What causes dark spots on the face?

Sep 03, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Wenmin

Introduction

Facial pigmentation may be caused by factors such as sun exposure, aging, changes in estrogen levels, abnormal liver function, or systemic lupus erythematosus. Maintain a balanced and varied diet, ensuring adequate intake of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. In particular, foods rich in vitamin C and vitamin E—such as citrus fruits, kiwi, and nuts—have antioxidant properties.

Under normal circumstances, facial pigmentation may be caused by factors such as sun exposure, aging, changes in estrogen levels, abnormal liver function, or systemic lupus erythematosus. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Sun Exposure

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation activates melanocytes in the skin, leading to excessive production of melanin granules that deposit in the outer layers of the skin, resulting in facial spots. Daily use of sunscreen, avoiding outdoor activities during peak sunlight hours, and wearing sun-protective hats and sunglasses can help reduce direct UV exposure.

2. Aging

As people age, skin metabolism slows down and melanin distribution becomes uneven, making the face prone to developing age spots (lentigines). Using skin-lightening products containing vitamin C, alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), or arbutin—such as serums or moisturizers—can help fade existing pigmentation.

3. Changes in Estrogen Levels

Various factors can affect estrogen levels, including excessive fatigue and emotional stress. Elevated estrogen levels can stimulate melanocyte activity and accelerate melanin production, often leading to facial pigmentation, possibly accompanied by symptoms such as dryness and skin sensitivity. Treatment may include medications such as anastrozole tablets, letrozole tablets, or ethinylestradiol-cyproterone acetate tablets, taken as prescribed by a doctor.

4. Abnormal Liver Function

Liver dysfunction is commonly caused by infections or poor lifestyle habits. When liver function is impaired, bilirubin metabolism becomes disordered, increasing blood bilirubin levels. This combines with melanin and deposits in the skin, causing facial pigmentation. Other symptoms may include fatigue and loss of appetite. Under professional medical supervision, medications such as magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate, silibinin methylamine tablets, or compound glycyrrhizin tablets may be used for treatment.

5. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune condition triggered by abnormal immune activation and UV exposure, leading to inflammatory responses. Increased inflammatory mediators and free radicals damage skin tissue and overstimulate melanocytes, resulting in hyperpigmentation and facial spots. Additional symptoms may include pain, fever, and rashes. Treatment should follow medical advice and may involve medications such as methylprednisolone tablets, prednisone acetate tablets, or aspirin tablets.

Maintaining adequate daily water intake helps promote the elimination of metabolic waste from the body and reduces toxin accumulation, which may help minimize the formation of pigmentation.

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