I have been dealing with hyperpigmentation of these dark spots on my face for years. I have started IPL treatment, mostly looking to lighten and reduce the appearance of these sunspots. I am wondering if IPL can help reduce the dark pigment and if I should combine the use of retinoids or hydroquinone. Is there a way to get rid of them completely?
I have had these dark spots on my chest, neck and forehead since I was younger. I believe they're birthmarks, but not entirely sure. They look similar to cafe-au-lait spots and are very splotchy. I also have something similar on my forehead but not sure if its related. Whenever I have extensive sun exposure, its usually the outer rims of my forehead that get darker. The spots on my forehead also have a weird leathery texture. Is there any way to remove this and to clear them?
After my 1st IPL session, I had immediate dark spots that fell off within a week! Great improvement! 4 wks later, at my 2nd IPL session (at another facility), and I see no difference whatsoever. No dark spots, redness or anything. Looks as if I never had the 2nd session. (I don't know the machine names, but the 2nd one was much more painful). I was told that you only typically get dark spots after the 1st session. Is this is normal? Must you get dark spots in order to lighten the sun damage?
After my 3rd treatment with IPL to correct sun spots, when the dark spots resolved after a week or so, my skin was clear!!! I was so happy! Then after a couple of weeks the spots started to come back...I just had my 4th treatment today. I was so discouraged to see the spots return. Will they eventually stay away or will I have this discoloration forever?
Yesterday, I had my first full facial BBL treatment (similar to an IPL). I have fair, freckly skin. 24 hours later, my freckles and age spots and areas I did not even know I had spots have turned chocolate brown. My face is covered in large brown areas resembling potting soil or coffee ground stains. I assume this is normal, but it is alarming. Does it usually start to flake off within 5-7 days? I also have two spots that have turned a maroon-purple color and are not brown (looks like magenta marker spots). Is this normal?