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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #13308
45 days ago
77

whitening face - #13308

Muhammad

I am really concerned about my skin lately. I’ve always had trouble with dark spots, especially after acne, and I’ve been looking into whitening face routines or treatments. A couple of months ago, I started using this popular cream that promised to help with brightening my skin, but honestly, I haven’t seen much improvement. Plus, I think my face feels kinda dry and irritated sometimes. My friend swears by a certain product for whitening face issues, but I’m afraid of trying too many things and making it worse. I did some tests and my dermatologist said that my skin is sensitive, which makes me worry that I should be careful with any products I use for whitening face treatments. Like, what if it just exacerbates the issue? I tried some natural remedies, like lemon and honey masks, but who knows if that’s even safe? Do you guys think there are specific ingredients I should look for or avoid when I search for whitening face options? Or maybe a professional treatment would be better? Just feeling really lost and frustrated with all this!

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Doctors’ responses

It sounds like you’re dealing with hyperpigmentation, which is a common issue following acne. Since you mentioned having sensitive skin and experiencing dryness and irritation, it’s crucial to be cautious with any products applied to your face. Some ingredients, while effective for skin brightening, can exacerbate sensitivity if not used carefully. Hydroquinone, for instance, is a well-known skin brightener but can cause irritation, especially in sensitive skin. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), like glycolic acid, are effective for exfoliation but may not be ideal for daily use on sensitive skin. Instead, consider ingredients like niacinamide or vitamin C, which are effective for skin brightening and typically cause less irritation. They help in reducing pigmentation and improving skin barrier function, making them suitable for sensitive skin types.

When you try new products, always patch test them first. Apply a small amount to a discreet area of skin and wait 24-48 hours to see if any irritation occurs. As for natural remedies like lemon or honey, they can irritate sensitive skin — the acidity of lemon in particular can be too harsh and might worsen irritation. It’s best to consult with your dermatologist about professional treatments like chemical peels or laser therapies, which, though more invasive, can provide more substantial results if over-the-counter products aren’t working.

For daily skin routines, focus on gentle cleansers and moisturizers to maintain your skin barrier. Sunscreen is critical — it prevents dark spots from getting darker. An SPF of at least 30 should be applied every day. Taking a soft approach with products designed for sensitive skin while incorporating proven active ingredients can offer better results over time. If irritation persists, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist for tailored advice.

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