I don't really know what is causing this, but you might want to make a trip to the dermatologist. Of course, you should use sunscreen every day, anywhere exposed including ears.

Your sister is right. Both BC pills and pregnancy can cause this. It has actually been known as "the mask of pregnancy". You might want to talk to your DR. about trying a different BC pill.

Please try some Instant Hot Compress - for First Aid, or any use face mask including medical treatment function, everyday. I only find some product in China market, please try to find some more in your local: http://www.madeinchina.com/2743104/P5954215/Instant-Hot-Compress-First-Aid.shtml

Here is a link that might be useful: instant hot compress

Wildchild, I just changed my BC pills, I will go back on the Ortho! Thanks!

Ivy MI, the product you recommended says "Good solution to relieve minor muscle and rheumatic pain, neural pain, sciatica, vertebral, joint pain, stiffness and muscle spasm." How would this be good for dark pigment on my face?

Personally, I'd bypass the hot compress idea!

I struggle with this, too. It's called "melasma" and BC pills and pregnancy can cause it, as another poster said. It is made worse by the sun. Most people who have it struggle with it - it's almost impossible to eliminate. I've tried Obagi, intense pulse light therapy, microdermabrasion, peels, etc., without any luck. I don't want to spend the big bucks for lasering. Maybe if I win the lottery some day.

The best thing you can do is wear sunscreen!

Good luck!

I noticed a couple of darker spots after I spent a week in FL. I did wear sunblock, but possibly not enough. Since then I've been faithful with the sunblock and they've faded.

I was taken off hormone patch last year and notice dark spots in my face and on my neck. I hate it. I had a total hysterectomy about 20 years ago. Now I am searching for something to put on my face that will get rid of or help make the dark spots less noticeable. Can anyone help me? I am 62 years old and having clear skin is what I want.

Maybe I can save you a trip since I just did this at my yearly derm check up. I have had melasma for too long. At one time when I was working at a bank it was so bad that a male customer said I looked like a raccoon. gee thanks. Mine came from BC. when I stopped those at least it didn't get worse until menopause.

This past year I really tried to keep heavy sunscreen on my face, wear a hat and used an over the counter tone corrector and to some degree it helped. But we had a group pic taken and the camera caught it all. I am sad because no chance of a redo.

Anyway, I went and the checkup was all fine. I asked what to do about the discoloration. 2 things: could do some treatment with a laser that as he put it would leave me looking like a burn patient for a couple of weeks or use a topical to lighten as much as possible then if necessary just hit those onrey areas with a stronger and much more expensive topical.

Right now I am using a skin bleaching cream on all the really discolored areas and at night using a wrinkle formula with retinol (roc). It's been 2 weeks and noticeable difference. The wrinkle formula just has a bit more of the active ingredients and it does sting briefly.

During the day I use the strongest SPF I can get. But to really protect from the sun you should use something with zinc. For that I am using La Roche Posay Anthelios 40. It has something besides zinc but it's thick and white . Don't get it near your eyes or clothes. I buy it at Marshalls, better price.

The bleaching cream is old school but he said it works. I am not a fan of the smell or using all these products but if it clears this up, I can tolerate it for a while. My skin does look less uneven, brighter and smoother. I think I look less tired, yay!

I don't ever expect to have flawless, even toned skin. I just want less blotch discoloration

However, only you and your dr. can figure out what you really need to do, what would work best for your skin type and if there is anything else going on. If you do try any of this, test on the inside of your elbow and wait 2 days to make sure you don't have a reaction. But like I said, your dr. would be the best guide for you. This is what we came up with for me.

I thank everyone for your comments. This gives me some sort of direction I need to go. Thanks a million.

Yes, likely melasma. I had this years ago and it improved greatly with an Rx script hydroquinone (sp) cream. But you must be sure to avoid but minimal sunlight. Reapply the UV block during the day. A brimmed hat also helps.

Non BC related photo-aging occurs and is insidious. Try this with a young friend -- say a 35 yo light skinned woman. Take a high resolution, crisp color photo of her face. Take the image to your photo editing software, or otherwise zoom in very very close. You might be surprised to see small micro patches of butterscotch-colored skin (not talking about freckles).

Dermatologists have tools that can similarly show sun-damage. It can give one pause.

I'm glad to hear that OP has gotten some help with this.

My doctor prescribed fluocin .01% hydroquin 5%. It took away age spots, sun spots, etc. in a few weeks. Over the counter creams that claimed to fade spots were not very effective. Keep your face out of the sun! It is not your friend.

Dermatologist. Laser.

I was taken off hormone patch about 15 months ago and notice dark brown spots appearing on my neck and lower face area. Jus went to a skin Doctor this week. They took a piece of my skin to send it off to see what it is that's causing the dark spots. Waiting to hear the result next week.