How to get rid of darkening cheeks explains why areas of your face particularly the cheeks become darker and what you can do about it. When part of the skin becomes darker than the surrounding skin, it is a condition called Melasma. It is a common form of hyperpigmentation that causes dark patches to develop on the face. As well as other areas of the body commonly exposed to sunlight. The dark patches, from tan to deep brown, often appear on both sides of the cheeks in almost the same pattern.
No Gender Barrier To Melasma
Melasma has usually been perceived to be a female-related condition. But the occurrence is also common in men. It seems to affect dark-skinned men of Asian, African, and African- American origin more often than previously assumed. The cause and development of Melasma in men are similar to that of women. Except for hormonal factors which are more predominant in women.
The Ageing Factor
Why does facial skin darken with age? As we age, your picture-perfect complexion begins to display hyperpigmentation in the form of undesirable dark patches on the cheeks, and unsightly brown and black growths on the skin. This hyperpigmentation can make you look up to 20 years older.
Symptoms
Darker patches of skin appear on the cheeks, temples, and forehead or above the upper lip. These symptoms are strictly cosmetic since you are neither ill nor feel sore from the darker skin. However, you are likely to feel conscious and want to get rid of it.
Besides, dark patches on the skin may be an early sign of type 2 diabetes. So if you notice these skin changes, you should seek medical advice, as they may need treatment to prevent or manage type 2 diabetes.
Causes
The most common causes of Melasma include sun exposure, hormonal changes, and genetic influences. Other less common causes include skincare products that contain irritating chemicals and photosensitizing drugs. Similar causes are food items, thyroid diseases, liver diseases, ovarian tumors, parasitic infestations, and stressful events.
Treatment
The treatment of Melasma generally considers individual needs, preferences, and expectations. Thus it is challenging, unsatisfactory, and needs to be continued indefinitely to avoid recurrence.
Hydroquinone remains the gold standard for treating this common condition. But it is not recommended due to its allergenic and carcinogenic properties. As a result, there is interest in comparable skin-lightening effects to hydroquinone without serious side effects.
Fortunately, there are topical creams that show comparable skin-lightening effects to hydroquinone without serious side effects. Six ingredients, aloe, vitamin C, vitamin A, carrot oil, SPF 18, and arbutin complex reduce the visual appearance of dark brown spots on the cheeks. Consequently, giving you more even-toned, radiant, and younger-looking skin. Similarly, how to get rid of darkening cheeks can be addressed with simple home remedies. For example, vitamin C or aloe vera face masks, as well as retinoids or kojic acid.
Additionally, find below more options that may help fade or get rid of dark patches on your cheeks:
Tretinoin
A type of vitamin A that helps to increase the rate at which dead skin cells fall off and new ones appear. This makes the Melasma patch fade more quickly as the pigmented cells are shed.
Azelaic acid cream
This appears to work by slowing down or stopping the production of pigment, the substance that makes the skin on your cheeks darker.
Chemical peels
These are liquid solutions applied to the skin to provide a mild chemical burn, similar to a sunburn. Over time, the burned layers peel off, leaving fresh, new skin. Chemical peels vary in strength. Glycolic acid is among the mildest with a lower risk of causing scarring or skin discoloration. So, chemical peels may be used if Melasma does not respond to other treatments.
Intense Pulsed Light therapy
This therapy uses certain wavelengths of light to target and removes pigmented areas of skin.
Sunscreen and skin-type products
Apply sunscreen thoroughly and use skin care products made for your skin type. These will help prevent your cheeks from getting darker.
Overall, the good news is that some skin color changes may return to normal without treatment. For instance, in women who develop Melasma as a result of pregnancy, the patches fade months after the baby is born. Also, women who take oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy often see the patches fade once they stop taking the medications.
Prevention
The best way to prevent Melasma is to reduce your skin’s exposure to the sun. If you go out in the sun, take these preventive measures:
- Wear a hat with a brim to shade and protect your face.
- Apply sunblock (such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) to cheek areas.
- Use a sunscreen that protects against both ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B radiation. The sunscreen should have a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider for an appointment if you have:
- Skin discoloration causes significant concern.
- Persistent, unexplained darkening or lightening of the skin.
- Any skin sore or lesion that changes shape, size, or color may be a sign of skin cancer.
Your healthcare provider may recommend creams, ointments, surgery, or phototherapy, depending on the type of skin condition you have.
Bottom Line
Much of the discoloration on your cheeks will fade or disappear once hormones stabilize and you stay out of the sun. For people who find the discolorations unsightly, information on how to get rid of darkening cheeks may help to fade stubborn patches. This includes the use of cosmetics to even out skin color, and avoiding the sun, and stressful situations.
Photo Credit: Creative Commons
https://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2014/8/remove-dark-pigmentation-characteristic-of-aging-skin
