thanks so much for these further replies
i am quite fair skinned too! it first appeared in december last year following fraxel laser treatment for acne scarring, and was initially diagnosed as post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which can be a side effect of all skin resurfacing treatments. subsequently diagnosed as melasma - but i haven't had any of the common triggers, e.g. pg, taking contraceptive pill. however, it can appear without any apparent trigger. i was convinced the fraxel had somehow caused it - but now i see the fraxel is actually licenced by the FDA for the treatment of melasma.
have been told to slather on factor 50+ sunscreen on my face every day for six months and then there will be a follow up review.
but it can be permanent
i am trying to hang tight marks do fade on me - eventually!
believe it or not given what i said above, i'm not that vain and have been going out and about without make up and brazening it out. so far everyone has remembered their manners and not commented! when i put make-up on, i do use concealer on the worst areas - quite a lot of my face is affected though.
batters - bio oil might work with non-textural scarring(? - sure that is not the correct medical term)i.e. brown marks, it won't work where there is tissue loss, e.g. "pits" associated with acne scarring. but thanks for the suggestion.
tigerfeet and sadie - thanks for your replies and good luck with the fade!