dark skin patches on face - how to get rid?

[KMR281]

hello,

since having my two lovely boys I've got dark patches of skin on my face - sort of freckly coloured, but blotches, rather than a freckle.

I have heard that this is pretty common, but has anyone had any success in getting rid of it? I have heard that Bio oil works? or therre is a clinique cream I think, but am looking for stuff that folk have tried and will recommend!

my skin used to be pretty good - nearly porcelain one beauty counter lady said but nowadays it's very patchy I feel, hey ho.

and I won't even ask about leg veins, as lasering only option, and not brave (or rich!) enough!!

thanks in advance!

sorry can't help, but will be watching this thread as I also have patchy cheeks and I must admit they are starting to get to me now and as for my veins

I developed dark pigmented patches whilst pregant with DD3. The patch is above my top lip and really looks as though I have a mostache (sp?)Unfortunetly over the last three years I have tried sooo many things to try and get rid of it, but nothing has worked - including Bio Oil, Skin peeling masks and laser

GP has now confirmed that it is melasma and has said I will need to be referred to a dermatologist. I have read that there is a cream which has to be prescribed. The cream has hydrocodone in, which apparently bleaches the skin.

I will advise that to stop the patches getting darker you must wear a very good sunscreen - preferably a mineral base one (containing Zink oxide and Titanium) with a protection factor 30 min.

If you do find another avenue that works for you, please let us know

oops Pregnant

Oh and regarding the sunscreen, it must be worn even if it is not sunny and 365 days a year.

I have just started using [http://www.clinique.co.uk/product/1693/9287/Skin-Care/Uneven-Skin-Tone/NEW-Even-Better-Clinical-Dar k-Spot-Corrector/index.tmpl clinique corrector]] a week or so ago and I think I can see a bit of an improvement already

here

Watching with interest as the same has happened to me. I have patches on my cheeks for which I got a really good foundation from clinique. But I have really bad pigmentation above my lips that looks a bit like lip liner, but only in certain places, so people keep going "Ladyem, you've got a bit of chocolate on your lip!" and have have to then cheerily tell them that actually, errr... no I haven't!!

Have always worn moisturiser with an SPF of 15, but will now up it to factor 30!

Will be looking up that cream, Ginadavis, and seeing my GP! Thanks!

i too use a moisturiser with spf 15 in it, anyone know of one that has spf 30 in it then? Other than actual sun tan lotion??
shall also look up a hydrocodone cream... bet that there is one you can get without going to a dermatologist... fingers crossed!!

keep the suggestions coming!

I use John Masters natural mineral sunscreen SPF 30 and Soltan once.

In the UK it is illegal to sell any cream with hydrocodone 4% (this is the strengh that you need to bleach)

There are a few products from Skin Doctors you could try. Their products have lightening fruit acids within them, that are supposed to aid in skin lightnening, but like I said I have tried allsorts including Skin doctors and nothing has worked.

I have these patches too, on my cheeks. It's called chloasma I think, pigmentation marks caused by hormone and possibly triggered by sun exposure, I think.

I bought this clinique city block a few weeks ago and it gives SPF40, non greasy and can be used under foundation. I'm not sure if I'm imagining it but they do appear lighter. Here: sorry crap link, it's available in boots for £15, make sure you get the SPF40 one as it's available in SPF25 too, same price - and its def worth it

I'll also be buying the dark spot corrector that Dotty has recommended above, too.

I've been using the Clinique dark spot corrector for about six weeks now.
I really noticed a difference until I went on holiday and now I have to start all over again as my freckles etc. reappeared with a vengeance in the sun.

Hydroquinone is extremely effective and I've seen the results on birthmarks. I'd be wary of any cream that contained it without it being prescribed though.
(I know the Clinique corrector cream is compared to it but the ingredients are not disclosed )