Dark patches on face

[Bringonthesunforthewashing]

Hi all,

I developed these top of cheeks, forehead and upper lip when pregnant over 12 years ago. They never went!

I use high factor sunscreen 365 days of the year.

Has anyone got any recommendations that actually work to lighten it?!

Sounds like Melasma so following as i have it on my forehead :-( developed last year out of the blue

Yes, sounds like melasma, not something that can easily be fixed with OTC products. You're best off seeing a dermatologist with a specialisation in pigmentation as even for experienced dermatologists it's not an easy straightforward thing to remedy.

It’s a right pain!! So you think buying any products would be a waste of money

I think the infrared light therapy masks or lamps are meant to be good for these, you may have to use eye protection depending on what you get. Might be worth a read about; I've not personally used them.

I have been using Dermalogica dark spot serum every morning for the last few months. I think it's made a difference but it's expensive and I am not going to sit here telling you it's been life changing but I will be buying more! I also use an SPF50 Eucerin pigment control every day to limit any further marks

I find tretinoin fades mine over the winter. I have to be very careful in the sun now and even then they come back darker in the summer. I’ve just got the Dennis gross light mask and really hoping that might make some in roads.

Someone recommended cryotherapy for mine. They'd just started the treatment in their salon and I haven't looked properly into it as it was clearly a sales pitch.

I was considering this.

I might give it ago!

Nothing wrong with giving it a go if you can. They also have the powerbright spf 50 too which has good reviews but I have too much of the Eucerin to use up to have tried it yet!.

They also have an overnight cream in that range, but again, haven't tried it.