A dark chin is usually due to hyperpigmentation from sun exposure, inflammation (like acne), hormonal changes (melasma), friction/trauma (touching/scrubbing), or genetics, leading to excess melanin production, but can also signal conditions like acanthosis nigricans (linked to insulin/hormones) or be a reaction to medications, requiring a dermatologist visit if persistent.
Professional treatments such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and laser therapy are all a great way to treat dark spots under your chin. A dermatologist can assess your complexion and suggest the best treatment plan for you.
In people with polycystic ovary syndrome, skin in the armpits, on the nape of the neck, and in skinfolds may become dark and thick (a disorder called acanthosis nigricans).
Some pigmentation disorders affect just patches of skin. Others affect your entire body. If your body makes too much melanin, your skin gets darker. Pregnancy, Addison's disease, and sun exposure all can make your skin darker.
The deficiency of vitamin B12 can cause specific skin manifestations, such as hyperpigmentation, vitiligo, angular stomatitis, and hair and nail changes [1].
Cutaneous manifestations associated with vitamin B12 deficiency are skin hyperpigmentation, vitiligo, angular stomatitis, and hair changes. A diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency is often overlooked in its early stages because these signs are not specific to vitamin B12 deficiency alone.
Conclusion: Darker skin pigmentation is associated with lower serum 25(OH)D concentrations. Serum vitamin D level also appears to be related to intake of vitamin D rich foods and multivitamins containing vitamin D, but not self-reported level of sun exposure or use of sun protection.
Estrogen and progesterone are two of the major factors responsible for catamenial hyperpigmentation of the skin.
Three of the best vitamins for lightening dark spots are vitamin C, vitamin B12, and vitamin E. Vitamin C helps your skin produce more collagen while inhibiting the formation of melanin. Vitamin B12 also promotes collagen formation while supporting the growth of new skin cells.
One of the first-line treatment options for a black neck is topical retinoids. Other brightening treatments work well for the skin around the neck region, making it easier to penetrate the skin. Look for products that contain alpha-hydroxy acids or AHAs such as glycolic and lactic acids, antioxidants, and Vitamin C.
A dark patch (or band) of velvety skin on the back of your neck, armpit, groin, or elsewhere could mean that you have too much insulin in your blood. AN is often a sign of prediabetes. The medical name for this skin condition is acanthosis nigricans (ay-can-THOE-sis NIE-gri-cans). TAKE ACTION: Get tested for diabetes.
Common symptoms of PCOS include:
Insulin resistance.
Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas that allows the body to process sugar. Insulin resistance is what leads to type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance is also related to polycystic ovarian syndrome and might be a factor in why acanthosis nigricans develops.
However, it's important to note that vitamin C for dark spots can target and brighten hyperpigmentation regardless of what has caused the spots or dark areas. It does so by blocking the melanin formation process.
Liver spots are patches of darker skin. They vary in size from about a tenth of an inch (one-quarter centimeter) to half an inch (one centimeter) across. They often show up on skin areas that have sun exposure, such as your face, hands or arms.
Cleanse your face daily
The best way to remove that debris is to cleanse your skin twice a day — once in the morning and once before bed. Also, wash your face after activities that make you sweat (think a trip to the gym), but avoid overwashing unnecessarily, as this can lead to irritation.
Lightening methods
The most popular beauty products often contain sake and rice bran, which contain kojic acid. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has approved a specific combination of active ingredients for skin-whitening cosmetics used by the general Japanese public. These are mainly arbutin and kojic acid.
Glutathione inhibits the activity of tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in melanin production. This helps reduce the appearance of dark spots and promotes brighter, more even-toned skin. Niacinamide helps fade hyperpigmentation and improves overall skin clarity by slowing the transfer of pigment to skin cells.
Signs of vitamin C deficiency include a tendency to bruise or bleed easily, bleeding gums, wobbly teeth, poor wound healing, tiredness, anaemia, and small red spots on the skin. Severe vitamin C deficiency is called scurvy.
Hormonal imbalances show up as symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, weight changes, irregular periods, skin issues (acne), hair changes, sleep problems, brain fog, low libido, digestive issues, and temperature sensitivity, affecting energy, body functions, and mental well-being, often linked to stress, thyroid, or reproductive hormones.
Vitamin B12 deficiency, which is usually seen in vegetarians, is characterised by cutaneous, gastrointestinal, neurological and haematological manifestations. Cutaneous manifestations include hyperpigmentation, glossitis and hair changes.
Throughout a woman's monthly cycle, hormones fluctuate, especially estrogen and progesterone. Mid-cycle, during ovulation, estrogen peaks, which is why skin often appears more glowing and clear. In the week leading up to menstruation, progesterone and testosterone rise, often leading to breakouts or increased oiliness.
Taking too much vitamin D leads to calcium buildup (hypercalcemia), causing physical signs like nausea/vomiting, fatigue/weakness, frequent urination & excessive thirst, constipation, and confusion/disorientation, alongside potential bone pain or kidney stones, often from supplements, not sun exposure.
Here are 10 unexpected signs of a vitamin D deficiency that may surprise you.
The best sources are the flesh of fatty fish and fish liver oils. Smaller amounts are found in egg yolks, cheese, and beef liver. Certain mushrooms contain some vitamin D2; in addition some commercially sold mushrooms contain higher amounts of D2 due to intentionally being exposed to high amounts of ultraviolet light.