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how to remove dark patches on face
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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #16186
4 days ago
10

how to remove dark patches on face - #16186

Reyansh

I am a bit worried about these dark patches on my face that have started showing up outta nowhere. It all began a few months ago after my summer trip – I thought it was just sun damage or something. At first, they were super faint, but now they’ve turned kinda dark and noticeable, you know? I’ve tried a few creams I found online, but they don’t seem to help at all. I looked into home remedies for how to remove dark patches on face, like lemon juice or aloe Vera, but I’m not sure if they're effective or if I should avoid them. A friend mentioned something about chemical peels too, but I dunno if that’s over the top, and I am kinda freaked out about how that works. Also, I went to my doctor a while back, and she kind of dismissed it saying it's probably just pigmentation, which was not super helpful. I guess I’m just looking for real advice from allopathic doctors on how to remove dark patches on face, like what actually works and if I should be cautious of any particular treatments. Do any of you guys have tips or recommendations that have worked for you or your patients? I'm really hoping to get rid of these patches, they feel so frustrating.

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Doctors’ responses

Dark patches on the face, especially after sun exposure, could be attributed to various conditions, the most common being melasma or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The first step is minimizing further sun damage by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 every day, even on cloudy days. It’s essential to reapply every two hours when you’re outdoors. This will help to prevent the patches from getting darker or new ones from forming. Over-the-counter products with ingredients like hydroquinone, kojic acid, vitamin C, or niacinamide can be effective in lightening dark patches, although they may take several weeks to show results. Hydroquinone is a potent ingredient; use it cautiously due to potential irritation especially on sensitive skin. You mentioned chemical peels, which can be effective as a more intensive treatment. These should be performed by a dermatologist or trained practitioner, as doing them at home could cause irritation or further damage if not done correctly. Laser treatments are another option; they offer targeted approaches but can be more costly. Home remedies like lemon juice can be quite harsh and potentially irritate the skin or cause further pigmentation if exposed to sunlight, while aloe vera is generally safe but might not provide significant results on its own. Consulting with a dermatologist to determine the exact cause of your pigmentation is advisable, especially if over-the-counter treatments or protection measures don’t seem to work. They can offer personalized treatment plans, rule out serious conditions, and provide advice on what to avoid.

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