Hyperpigmentation treatments

[TigerseyeMum]

I know some people get this problem when pregnant, but I have not been pregnant, just been silly and allowed myself to get sunburnt a few years ago on my first day in Tenerife.

Since then I have brown hyperpigmentation patches on my face - forehead and around eye sockets - which annoy me as I just look 'grubby'.

Has anyone tried the treatments for this, and do they work? I am considering goig back to dermalogica and might ask my beauty consultant about their treatments, but the prices are painful so want to know if they work.

Also, will the brown patches just come back over time anyway??? And will they get worse if I get pregnant???

Thx xxx

I've had IPL skin rejuvenation. It's uncomfortable, but not really painful. It does work and you may need three/ four treatments. I have microdermabrasion facials every 6 weeks and IPL twice a year in March and October.

Before and After

You can make a start by using a moisturiser with broad spectrum UV cover, min spf 16 (which is a block). Brown patches won't come back if you're sensible - stay out of the sun, use a block, wear a hat.

I'm not sure lotions and potions will work.

I don't think I could afford that though :(

My patches are very small, a bit near my hairline and under my eye sockets (where the light bounced off my sunglasses).

I heard that the exfoliators remove the stuck cells that cause the darkness.
I will deffo get some sunblock though - dermalogica do one that you put in your regular moisturiser so will try that, moisturiser containing sunblock seems hard to find and regular sunblock blocks my pores.

It's all so complicated...

Three facials would be the cost of one IPL treatment and if you have a birthday coming up perhaps you could ask for salon vouchers.

Where do you live? I'm in North London. If the same, I'll PM you details of the salon I visit.

Moisturisers with sunblock (UV broad spectrum):

Clinique Super Defence SPF25
L'Occitane SPF 20
Dermalogica SPF 30
Olay Regenerist SPF 30

Texture and how is feels on your skin is more important than cost and brand.

Thanks, I have specific moisturisers that I use as I am allergic to many.

I'm not in North London though, thanks anyway. I am popping in to see my therapist on Saturday morning and see what they suggest, sadly I have to wait almost a year for another birthday!

Skin Lightening Lotion by ProActiv Solution contains hydroquinone (the active ingredient which lightens) plus glycolic acid (an AHA exfoliant). Don't know how easily available it is in the UK though.

Formulas with Vitamin C also have some capacity to lighten, but hydroquinone is recognised to be the most effective.

birdbath - I think hydroquinone is illegal in UK - see here

Looks like you're right hugebelly (I am not in the UK - didn't think to check that!). Apologies to the OP.

It's legal OTC and on prescription (in higher doses) in the US.

It seems that the EU/ UK ban is a result of problems seen in South Africa some years ago when hydroquinone products were found to contain mercury and other caustic contaminants which were thought to be the cause of the serious side effects (British Journal of Dermatology, March 2003, pages 493?500). It has also been found to be mixed with steriod creams in some instances (mainly in illegal UK operations, or in products aimed at Third World countries). Longterm use of potent steriod is well known to cause thinning, discolouration and other changes to skin which might account for some other problems seen with so-called lightening creams.

The one I recommended definitely doesn't contain those! Looks like it's a controversial topic in the UK though.