Skin pigmentation problem, help

[Zooks]

Hi Geeks

I posted a while ago about having a problem with pigmentation but didnt get much of a response

A few years ago I burnt my nose and have since struggled whenever I catch the sun with my skin going darker in this are.
I have just come back from abroad and now its not only my nose but my lip and cheeks also.

Its really getting me down and I am wondering if there are any skin specialist on here that could recommend a solution?

I dont want a foundation to cover it, I already do this, I mean a longtemr solution. Do I have to consider chemical peels etc?

Thankyou.

I have attached a picture, hopefully it works.

 

[Sharkster]

As well as your nose I can see patches on you cheeks and top lip. I do suffer from melasma as well but mine had subsided a lot due to not taking contraceptive pill for over 6 years. Some forms of the pill can make it a lot worse than others (evra patch was the worst for me) so if you are taking any form of contraception then discuss other options with your doctor.

I have had a few very expensive consultations with private cosmetic surgeons and they have both advised that the only real help are skin lightening products containing hydroquinone ( sorry not sure of spelling) and that treatments such as laser are a waste if time/money. Although since then I have been having laser hair reduction and the Nurse reckons that she can shift it but I am a bit dubious. However if she wants to do a F.O.C trial I would be more than happy to give it a go & let you know.

Sorry if this does not help much but after years of banging on about my pigmentation to various cosmetic/healthcare professionals this is as far as I have got with it.



x

 

[Zooks]

Thanks so much for your reply Sharkster.

I did mention I had patches on my lip etc in my post.

Thats reallly interesting because I am on the Evra patch!

Its the contraception that has worked best for me so I'm reluctant to change it but its worth knowing. Yes please let me know how you get on and thankyou for your reply. I was beginning to think no one could help!

 

[squidgernetball]

Hi, sorry to hear about your pigmentation problems. I stock Environ and they do a product that helps with Melasma pigmentation. I have had several clients with it, and there always seems to be a hormone relation, so the pill, and also menopause - anytime there is a change/surge/slump in hormones, it can be a factor. I would recommend a really good sunscreen - that is not necessarily the highest factor - an excellent quality factor 15 is better than a factor 50 loaded with chemicals, and a product that will be very gentle on lightening the skin. I had a client with dark skin, with a darker patch on her cheek who had laser. It burnt her skin and is now permanently lighter than the rest of her face. If you are going to go down that road, I would really research it and look for recommendations. Hope that helps, and best of luck x

 

[essentia]

It is imperative that you use a sunblock on your face at all times as it is the combination of UV light that triggers the response. Some medications such as the pill will make us more photo sensitive. A plan of specially formulated pigmentation products will help as well as some peels and microderabrasion (though this has to be controlled as it can actually cause more). The depth of the pigment will affect the results. I have seen very good results with professional products. Hydroquinone is now banned unless prescribed however it can have rebound affects - Kligman's formula is well known, it also contains Retin A and a corticosteroid to prevent inflammatory response. There are plenty of non hydroquinone products out there that are safer now if you want to try that first.

 

[Zooks]

Thankyou Geeks.

I always wear sunscreen whilst I am away, I wore a factor 50 on my most recent and applied it frequently.

Definitely sounding like it could be my choice of contraception then, how frustrating.

I feel really aware of it but I am also aware that certain treatments could definitely make it worse.

I will look into the Environ range: What is the treatment called?

I have had several sessions of MicroDerm and it made no difference.

 

[squidgernetball]

Their whole range based on vitamin A can have a beneficial effect on skin pigmentation, but specifically they do a range called Evenescence which needs to be used in conjunction with their moisturiser etc. Would recommend a visit to a salon as you cannot buy/sell without seeing the skin. The products are great for skin generally and are not hugely expensive. Their sunscreen is fantastic offering a uva/uvb protection SPF 15 which is excellent. If you're interested, i'd contact Environ for your nearest stockist! Hope that helps!

 

[Sharkster]

Hey Zooks, I know that Evra patch is convenient but your skin will get a lot worse while using it. I had it for around 2 years then just had to stop as my face became almost completely covered. I do use sunscreen every day and also have foundation with an SPF. How long have you been using the patch?

I will have a look at the Environ range too

 

[Zooks]

Hey Zooks, I know that Evra patch is convenient but your skin will get a lot worse while using it. I had it for around 2 years then just had to stop as my face became almost completely covered. I do use sunscreen every day and also have foundation with an SPF. How long have you been using the patch?

I will have a look at the Environ range too

Ive been using it for about 6 years!

I noticed my nose a few years ago and only in the last year or so have noticed my lip.

Is it something that will stop when I come off it?

Oh god please say it is.

 

[Sharkster]

Well I have been off it (and any other type if hormone contraception) for about 6 years, perhaps more and it has faded a lot, a real lot. But I still have bad bits running down my jaw line from my ears. I call them my lamb chops (either you know what I'm in about here or you don't).

I will say that I am not having a good time without hormonal contraception but that us mostly linked to my age along with personal genetics (we are not all the same) but if the reason you use the Evra patch is just for contraception reasons then there must be something else to try. I'm not trying to advise but my sister just had a non hormonal copper coil fitted and although she had a few problems to start with it has settled nicely. Go to your GP and discuss options.