1. Darker on Purpose
Skin bakes in ultraviolet rays just like a chicken in the broiler. Darkening the skin by tanning has proven to cause melanoma, or skin cancer. While a light glow to the skin can be attractive, the fewer UV rays that touch your skin the better. Athletes who can't avoid the sun should lather on protection regularly throughout their exposure time. If you must tan, do it in small doses by developing a natural tan over time to avoid dangerous burning.
2. Spots and Splotches
Unusual and sudden changes in skin color can signal problems that should be checked out by a doctor. Some of the reasons the skin may turn red or brown unnaturally include eczema, fever and hemorrhage. When the skin takes on a yellow tint, consider getting checked for jaundice or beta-carotene overdose. With jaundice, the whites of the eyes also turn yellow. Blue skin coloring can indicate cyanosis, which occurs from poor blood circulation and improper blood oxygen levels. People with naturally darker pigmentation sometimes see white spots appear. These spots usually are not a sign of a serious condition, but should be checked for certain.
3. Natural Changes
Darkening spots can be a part of the aging process. Age spots, though ugly reminders that time is marching on, are usually harmless. Be sure that the dark spots are not confused with any of the harmful skin discolorations like cyanosis or hemorrhage. A bruise will often turn brown after the redness and purple coloring during healing disappear. Dark age spots, often seen first on the hands and face, can be lightened with over-the-counter skin lighteners.
4. Watch It Disappear
Skin color changes are often temporary and will disappear on their own when the cause is treated. Bruises fade and burns heal, sometimes leaving just faint reminders of the scorching. While you are being treated for the underlying causes, use makeup to hide offending spots. Rub in a lotion on your skin first to moisten the skin and make the cover-up more absorbing. Use a shade of makeup one step lighter than your own skin and blend it into surrounding skin for best results.
5. Skin Graft Options
When a disease or illness leaves permanent discoloration on your face or other parts of your body that are visible, skin grafts might be the way to go. A good plastic surgeon can take skin from unaffected areas where you have extra skin, such as the buttocks, and sew it on top of the scars on your face or hands. Insurance often covers this procedure when the scars are the result of an accident, while illness-related skin discoloration may require you to dip into your savings to pay for a graft.
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