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How to get rid of pigmentation?
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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #11895
45 days ago
79

How to get rid of pigmentation? - #11895

Raj

I am struggling with this annoying issue of skin pigmentation. Like, I really don’t get it, I used to have pretty clear skin and then outta nowhere, these dark spots started showing up! I’ve tried a few over-the-counter creams that claimed to help with pigmentation but honestly, they didn’t do squat. Last week, I went to a dermatologist who suggested some treatments, but I feel like these methods for how to get rid of pigmentation are just confusing. The doc mentioned laser options and chemical peels, but that sounds kinda intense and also expensive. I’ve read online about natural remedies for how to get rid of pigmentation, like lemon juice or aloe vera, but can they really be effective? And what about sun exposure— I mean, should I stop going out altogether? I've become paranoid about my skin, it just seems to be getting worse. If anyone could share their experiences or advice on how to get rid of pigmentation, I’d really appreciate it! Does anyone know how long it takes to even see results from treatments? It feels like I’ve tried everything and I'm just exhausted from all this.

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Doctors’ responses

Pigmentation issues can definitely be frustrating, and it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed with the options out there. First, let’s consider some of the common causes of pigmentation, which include sun exposure, hormonal changes, aging, or even certain medications. Properly identifying the underlying cause can sometimes inform the best course of treatment. If you’ve noticed that the dark spots have increased with sun exposure, it might be important to up your sun protection game. Daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen is key, and this doesn’t mean avoiding the sun entirely but taking protective measures like wearing hats, applying sunscreen every two hours if you’re outside, and seeking shade whenever possible. Regarding treatments, over-the-counter options might not always yield quick results, but ingredients like niacinamide, retinoids, and vitamin C are beneficial for lightening pigmentation over time. These usually take weeks, sometimes months, to show visible improvement. On the more intense side, treatments like chemical peels and lasers can indeed be effective but come with higher costs and some downtime. It’s perfectly reasonable to explore these options if pigmentaion is significantly affecting your quality of life, but ensure you consult with trusted professionals who can tailor interventions to your needs. As for natural remedies like lemon juice and aloe vera, there’s limited scientific evidence on their effectiveness, and they may vary greatly in benefit for each individual. Lemon juice can also make your skin photo-sensitive, possibly worsening pigmentation. When it comes to seeing results, patience is key whether you’re going the over-the-counter or professional route. Improvement varies per person and treatment type, so keeping realistic expectations is crucial. If treatments feel confusing, ask your dermatologist to clarify with more detail on expected outcomes and duration. It’s a journey, but with consistent care and protective measures, improvement in pigmentation can often be achieved.

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