How can I safely lighten my face? (photos)

Question

My face has gotten a few shades darker than my chest and hands probably due to sun exposure and I want to figure out how to reverse it. (The first photo is of my natural complexion and the next 2 are what my face look like now). Possibly through peels, facial treatments maybe even creams. Please list all suggestions below!

Rebecca Fitzgerald, MD · Answer

Depending on your time line:

Don't rush into any do-it-yourself peels or treatments or you risk different types of uneven pigmentation.
Your BEST option is to see a dermatologist if you are looking for a quicker way to altering skin color.

Otherwise, the DILIGENT use of sunscreen and sun avoidance will allow your skin to lighten over time. 
There are products that are gentle that contain melanin inhibitors. They tend to be a bit pricey, but they do help.

Skipped protection from sun exposure, even for a day, can set you back months. Suncreen use has to be as routine as brushing your teeth.

(Most sunscreens that don't contain a high percentage of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide take about 30 minutes to start working, so pay attention to the directions on the product!)

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis for most deep scars. The options available for acne scars depend on the character of your scars, in terms of topography and contour. We see atrophic and hypertrophic acne scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. We begin each scar evaluation with an assessment of scar quality and subtype. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to decide whether early subcision should be started.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

this is post inflammatory hyperpigmentation/melasma/discoloration that needs cosmelan or enlighten peels at home which we can do virtually and send to your home along with aerify peels regularly, vivatia foam, restorsea 10x, faith essence serum, and cosmelan 2 cream.

Hyperpigmentation from any type needs a combination approach of peels like cosmelan, enlighten and aerify,  lasers like clear and brilliant and aerolase or laser genesis, radiofrequency like venus viva, and constant skin care and sun protection.  Bimonthly facials with silk peel dermalinfusion is essential to hydrate, exfoliate and infuse vitamins and antioxidants into the skin.  If you have acne you can do additional treatments and peels to get more improvement.  I suggest a formal consultation with an expert in lasers and peels. Best, Dr. Emer.

Dmitriy Schwarzburg, MD · Answer

IV therapy is a procedure where a concoction is delivered directly into the bloodstream. This allows a higher concentration of minerals and vitamins to be absorbed by the body. This concoction may contain enough concentrations of Glutathione for skin whitening. Your doctor will specifically tailor it for you.

Edward I. Lee, MD · Answer

Hi there,
You definitely have a variety of options for treating the dark spots, or hyperpigmentation, on your face. This results from overproduction of melanin or pigment within the skin that can happen from sun exposure, trauma, inflammation or other injury to the skin. There are some different options to try ranging from more conservative to more aggressive in nature. Usually we recommend starting with a more conservative approach initially before jumping straight to more aggressive treatments, as these are typically reserved for more recalcitrant pigment, especially in darker skin toned individuals. Some initial treatment options you might want to try include topical skin bleaching creams, chemical peels, and/or brightening skincare regimens. As always, we recommend a formal in-person consultation to get the best personalized assessment and treatment plan for your particular concerns.

How can I safely lighten my face? (photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: Skin Lightening

Answer: Skin Lightening

Answer: Hyperpigmentation treatment

Answer: Hyperpigmentation treatment

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Everything you need to know about Skin Lightening

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How can I safely lighten my face? (photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: Skin Lightening

Answer: Skin Lightening

Answer: Hyperpigmentation treatment

Answer: Hyperpigmentation treatment

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Skin Lightening

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.