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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #12211
45 days ago
80

Remove face marks - #12211

Shivam

I am really struggling with some face marks that just won’t go away no matter what I try! A few months ago, I had a bad breakout, and of course, I picked at it—big mistake. Now I’m left with these annoying red and brown face marks that seem to linger forever. I seriously thought they would fade over time, but it's been like 6 months and still nothing! I’ve been using all these creams and serums that claim to help remove face marks, but honestly, it feels like a money pit. I even tried over-the-counter treatments with hydroquinone and retinol but I can’t tell if they’re doing anything. My friend told me I should just go for a chemical peel or something more intense to remove face marks quicker, but I’m nervous about possible side effects and how my skin would react. What do you all think about this? Are there any specific treatments or products you’ve found work best to remove face marks that I could ask my dermatologist about? I want to be careful but I'm getting a little desperate! Also, does anyone know if lifestyle changes can really help with this, like diet or hydration? Any tips or recommendations would be super helpful!

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Doctors’ responses

When dealing with lingering face marks, it can be frustrating to feel like you’ve tried everything without seeing results. These marks are often post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which can indeed take a while to fade, especially if they’re deeply colored. Over-the-counter products with hydroquinone and retinol can be effective, but they need to be used consistently over several weeks to months before noticeable improvements could be seen. Sometimes, patience with these treatments is as important as the choice of product itself. That being said, if these aren’t proving effective, considering professional options like chemical peels might be the next step. These treatments can be helpful in accelerating skin turnover and fading marks, but it’s wise to proceed with caution. Consulting with a dermatologist can provide you with a tailored regimen. They can also offer treatments like microdermabrasion or laser therapy, which might be more suitable based on your skin type and sensitivity. As for lifestyle factors, hydration is essential to overall skin health, and a balanced diet rich in antioxidants (think fruits and vegetables) can support skin repair. Avoiding excessive sun exposure and using a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily is crucial in preventing further pigmentation or worsening of existing marks. It’s also worthwhile to avoid any further picking or abrasion to minimize new marks forming. Balancing these professional interventions with consistent self-care at home often yields the best results.

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