Facial Pigmentation Caused by Bleaching Cream?

Question

I'm an Asian girl who has dark facial pigmentation as a result of using jolen (bleaching cream). I believe I used too much bleaching powder and this caused this skin to burn. It has healed but with dark pigmented skin. It has not faded with time (I did this about 4 years ago). I have tried a course of laser genesis, hydroquinine and cosmelan but nothing has improved it I would like some advice on whether there are any lasers I could try eg Fraxel or would this be a waste of money?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

I would recommend Melarase AM and Melarase PM as an option for difficult PIH pigmentation on the face.

Dina D. Strachan, MD · Answer

It sounds like you developed post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after bleachig cream. Laser treament is not the best choice to address this. If you want to avoid hydroquinone, which it sounds like you may be allergic to or unable to tolerate, you could try chemical peels, such as the Vi Peel, or skin brightening agents which do not contain hydroqunone. Look for ingredients such as glycolic acid, salicyclic acid, azeleic, acid, and kojic acid.

Renita (Lourdhurajan) Rajan, MD, DNB · Answer

Hi,

	Fraxel is not the best option for post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Q switched Nd YAG LASER works very well for pigmentation in Asian skin. You could try undergoing treatment over a small area to see if it works for you. Make sure to use a sunscreen throughout the treatment period and thereafter. 

	Azelaic acid cream is a good option too.

Vicki J. Levine, MD · Answer

do you wear a physical sunblock with zinc or titanium oxide on your face everyday/ There is a product called Elure which may help but only as long as you are using it. Given your skin type laser might be risky.

Facial Pigmentation Caused by Bleaching Cream?

Answers (4)