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facial hyperpigmentation
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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #15617
45 days ago
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facial hyperpigmentation - #15617

Rhea

I am really struggling with facial hyperpigmentation and I don't know what to do. A few months ago, I noticed some dark spots showing up on my cheeks and forehead. At first, I thought maybe it was just from sun exposure, but I started using sunscreen religiously. But the facial hyperpigmentation didn’t seem to budge at all, and now it’s even worse! I’ve tried a few over-the-counter creams that claim to lighten spots but honestly, they haven’t helped. I talked to my doc, and they mentioned that it could be related to hormonal changes, since I just had a baby, but it’s been super frustrating. I even looked into chemical peels, which I’m kinda nervous about, hearing both good and bad things about them. Like, do they actually work for facial hyperpigmentation? Anyone here had success with that? Or maybe I should consider laser treatments?? Just feeling lost cause I want to get my glow back. Also, are there specific ingredients I should be looking for in products to help deal with this facial hyperpigmentation? Thanks in advance!

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Doctors’ responses

Facial hyperpigmentation can indeed be a challenging condition to tackle, especially when it doesn’t improve with initial treatments like sunblock and over-the-counter creams. Since you mentioned hormonal changes post-pregnancy, melasma could be the culprit; it’s a common cause of hyperpigmentation in such scenarios. Sunscreen is crucial — make sure it’s a broad-spectrum one, with at least SPF 30. Look for ingredients like niacinamide, kojic acid, azelaic acid, and vitamin C in OTC creams, as they help in reducing pigmentation by interrupting melanin production or improving cell turnover. Sometimes, prescription treatments like hydroquinone or tretinoin may be recommended by dermatologists for more stubborn cases. Regarding chemical peels, they can be effective for surface pigmentation, but superficial peels are generally safest; deeper peels carry more risk of irritation and may worsen hyperpigmentation, particularly in darker skin tones. Laser treatments such as Q-switched lasers can also target pigmentation, though they might not be suitable for everyone and can sometimes trigger more pigmentation or other complications. Always consult with a dermatologist before proceeding with peels or laser treatments to assess skin type and spot-test for adverse reactions. Meanwhile, keep a regular skincare regimen with gentle exfoliation and avoid picking or irritating affected areas; this can exacerbate the issue. Stay patient — these treatments often require a few months to show significant results.

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