Around my lip area for years I have discoloration. Its darker than the rest of my face and its apparent in photos and looks bad. Is there something home made I can do to get rid of it? Thanks for any tips and suggestions.
Re: Skin discoloration
got the same problem ...
Hi Phooljari786,
I think discoloration around the mouth/lips area is common among darker skinned desis. I went to the dermatologist and got some Obagi products containing 4% hydroquinone, which lighten skin discolorations, spots, and hyperpigmentation. BUT while using these products, you must to wear sunscreen when you go outside. The products faded my discolorations :)
You can also get commercial hydroquinone products, but they usually contain a concentration of 2%. If you want something stronger, you have to get a prescription. Just go to a dermatologist and he/she can assess your skin and determine what treatment is best for you. You might even just need a couple sessions of chemical peels to fade the discoloration instead of a cream/lotion.
There are also natural bleaching agents that you can use such as lemon juice, milk/yogurt, tomato juice, papaya, cucumber. I hope this helps:)
Re: Skin discoloration
Thanks for your help redvelvet! I heard of Obagi but never used it. Maybe I'll gove it a try if its not too expensive.
Red sandalwood powder, wild turmeric and lemon juice is effective as well if u want to use a home remedy :) go thru Glowing Brides..
Re: Skin discoloration
Thanks Gina..but what in the world is "wild turmeric" I know only of just turmeric. Is using regular turmeric ok? thanks again
guys i know alot of people use hydroquione but i would say do your research because it has shown to be carcinogenic... if there is another product you can use i would go with that rather than jump to hydroquinone. Kojic acid is another option. Just wanted to share the info :)
Re: Skin discoloration
Most women have darker patches around the lip and chin areas and its all hormonal, you cannot do anything to get rid of it.
My mum has a darker chin and over the years she's tried everything under the sun and then given up.
Using lemon will temporarily make the area lighter as it contains stuff that reflects light but if you stop using it, you'll go back to the dark skin. So lemon is not a permanent solution.
I say just live with it, i think you are more conscious about it since you know its there. Im sure other people hardly notice it :)
For makeup instead of comparing the foundation to the rest of the face, buy a shade that matches the darker area so when you apply it it'll sit well.
Re: Skin discoloration
i have the same problem i use retina and hydroquinone cream. it exfoliate my skin and removes my dark spots and clear my acne marks oout. its amazing it works liek maricle !
^HQ and Retin A shudn't be combined.. u must have a gap of atleast 2 days!
Re: Skin discoloration
Thanks for all your help lovely people. Have not tried anything yet but will soon
Re: Skin discoloration
Hydroquinine is not a safe option as it gets processed by the liver. Kojic acid is a good option i've heard but it needs to be the right strength.
I've used a number of products for my sun spots, with no luck so far.I'll share them with you all, so you can avoid throwing money on them like i did.(The sales women at Sephora can be very convincing)
1. DDF. It contains a mild concentration of Kojic acid and is $52 for 0.5 oz and doesnt do JACK
2. Shiseido White lucent Concentrated Serum $120 for 1 oz DOESNT WORK
3. Shiseido White lucent Moisturizing emulsion. $54 for 3.3 oz DOESNT WORK
4. Clarins Bright Plus HP On-the-Spot Brightening serum $35 for 0.3 oz.DOESNT WORK
Photofacials really work for melasma BUT the problem is finding the RIGHT guy, who has the right machine and the right expertise. which frankly is hard even in the US. I've seen too many horror stories on cnn for laser frauds in america to consider this option. I know its as bad every where else