yet common facial hairs.
Plucking each of the hairs individually can cause trauma to the skin cells themselves, which leads to
inflammation or infection. If your skin is continually traumatized in this manner, you may be more likely
to get hyper-pigmentation caused after skin inflammation.
If you're worried that this may be a trigger for you, using skin cream regularly can stem the possibility of
trauma and inflammatory based skin darkening. Don't resort to these skin creams long term, and only
use it on occasion.
Use the correct facial cleansers for your skin tones and sensitivity. As with all parts of the body, taking
care of it properly initially can reduce the risk of problems later on down the road.
Pigmentation by Hormonal Imbalances:
A lot of women face regular hormonal imbalances and irregularities. Taking contraceptives regularly can
increase the risk for hormonal irregularities, and pregnancy wreaks havoc on hormone levels in the
female body.
When hormone levels increase, the melanin levels often increase along with them and it can lead to
Melasma - a specific type of hyper-pigmentation. These types of dark spots on the skin typically appear
on the face, and has the appearance of brown or darkening patches.
Hormonally based skin discoloration is so common during pregnancy that it's often referred to as the
"mask of pregnancy". Pregnant women can also experience a dark line running from the center of the
stomach to above the pubic bone.
If you're experiencing darker patches as a result of hormone imbalances, then the good news is that it's
usually not permanent. If the problem doesn't dissipate after you give birth, many over-the-counter
products can help lighten the skin again, and a chemical peel is also a viable option.
If you're on regular birth control, it's always okay to ask to change your prescription to something with
less hormones. Work with your doctor to find a solution that can potentially work for you.
Overusing a Laptop Computer:
If you notice dark spots or splotches on your thighs, a laptop may be the ultimate culprit. If you have to
work on a laptop for an extended period of time, think about NOT using it on your lap. When a laptop
heats up and it's in contact with your skin, dark spots on the thighs can start to appear. If regularly using
a laptop is unavoidable, consider getting a laptop cooler or a laptop tray that will minimize the effects of
the laptop's heat and keep it away from direct contact with your skin whenever possible.
Spilled Lemon Juice can Leave a Residual Stain:
If you enjoy regular cocktails and mixed drinks, beware of what you're mixing your delicious beverages
with. Regularly squeezing lemons or limes by hand and getting the juice on your skin can cause spots or
streaks and other discolorations.
When combining these acidic juices with UV rays from prolonged exposure to the sun, a reaction is
possible. In fact, this reaction is common enough to be given a pet name - it's called the "bartender's
burn". Instead of enjoying freshly squeezed lemon/lime juice, use pre-extracted juice and make sure to
thoroughly rinse your skin after contact.
Having a Bra that's too tight:
A lot of women intentionally buy bras that are smaller than the size they would comfortably fit in for
one reason - a smaller bra leaves the breasts looking fuller, perkier and fuller. Unfortunately for women
who make this a habit often encounter dark spots as a result
Leaving your skin continually in fiction with tight clothing like a bra that doesn't fit properly irritates the
skin, and it can cause discoloration of the skin in the area. This is referred to as "bra burn", and it leaves
the skin looking burned or irritated.
Fortunately, this problem is avoidable, and you can purchase bras that fit safely and comfortably
without damaging or irritating the skin. If you already have bra burn as a result of an ill-fitting bra, a
chemical peel can fix the problem, and several topical skin creams, such as Meladerm Skin Lightening
Cream, can assist as well.
Be sure to check out this video on YouTube!