Facial brown spots
EDS Skin Care Forums Forum Index » Skin Care and Makeup Forum

Sun Aug 03, 2008 4:21 pm Quote

I have several brown spots on my face. I have tried some topical lighteners with no results.
I am ready to try a laser treatment.
Has anyone had success with this type of treatment?
I have fair skin.
Thanks

enjoys freebies · Sun Aug 03, 2008 5:12 pm Quote

Welcome to EDS, over50. I have had 4 fraxel laser treatments to eliminate the brown spots on my hands. $1400 later NO RESULTS. What a waste of time, money and pain! For my face I have tried hydrquinone, retin A , vitamin C serum, microdermabrasion,and expensive sun screens.None are very effective. From what I have read on EDS and other message boards your best bet is Obagi.
Good luck. Joanna

enjoys freebies · Sun Aug 03, 2008 9:10 pm Quote

Determined wrote:

Welcome to EDS, over50. I have had 4 fraxel laser treatments to eliminate the brown spots on my hands. $1400 later NO RESULTS. What a waste of time, money and pain! For my face I have tried hydrquinone, retin A , vitamin C serum, microdermabrasion,and expensive sun screens.None are very effective. From what I have read on EDS and other message boards your best bet is Obagi.
Good luck. Joanna

I have also done Fraxel ($3500), bleaching creams, Retin-A, etc...all with no success.

I am FINALLY seeing some success with a combination of dermarolling, Retin-A and 16% Vit C (from 302).

However, Obagi (with 4% HQ and Retin-A) is definitely the gold standard for removing hyperpigmentation.

But before going that route, I might consider Vi Derm Bleaching Cream which also has 4% HQ and a ton of other pigmentation blocking ingredients. This is the only place I have found where you can buy it w/o a Rx:
http://mds.la/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=MDS&Product_Code=VID-BCRX&Category_Code=VIDERM

I have both Vi Derm and Obagi, and this seems like less hassle. However, it will not turn over skin as quickly unless you also use Retin-A.

And a high SPF suncreen is a MUST with any of these...I use Neutrogena SPF 85 AND Heliocare if I am going to be out for more than 10-15 minutes.

enjoys freebies · Sun Aug 03, 2008 9:11 pm Quote

I have fair skin too and have had great success with IPL treatments eliminating brown spots. However it is expensive so I haven't had it done in a while and I've found that using Skinceuticals C E Ferulic serum has helped eliminate them as well. Also, it's important to use a good sunscreen every day.

enjoys freebies · Mon Aug 04, 2008 2:13 am Quote

for fast instant results use a toothpick with garlic. first day, the skin tag was picked off it was light red, scabbed up for about 5-6 days, came off and while its not completely gone its already ten shades lighter. not too noticable at all.

enjoys freebies · Mon Aug 04, 2008 4:07 am Quote

DStats19 wrote:

for fast instant results use a toothpick with garlic. first day, the skin tag was picked off it was light red, scabbed up for about 5-6 days, came off and while its not completely gone its already ten shades lighter. not too noticable at all.

verrrrry interesting. thankyou for the reminder about the power of garlic.

so many really good remedies, right in our kitchens.

enjoys freebies · Mon Aug 04, 2008 3:58 pm Quote

DStats19 wrote:

for fast instant results use a toothpick with garlic. first day, the skin tag was picked off it was light red, scabbed up for about 5-6 days, came off and while its not completely gone its already ten shades lighter. not too noticable at all.

Will it ever be completely gone?

Do you have to poke the toothpick through your skin to cause bleeding? I am worried about inflammation.

enjoys freebies · Mon Aug 04, 2008 7:38 pm Quote

How dark are these spots? I had my derm zap two spots on my face - one is just about non-existant - you really have to look to find any trace.. the other is at least twice as light as it was.
If it is a mole - avocado oil is great. I had a mole on my neck and put a dab of avocado oil on it for a few weeks, and it is gone, been that way for the past few months. Although the dry mole on my butt is taking its time leaving.. Anyway... maybe the darkness of your spots requires repeated laser treatments?
One last thing - Oil of Olay Foaming Moisturizer SPF 15 is supposed to gently lighten/even things out.. Good luck!

enjoys freebies · Wed Aug 06, 2008 8:10 am Quote

This has been my dilemma the last couple of weeks. I have this one brown spot on my cheek I am trying to get rid of. I've been trying La Roche Posay Mela-D with Kojic acid to lighten it. But after a week I really don't notice any difference. Does anyone know how long it takes to notice effects from these lightening creams? And does the Kojic acid need to be in a percentage? - because I don't think this one is, it is just listed as one of the ingredients.

enjoys freebies · Wed Aug 06, 2008 11:12 am Quote

ahihi wrote:

How dark are these spots? I had my derm zap two spots on my face - one is just about non-existant - you really have to look to find any trace.. the other is at least twice as light as it was.
If it is a mole - avocado oil is great. I had a mole on my neck and put a dab of avocado oil on it for a few weeks, and it is gone, been that way for the past few months. Although the dry mole on my butt is taking its time leaving.. Anyway... maybe the darkness of your spots requires repeated laser treatments?
One last thing - Oil of Olay Foaming Moisturizer SPF 15 is supposed to gently lighten/even things out.. Good luck!

Hi, I ready on this forum that avocado oil is good for brown spots, too. Have you tried?

enjoys freebies · Wed Aug 06, 2008 11:13 am Quote

I forgot to mention that the avocado oil is supposed to be unrefined and cold pressed.

enjoys freebies · Wed Aug 06, 2008 11:16 am Quote

Here's the link to that thread:
http://www.essentialdayspa.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=25158&start=0

enjoys freebies · Thu Aug 07, 2008 5:38 pm Quote

mermaid7000 wrote:

This has been my dilemma the last couple of weeks. I have this one brown spot on my cheek I am trying to get rid of. I've been trying La Roche Posay Mela-D with Kojic acid to lighten it. But after a week I really don't notice any difference. Does anyone know how long it takes to notice effects from these lightening creams? And does the Kojic acid need to be in a percentage? - because I don't think this one is, it is just listed as one of the ingredients.

Mermaid7000, it can take months of use (2-3 at least) before some of those lightening creams work. 1 week is not nearly long enough, sorry to say!

enjoys freebies · Thu Aug 07, 2008 6:05 pm Quote

mermaid7000 wrote:

This has been my dilemma the last couple of weeks. I have this one brown spot on my cheek I am trying to get rid of. I've been trying La Roche Posay Mela-D with Kojic acid to lighten it. But after a week I really don't notice any difference. Does anyone know how long it takes to notice effects from these lightening creams? And does the Kojic acid need to be in a percentage? - because I don't think this one is, it is just listed as one of the ingredients.

Are you also using one of the LRP sunscreens? You need to use a high protection sunscreen (SPF50). Kojic acid alone is not one of the more powerful lightening agents, so you wouldn't expect to see anything in one week. Even with hydroquinone, you might not see anything for a few months. It would depend on how deep your pigmentation is. I think if you use the optimal regime of retin A plus hydroquinone (e.g. Obagi, Tri-luma), you might expect significant results in about 2 - 3 months average but it does depend on the individual case (i.e. your skin and your pigmentation), everybody is different.

Thu Aug 07, 2008 6:08 pm Quote

I've also had really good luck with Skinceuticals C E Ferulic serum and PCA Skin Phaze (without Hydroquinone). I also get micorderm monthly and that helps tremendously with the spots. I wear SPF 70 every day - I can't emphasize enough what other posters have said about sunscreen. If you don't wear a good uva/uvb sunscreen daily, you're basically going to undo any good you did with all of your treatments.

enjoys freebies · Thu Aug 07, 2008 6:57 pm Quote

to prevent spots from coming back keep face and neck completely out of the sun,once you get rid of them they will come right back if you let the sun hit your face. I always shield my face when I go from the car to the store.I only do yard work before the sun comes up or when it goes down,I have greatly reduced brown spots...melasma from coming back.Sunscreen does NOT adequately protect;you have to apply every 2 hrs ; there are chemicals in sunscreen and it makes you think its ok to go in the sun;it simply is not ok.The sun is extremely aging to a womans face if you want to look young for as long as possible stay out of it.Forget IPL, fraxel....its all a waste of $$$$ in my opinion.

enjoys freebies · Thu Aug 07, 2008 9:27 pm Quote

ruk1 wrote:

DStats19 wrote:

for fast instant results use a toothpick with garlic. first day, the skin tag was picked off it was light red, scabbed up for about 5-6 days, came off and while its not completely gone its already ten shades lighter. not too noticable at all.

Will it ever be completely gone?

Do you have to poke the toothpick through your skin to cause bleeding? I am worried about inflammation.

long as you have a good scar healing product you should be good. I use Helichrysum oil because it is rated the best for tissue repair. If you want to go with a cheaper treatment you can always try neosporin.

not sure if it will ever be completely gone. when skin changes color due to scarring/ melsma so does the color of the skin cells. thats why things such as skin rolling and tooth picks are great. you have to dig deep through many layers of skin before you can effectively lighten your complexion.

Fri Aug 08, 2008 7:11 am Quote

Toothpick idea is really dangerous. My dermatologist told me that these brown spots may lead to skin cancer. You should not mess with them!!

enjoys freebies · Fri Aug 08, 2008 7:52 am Quote

I agree with Lucyluc. Faded areas will reappear with sun exposure, even if you use an excellent sunscreen. I now where a wide brimmed hat made from UVF material, even when running errands in the car. I can't strees this enough!

enjoys freebies · Fri Aug 08, 2008 9:34 am Quote

I dont wear a hat because depending where you are the sun can still get under, I use my appointment book to shield my face and neck when I go from car to store. When I drive I have a removable piece of cardboard on driver side to block the sun if its coming in at that time of day.I also tinted windows very dark.This is the only way I have kept brown spots and melasma from coming back.Ridiculous I know....but it works

enjoys freebies · Fri Aug 08, 2008 5:04 pm Quote

Lucyluc, how do you prevent your hands from getting sun exposure, short of wearing gloves?? =(
I usually pull my sleeves over my hands when I have to go out, but don't always wear long enough sleeves to do this.

-"golden but wish i was porcelain"

enjoys freebies · Fri Aug 08, 2008 5:17 pm Quote

fawnie wrote:

Lucyluc, how do you prevent your hands from getting sun exposure, short of wearing gloves?? =(
I usually pull my sleeves over my hands when I have to go out, but don't always wear long enough sleeves to do this.

-"golden but wish i was porcelain"

Fawnie, I have those sleeves from Coolibar that I pull on in the car...but I wouldn't want to be seen outside the car with them on. Embarassed

They are UGLY!!!

enjoys freebies · Fri Aug 08, 2008 5:48 pm Quote

bethany,

OH yeah, I've seen them in a catalog- the entire ensemble is quite fetching, no? Laughing

But hey! better than turning into a *little alligator bag* later. That's the image that keeps me slathering on the SS and avoiding the sun - even at the beach I'm in the shade. I know I know, the sun can still burn in the shade, but believe me I am covered with SS and a hat and an umbrella. Not the sleeves tho!!

enjoys freebies · Fri Aug 08, 2008 6:24 pm Quote

well if the sun is coing in the car I have gloves in the car but usually I can just position my hands on the steering wheel that is out of the sun. I dont wear gloves outside(my sister does;I draw the line there) I am not in the sun that long when I go from car to the store.....Its my face and neck that I really care about most. Melasma is a horrible condition and very very difficult to treat and get rid of.Lasers did not help me at all.Only high quality skin products(retin a),Revive skin care products(most expensive in the world I thinkand diligently keeping face out of sun.I still have a little melasma but it is not as bad as it used to be and believe me;if I did not take this precaution I would look like a racoon. Neutral

enjoys freebies · Mon Oct 19, 2009 2:41 am Quote

For individual brown spots, IPL has worked brilliantly for me. Shame I have about 2 zillion of them ;-(

I would first try a good strength of TCA dabbed on them...I am thinking about 20% (but I don't know your skin type) if you are ONLY applying on spots you can start out reasonable high.

There are plenty of threads here on how to do these peels, but I can help you if you need it.

I would be suprised if this does not yield a good result for you.

rebecca

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