Blotchy Skin

Blotchy Skin

Blotchy skin, also known as mottled skin, is a common concern for many people, affecting various parts of the body and face. A splotchy face can cause emotional distress and can be embarrassing. Tinted sunscreens can help cover the red patches, but it is best if you can get on the right skincare routine to return your skin to an even color.

As a dermatologist, there are many things for me to consider that may be causing your blotchy skin. I will try to help you understand the causes and how to treat your mottled skin to achieve a clearer, more even-toned complexions. In this blog post, we will explore the various factors that contribute to blotchy skin and discuss effective treatment options.

If you have red patches on your face, taking our skin type quiz to determine which of the 16 Baumann Skin Types you are- can also help us give you skincare advice that is more customized to your skin issues.

Mottled, Blotchy, and Splotchy Skin

The most common cause of a blotchy face is inflammation. This can be caused by many things.

The 5 most common causes of a mottled blotchy face are:

Rosacea

Allergic reaction

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Menopause Hot Flash

Razor Rash

This blog will discuss blotchiness of the face and then will cover causes of blotchiness on the body. Treatments will always include: treating the cause and using soothing anti-inflammatory skincare.

What is Blotchy Skin?

Blotchy skin, or mottled skin, is characterized by irregular patches of discoloration on the skin. These patches may appear red, pink, brown, or blue, depending on the underlying cause. Blotchy skin can affect any part of the body but is most commonly seen on the face, neck, chest, and arms. The condition may be temporary or chronic and can be caused by various factors, including sun exposure, temperature changes, hormones, and certain medical conditions.

Causes

Causes of Blotchy Skin on the Face

There are many causes of blotchy skin. In most cases it is a temporary concern, but in some cases it is more serious. These are some of the causes of blotchy skin on the face.

Sun Exposure

Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause damage to the skin, leading to uneven pigmentation and blotchiness. Sun exposure also make the face flush due to heat or loss of the ability of the capillaries to contract resulting in facial mottling and telangiectasias (Broken capillaries or spider veins). Its one of many reasons to wear a daily SPF. However, some chemical sunscreens can worsen blotchiness, so choose a mineral sunscreen such as one on this list.

Hormonal Changes

Fluctuations in hormones, particularly during pregnancy or menopause, can cause melasma, a condition characterized by brown or gray-brown patches on the face. Hormonal changes can stimulate melanocytes, leading to increased pigment production in localized areas. Pregnancy-related melasma, also known as the “mask of pregnancy,” commonly appears on the cheeks, forehead, nose, and upper lip. Menopause-related melasma may be triggered by the decline in estrogen levels, which can affect skin pigmentation and cause blotchiness.

Acne

Inflammatory acne lesions can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, resulting in dark spots and uneven skin tone on the face. When acne lesions become inflamed, they can damage the surrounding skin tissue, leading to the release of pigment and the formation of dark spots. This is particularly common in individuals with darker skin tones, as their melanocytes are more reactive to inflammation. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can persist long after the acne lesions have healed, contributing to a mottled and uneven complexion.

Rosacea

This chronic skin condition causes redness, visible blood vessels, and sometimes small, red, pus-filled bumps on the face. Rosacea occurs when blood vessels in the face become enlarged and more visible, leading to a flushed and uneven appearance. Triggers such as sun exposure, stress, spicy foods, and hot beverages can cause flare-ups, exacerbating the blotchy appearance of the skin. Over time, rosacea can worsen. This chronic inflammatory condition has been associated with other diseases linked to inflammation such as heart disease and diabetes.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

This common skin condition causes scaly patches, red skin, and stubborn dandruff. It usually affects oily areas of the body, such as the scalp, face, and chest. Seborrheic dermatitis can cause pink to red patches covered with greasy-looking scales, which can contribute to a blotchy and uneven skin appearance. The exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis is unknown, but factors such as hormones, genetics, and microorganisms like yeast may play a role in its development.

Causes of Blotchy Skin on Body

These more serious disorders can cause blotchy skin on the face, neck, arms, legs and trunk. If you have persistent blotchiness that does not improve with soothing skincare, it is a good idea to schedule an appointment with your dermatologist to rule out any serious conditions.

Dermatomyositis

This rare inflammatory disease causes muscle weakness and a distinctive skin rash that can appear patchy or blotchy. The rash associated with dermatomyositis often appears as a purple or red discoloration on the eyelids, cheeks, nose, back, shoulders, and other sun-exposed areas. It may also cause swelling and changes in skin texture, such as roughness or scaliness. The exact cause of dermatomyositis is unknown, but it is thought to be an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues.

Lupus

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can cause a wide range of symptoms, including skin problems. The most common skin manifestation of lupus is a butterfly-shaped rash that appears across the cheeks and nose, known as a malar rash. This rash can be red, raised, and scaly, contributing to a blotchy and uneven skin appearance. Other skin problems associated with lupus include photosensitivity (increased sensitivity to sunlight), hair loss, and sores or ulcers in the mouth or nose. Lupus occurs when the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues and organs, leading to inflammation and damage.

Treating Blotchy Skin

The treatment for blotchy skin depends on the underlying cause. Some general treatment options include:

Sun Protection: Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 can help prevent further sun damage and reduce the appearance of blotchy skin.

Topical Treatments: Depending on the cause, topical medications such as hydroquinone, tretinoin, or azelaic acid may be prescribed to even out skin tone and reduce discoloration. Topical anti-inflammatory ingredients can be used to soothe red skin.

Laser Therapy: Intense pulsed light (IPL) or fractionated laser treatments can help improve the appearance of blotchy skin by targeting specific pigments or blood vessels.

Oral Medications: In some cases, oral medications such as antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs may be necessary to treat underlying conditions like rosacea or vasculitis.

Lifestyle Changes: Avoiding triggers such as excessive sun exposure, stress, or certain foods can help manage conditions like rosacea and hives.

See your dermatologist if you have persistent blotchiness on the body. Concerning signs include:

If your skin gets upset every time you go in the sun

You have muscle weakness

Other systemic symptoms

Abnormal ANA on blood test

If you only have occasional blotchiness on the face, it is more likely due to one of the issues that cause inflammation on the face discussed above. Our skin type quiz can help you find products to soothe blotchy skin on the face, taking into account your individual skin concerns and needs. By identifying your skin type and the underlying causes of your blotchy complexion, we can recommend targeted treatments and skincare products that can help even out your skin tone and improve your overall skin health. If you do not improve with the proper skin care, see your doctor for an assessment and advice. Visit AAD.org to find a board certified dermatologist near you.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

Related Articles

Ad Blocker Detected