Is this vanity? How do I fix it?

[Needfixing]

I have name changed to avoid being outed.

I really need some advice about my skin and would like some honest opinions.
I have dark patches all over my face. It's caused by sun damage (I used to take the contraceptive pill, which I believe exacerbates the problem).
I know it seems trivial but I've recently seen photographs of myself ( don't usually look at them) and I'm so upset at my appearance. It's really getting me down.
I spoke to a local beautician about microdermabrasion but I can't get a clear answer as to whether this would really help. I get that it "improves the complexion" but what the fuck does that actually mean?
I am seriously conspiring just becoming a recluse.
Thanks in advance of wisdom.

Sorry considering, not conspiring.

Are you in a position to see a private dermatologist? If it's that bad it'll probably be better to take the advice of someone medically trained as opposed to a beautician.

Is it melasma ( pregnancy mask) ? Have you tried something like liquid gold / white gold.
A colleague at work has this and I think she had a treatment where they roll a 'prickly' ( sorry really crap description) over the skin. I think the needles are very small and don't penetrate very far and is supposed to improve collagen production. I think you can get laser to break down the pigment.

Oops should read ' prickly roller'.

Microdermabrasion improves the complexion and is good for clogged pores. It didn't do anything for my dark patches though.

I had lasering on some dark splotches caused by sun damage on my face which faded it but it's still visible.

Thanks. I think there is a bit of pregnancy mask thing going on but that doesn't account for all of it and my youngest is six m. o.
Unfortunately not able to see. Dermatologist privately.

I did suspect that micro wouldn't do much so it's useful to hear tht.
Thank you.

I can tell you that clinique stuff is a waste of money, time and space.
Can't remember the name of it now, the one with the egg that fades in the advert.
There's some good threads over on S & B.

I think micro dermabrasion can work a bit, have you looked on the 'skin clinic' website? It depends on the depth of skin where the discolouration is how effective dermabrasion would be. It is not too expensive ( see if you could get at groupon).
Laser Does not seem to be too expensive either.

I had microdermabrasion too to try and fade acne scarring, was useless and expensive. Salons rarely talk you out of things... Recently used kiehls brightening vitamin c serum, body shop has vitamin c serum too as does some of the brands in boots, no 7 has a dark spot corrector. I've found it is good at fading patches so might be worth investigating, a lot cheaper than the salon treatments. I definitely think they help. Yanbu to feel bad, it undermines confidence. Have you tried using tinted moisturiser/bb cream to make things look better?

Ah thanks for all your replies nd for being o kind.

Make up helps but it's still visible sadly.

I have started using bio oil as correcting uneven tone is one of its claims but I don't hold out much hope.
Thanks squirted I would have wasted my money on that Clinique stuff.

I just had my first session of microdermabrasion this weekend - but for clogged pores due to dry skin and a few fine lines. Don't have v uneven skin tone but I wouldn't say it would work for that particularly. I'm going to have a few sessions as they go 'deeper' each time. Probably better suggestions up thread.

How long have you been off the pill for? I only ask because I had the same problem but, since coming off it 18 months ago, it has completely gone without any intervention (apart from regular moisturising with SPF) . In fact it had disappeared within 3-4 months of stopping the pill so it may be worth waiting a bit before starting any expensive treatments. Just an idea...

Hmmm bio oil is good stuff, that's worth a try. I'd try posting on the style board too. Fwiw, I also thought the Clinique dark spot stuff was pants plus yucky texture. Remember it looks much worse to you than to anyone else...