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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #12092
46 days ago
75

Remove face marks - #12092

Mira

I am really stressed about these face marks that popped up outta nowhere like 3 weeks ago. At first, I thought it was just some breakouts or something, but these marks just won’t go away, and it’s like they’re getting darker every day. I used to have pretty clear skin, ya know? I mean, I had the occasional pimple in my teens but now it feels like I’m going backwards! I tried some over-the-counter creams for acne and those dried my skin out but didn’t help with the marks. I also heard about natural remedies like lemon juice or aloe vera to remove face marks, but I'm kinda hesitant because I don’t wanna mess up my skin more. My friends said they had good experiences with dermatologists, but I’m wondering if I should just go straight to that or try other home treatments first? I read something about chemical peels and laser treatments too, but I don’t know if that’s too extreme for me. What are the best options to remove face marks safely? Any advice on which routes are actually effective? Thanks!

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Doctors’ responses

Facial marks that appeared suddenly could be due to several factors like post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, a common occurrence after acne or other skin trauma, or possibly melasma, which can be influenced by hormonal changes or sun exposure. Given that the marks have persisted and are darkening, seeing a dermatologist would be wise to accurately diagnose the cause and tailor treatment. Those over-the-counter acne creams are designed for breakouts, not pigmentation, which explains why they weren’t effective and possibly left your skin dry. As for natural remedies like lemon juice or aloe vera, their effectiveness in pigmentation is limited and sometimes unpredictable; lemon juice can also be irritating and further exacerbate pigmentation if not used cautiously.

Dermatologists often recommend treatments such as topical retinoids, hydroquinone, or azelaic acid, which can lighten hyperpigmented areas but take time. Chemical peels and laser treatments can be very effective for persistent discoloration, but they should be undertaken under professional guidance to prevent adverse effects. Meanwhile, using a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily to protect from further pigmentation changes is crucial. If you’re considering trying home remedies or new products, always do a patch test first to ensure your skin doesn’t react adversely. Ultimately, consulting with a dermatologist would provide clarity and prevent unnecessary hassle or worsening of blemishes.

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