What can cause quick changes in skin color (other than sun damage and smoking)?
147770
This could be something to do with Melanocytes\nMelanocytes produce pigment which are scattered through out the basal layer of the epedermis.  Melanocytes are derived from the never tissue and produce the pigment granules which are passed on to keratinocytes(epedermal cells that synthesize keratin)to give the skin the most of its color.  Your body is probably not producing Melanocytes go and see a doctor, this could be severe hope this helps
647446
Skin cancer, sun damage, wrinkles.
945706
Take the Homeopathic remedy SULFUR in 200 potency once a week and take BERBERIS A in mother tinture potency 5 drops in a sip of hot water thrice a day half hour before meals it will clear your skin and make your skin glow, without any side effects or complications. To remove Pockmarks or acne marks apply CALENDULA OINTMENT try them for 15 days and tell everybody about the effects ;-) ! Awesome Results.\nTake Care and God Bless you !
352769
They say lemon juice ...just do not do glycolic acid peel....it causes hyperpigmentation!
1128092
nothing to worry about. there can be reasons like heredity, but not really due to stress and all that other bs. your hair loses the pigment and turns lighter. mine is turning really white and started when i was about your age!  i love color. highlighting masks it better.
364498
try jergens, or another lotion that darkenss the skin. these look totally natural cause they darken your skin tone, not paint something on it. also, if you need to tan quickly, try natural airbrush enhancement (not airbrush tanning)
1108264
haven't you been listening?  it is not wise to get too much sun.  cancer is not fun.  cancer can kill you.  skin cancer is not always detected before it's too late.  once the cancer starts - it will not stop - it has to be cut out - which leaves a scar.\n\nwhat is the big deal about changing the natural color of your skin?  you really won't be a different person for changing it.  if you're hoping to attract someone by being unaturally dark, you aren't being real with yourself.  i hope you don't try to build a relationship based on skin tone.  if you aren't desireable as a personality, the skin thing will only complicate the relationship thing.  \n\nand the cancer will screw everything up.
842958
I know it's a cultural thing, but you'd better embrace your dark skin, there's so many people who try to get your color.  I suppose that if you remain in cooler climates your skin will lighten up on its own.  Mine does without me trying.
148386
DNA can be altered in the short term through damaging substances such as all forms of radation....including tanning beds...chemicals, etc.   These types of changes usually lead to cancer and is probably very close to impossible to lead to a good change (although the change would only be for one cell that would probably not be passed on).  The other way is through evolution, which is obviously the long term.
737680
The chemicals in cigarettes are highly toxic to your skin.and organs. YES, smoking ages you much faster, like the sun ages you if you get too much, like more than two hours a day. (Leave  newspaper in the sun for a couple days and see what happens.)  The repeated action of the facial muscles involved with smoking cause excess creases around lips and eyes, which can only be reversed by readily available cosmetic surgery.\nIf you quit smoking, you'll have plenty of money to spend on reasonable surgery to reverse the damage almost completely, and your skin will start to take on a natural glow with a few weeks of quitting. Water and clear fluids will flush the toxins out over time and people WILL notice a difference in how you look, and definitely in how you smell!
503815
Result varies.  I am asain with fair skin and i notice the change in about a week.
629885
If you mean clear from blemishes, drink at least 2litres water a day and avoid fatty, sugary foods. If you mean your skin is naturally dark, keep out of the sun. Even dark skins fade a few shades in time.Just eat right and moisturise and be happy with what you got.
1118094
http://www.peacehealth.org/kbase/topic/detail/drug/hw155236/detail.htm  Certain medication can cause color change, usually darkening them.
929723
Pale skin isn't unhealty. The color of ones skin is dictated by the amount of melanin produced within the skin. The sun increases the productions of said melanin, causing a gradual increase in shading of the skin. It doesn't matter what color you are intially. The process works the same way for everyone. It's all in your body.
7104
This spot is called in medicine "post inflammatory hyperpigmentation" and can result from any injury or inflammation to the skin. This is more likely to occur if you tan easily or have a dark complexion. If left undisturbed (don't pick at it; friction can make it darker or last longer! :), it will slowly fade. Bleaching creams can make it fade more quickly, but are not always necessary. Be patient, as fading can take weeks if not months to complete.
155610
It is a fact that when ultraviolet light touches your skin it causes your body to naturally produce vitamin D. Vitamin D has been linked to treat and/or prevent many diseases and conditions. For example, Dr. Holick Professor of Medicine, Dermatology, Physiology, and Biophysics at the Boston University Medical Center has found substantial evidence that the Vitamin D you get from tanning can help with the following diseases and conditions:\n\n    * Breast Cancer\n    * Colon Cancer\n    * Depression (Nonseasonal)\n    * Fybromyalgia\n    * High Blood Pressure\n    * Multiple Sclerosis\n    * Osteomalacia\n    * Osteoporosis\n    * Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)\n    * Prostate Cancer\n    * Psoriasis\n    * Rheumatoid Arthritis\n    * Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)\n    * Type 1 Diabetes\n    * Type 2 Diabetes
503511
Get out in the sun more!  If you're fair-skinned, 45 minutes a week is beneficial.  If dark-skinned, a few hours a week.  \n\nHere's other sources of D:\n\nCod liver oil (best source)\nFatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, sardines, herring\nVitamin D-fortified milk and cereal\nEggs\n\nWatch out taking supplements, you can OD with serious health consequences.