issues with blemishes color & tone - #18076
I am really struggling with these issues with blemishes color & tone on my face. Like, I've tried everything from cream to washes, but nothing really seems to help. I used to have pretty clear skin, but now it seems like every month, there's a new breakout, and my complexion is all over the place. It's frustrating because some days I look in the mirror and feel like my skin is normal, but then suddenly I notice these dark spots or patches that just ruin everything! I went to a dermatologist last month who said it could be “post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation” from past acne but still, these issues with blemishes color & tone are driving me nuts. Also, I've been more stressed lately, which makes me wonder if that’s making things worse? Like, sometimes I wonder if it's something I’m eating or using on my skin, or is it just age catching up? Anyone here have tips or success stories dealing with these annoying issues with blemishes color & tone? Any recommendations would be super appreciated because at this point, I just want to feel good in my skin again! Thanks!
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Doctors' responses
When dealing with issues like blemishes and uneven skin tone, it’s useful to take a step back and consider both internal and external factors influencing your skin. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is pretty common after acne, and it can persist for some time. Stress can exacerbates acne by triggering inflammation and influencing hormones, so finding ways to manage stress might be beneficial—practices like regular exercise, mindfulness, or yoga often help balance stress levels. As for diet, while the link between diet and acne isn’t fully established, some people find that high-glycemic foods or dairy products can worsen acne symptoms. Maintaining a balanced diet focusing on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains could support overall skin health. When it comes to topical treatment, using products with ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, or retinoids might improve hyper pigmentation. Vitamin C can help lighten dark spots, while retinoids boost cell turnover, but they may require some time to show results. Be consistent and patient with these therapies as they usually don’t work immediately. Also, since you mentioned previous advice from a dermatologist, adhering to their recommendation is often crucial. Finally, make sure you’re using an appropriate sunscreen daily to prevent further darkening of the pigment. Broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 can help protect your skin from UV damage which can worsen hyperpigmentation. If these measures don’t bring improvement, or if you notice other symptoms like itching or new types of lesions, another follow-up with your dermatologist might be necessary to rule out other skin conditions. They might provide additional treatments like chemical peels, laser therapy, or professional strength-topicals if needed. The goal here is to address any underlying issues and adopt a consistent skincare routine aiming for gradual improvement.
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