An unusual darkening of your skin can have several possible causes. Sun exposure, of course, is the most common such cause, but if you are certain that simple tanning is not responsible for your skin changes, you should take the precaution of visiting a doctor.
CAFFEINE
Caffeine is a type of stimulant that is found in many different common beverages, such as coffee, tea and soda, as well as in some foods, such as chocolate and some nuts. In moderate amounts, caffeine is usually not harmful to your health; the FDA recommends that you consume no more than about 100 to 200 milligrams of caffeine per day, about the amount found in one to two 5-ounce cups of coffee.
CAFFEINE AND SKIN
If you consume too much caffeine, you might notice such skin changes as dark circles under your eyes due to the caffeine's dehydrating effect. In moderation, however, caffeine might actually be beneficial to your skin. For example, its antioxidant qualities might help prevent skin cancer, and its impact on blood vessels can help drain excess blood pooling around the face.
HYPERPIGMENTATION
Hyperpigmentation is the medical term for the presence of unusually high levels of melanin in the ski. Melanin is a pigment that determines your skin color. It can be caused by skin inflammation, excessive iron intake or a reaction to medication. You should visit your doctor if you notice a sudden, unexplained change in your skin color, but in most cases, hyperpigmentation is not seriously harmful.
CHLOASMA
Chloasma is also known as melasma. It is a fairly common condition in women during pregnancy that is characterized by a darkening of the skin on the face. The discoloration frequently varies in degree across the face; it is most common in pale-skinned, dark-haired women. Chloasma is not harmful and generally disappears completely after the baby is born, according to the March of Dimes.
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