Why have I suddenly developed these “freckles”? (Pic)

[Hoiz]

Excuse brows. My half Indian brows have not been groomed due to Covid.

I’m very knowledgeable re skincare. I have completely given up on my regime of cleanser, vitamin c, hylauronic acid, AHA/BHA exfoliants, retinol and moisturiser.

I have a newborn and just can’t be bothered tbh.

They have now appeared now that I have stopped my intensive skincare routine.

Could the freckles be linked to suddenly stopping?

Its no exaggeration to state I only had a single freckle (plus small birthmark on forehead) prior to getting into skincare about 5 or so years ago.

Quite shocking

Its my (admittedly limited) understanding that sudden pigmentation in the eye area could be linked to hormones, as you say you have a newborn.

Its unlikely that they’ve appeared just because you stopped using tons of skincare, but I have a question - did you use a good broad spectrum SPF every day during those 5 years of vitamins, acids and retinoids?

Hmm I did try my best with spf but never found one I liked - including even the viral sunscreens everyone said worked well with make up.

Probably wore sunscreen 50% of the time.

Having very dark skin has probably given me a false sense of security

From what you’ve said, pregnancy hormones, increasing maturity, and using acid exfoliants, vitamin C and retinoids for years without the use of proper sun protection every day could all be likely contributors.

From recent research into possible treatment for my own dark spots, (Eastern European skin tone, which tanned quickly and never burned when I was young but now is developing quite large dark patches) it seems that darker skins can be extremely prone to hyperpigmentation triggered by hormones and surface trauma especially.

No advice to offer, but that’s not my place as you didn’t ask for any. I really hope the above is a bit helpful though.

And many congratulations on your new baby! x

They’re pretty.

Yes they are! (Forgot to say).

Sun damage and/or pregnancy related hormones. I think they're pretty though and your eyebrows are great!

No idea, but you are very lucky as they are so pretty.

Thanks all. I guess my mother was right and I should have just left my skin alone.

I personally really dislike them but not enough to do anything about them.

Are you on the contraceptive pill? Maybe that could be it.

Nope. I avoid hormonal contraceptives

Op you have bloody amazing eyebrows! I’d kill to have brows like yours!

Could be pregnancy hormones, I developed freckles in places sun never sees. Large ones at that, was referred to dermatology while pregnant and they told me that's what it was

It is called melasma and it really common in pregnancy or after giving birth. Vitamin C can help with the pigmentation but it will fade on its own. Mine faded but I do get more freckly in summer no which I like!

Yep I'd say hormones too.. you're lucky you got freckles, I ended up with a really big darker patch on my forhead 🤣