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Hyperpigmentation dark spots on face
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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #11795
45 days ago
84

Hyperpigmentation dark spots on face - #11795

Yuvan

I am super worried about these hyperpigmentation dark spots on face that I've noticed popping up lately. It started a few months ago, I was enjoying the sun a little too much without sunscreen, and now I have these brown spots on my cheeks and forehead, like seriously, what is going on? At first, I thought it was just a tan or something, but they definitely don't seem to be fading. I’ve tried some over-the-counter creams that claim to lighten hyperpigmentation dark spots on face, but honestly, they haven’t really worked for me. I’m really starting to feel self-conscious about them. I even went to a dermatologist who prescribed some stronger stuff, but I'm just not seeing much improvement! Is there anything else that might work better? Or like, how long does topical treatment take for hyperpigmentation dark spots on face to show results? I feel like I’m doing everything wrong and I just wanna feel more confident again. Anyone else deal with this? How did you handle your hyperpigmentation dark spots on face? It’s kinda driving me crazy.

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Doctors’ responses

Hyperpigmentation, particularly from sun exposure, is a common issue and can be frustrating when over-the-counter creams don’t seem to make a difference. The key thing is to know that treatments can take some time to work, usually several weeks to a few months, especially with topical treatments like hydroquinone, retinoids, or azelaic acid. These ingredients help by slowing down melanin production and increasing skin cell turnover, but patience is crucial as these approaches focus on gradual improvement. Since you mentioned seeing a dermatologist, sticking with their prescribed regimen is important as these options tend to be more potent and targeted. Also, ensure that you are applying any topical treatment as directed—consistency is vital for these products to work effectively.

In addition to what you’re already doing, using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 is imperative, since even a little sun exposure can make hyperpigmentation worse or reverse progress. Reapplying every two hours when you’re outdoors is essential, particularly if you’re sweating or involved in water activities. Adding a vitamin C serum in the morning can also help brighten your skin and protect against oxidative stress, which can exacerbate pigmentation. In some cases, adding procedures like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or certain laser treatments might be advisable, but those would need to be discussed with your dermatologist to see if they’re a suitable option for your specific case. If what you’ve tried doesn’t improve after around three months, or if things seems to be getting worse, revisiting your dermatologist for potential adjustments or alternative treatments might be necessary. Addressing unintended new adverse effects is key, especially if any irritation occurs, which can sometimes happen with more aggressive treatments. Ultimately, a multi-faceted approach combining topical treatments and procedural interventions, alongside sun protection, often yields the best outcomes for persistent cases.

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