Skin Discoloration Patches: Causes & Real Solutions

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skin discoloration patches

Skin Discoloration Patches: What are they and how can we naturally get rid of them?

Having skin discoloration patches on our body or face can make us feel very self-conscious, which can bring our confidence levels down. Sometimes these patches accumulate slowly over time and sometimes they suddenly appear over a short time and we’re left wondering what happened.

Here we’ll outline some causes of skin discoloration patches and some solutions to helping you get back to evenly toned skin.

Skin Discoloration Patches: What are Some Causes?

Addison Disease. Addison disease happens when the body doesn't produce enough cortisol, a hormone that regulates stress. One symptom of the disease is darkening of the skin in places like scars, skin folds, elbows, knees, and knuckles.

Melasma. Melasma is a common skin condition that affects the face and causes brown, tan or blue-gray patches on the face. It is one of several skin conditions that result in patches of discolored skin. Melasma may go away after pregnancy, but if it remains, it can be treated with certain prescription creams and some over-the-counter skin care products. If you have melasma, use a sunscreen at all times because sunlight will make the condition worse.

Infections and/or Tinea versicolor. Fungal infections can cause patches of discoloration on the skin, and that can be exacerbated by sun, heat, and excessive moisture. Over the counter anti fungal creams are very helpful, as well as apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil, coconut oil, turmeric, and garlic. You can concoct a salve or mask with these ingredients, to kill the fungus. Just be sure to thoroughly rinse away, keep skin dry, and stay out of the sun.

Dermatitis. There are a few different types of dermatitis. In all cases you can prevent an outbreak by staying away from certain ingredients, solvents, plants, and foods. If you know your personal triggers for an outbreak, then you can greatly benefit by staying away from those things. There are over the counter oral medications available as well as topical treatments, and there are also natural ingredients that are known to help tamp down and alleviate a dermatitis outbreak or reaction.

Some Natural Solutions for Skin Discoloration Patches

Apple Cider Vinegar. Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which research shows may lighten pigmentation. To use this remedy: Combine equal parts apple cider vinegar and water in a container. Apply to your dark patches and leave on two to three minutes.

Green and Black Tea. Green or black tea that is steeped and applied to the skin can help fade and reduce skin discoloration patches, and a nice trick to doing this is to soak a paper facial mask or a cloth in the tea and apply directly against skin. You can also apply the steeped bags directly to the skin for a few minutes.

Licorice Root. One of the ingredients in licorice root, glabridin, is known to help reduce skin discoloration patches and hyperpigmentation, as well as scarring pigmentation issues. Our skin lightening hand and body cream contains licorice root and it’s a great option if you’re looking for a product.

Yogurt. Yogurt is a great choice if you are combating skin discoloration patches, as it contains lactic acid, a gentle exfoliator to gradually fade and lighten up those issues.

Turmeric. Applying turmeric to skin is another great way to face skin to reduce and fade skin discoloration patches. Consider mixing 1 teaspoon of turmeric with about 2 tablespoons of yogurt and apply directly to skin as a mask. Leave on for about 10 minutes and then rinse off.

Our Brightening & Discoloration Correction Face Cream is the perfect choice for naturally correcting skin discoloration.

Conclusion

The sudden or gradual onset of skin discoloration patches is disheartening either way, and knowing how to fade and alleviate them helps us to get our skin back to it's natural more even tone. Consider these tips and product ideas and let us know what you think.

Profile Image Jeanette @ Claribelskincare.com

Jeanette @ Claribelskincare.com

I'm a formulator and skin care expert, wife, parent, and fur baby mom. I specialize in active ingredient research and studies, and share that information with you via our blog and products. Please reach out anytime you have questions!

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