Hyperpigmentation Help

[Llamamama2]

So I have been dealing with hyperpigmentation issues on my face for awhile. Mainly on the sides of my face and forehead. I have tried multiple products and recently was on prescription-strength Tri-Luma cream (skin lightener plus Retin-A plus a steroid). You can only be on Tri-Luma for three months at a time. Needless to say, it wasn't really effective for me. I'm currently on Ziana gel at night (prescription strength retinoid plus Clindamycin) for my acne and just started using the PTR vitamin C serum in the morning. I know many people have had success with the Sunday Riley Good Genes cream and initially, so did I. I even wrote a glowing review two years ago. Unfortunately, about two months in, it started making my skin worse. My hyperpigmentation (or Melasma - not sure which one it truly is) formed into little red and brown spots. I have not been able to get rid of it for two years. The only ingredient that could have caused this is the lactic acid. I must have some kind of adverse reaction to lactic acid. So my question is, what types of products on here do you recommend for hyperpigmentation? No lactic acid or salicylic acid in the ingredients, please. I was curious about that other Sunday Riley moisturizer (I forgot the name, and I know they have a mini size for around $22). I'm just afraid to try their products again after my last experience. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! I'll try to post a picture later.

[hotlips87]

It seems like you are doing a lot of exfoliating products that don't really inhibit the pigment. You need ingredients that inhibit melanin production. I recommend: Burts Bees Dark Spot Corrector Serum (uses white daisy extract) and The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin serum (mix with rose hip oil before applying). Other ingredients to look for are licorice root and vitamin c. Hydroquinone is also effective, but controversial melanin inhibitor, where as alpha arbutin is non toxic and higher quality. And last but not least make sure you wear a strong mineral sunscreen daily(especially since you exfoliate alot)! Supergoop has good ones.

[Lisaaa86]

Murads rapid spot brightening serum is great for hyperpigmention. You want to lighten the area so you want ingredients like vitamin c, Kojic acid, licorice root, and hydronique. Murads serum is works wonders

[hotlips87]

Murad used hydroquinone, so be cautious. I recommend alpha arbutin instead.

[TrysBeautyItems]

Are you using spf daily (also on cloudy days), it's a must with retinols and hyperpigmation can get darker from the sun. Have you had a cancer check from a dermatologist?

What do you use for exfoliation? Besides retinol and how often.

Have you seen multiple dermatologists, to get different views? Also take a list of everything used, results, how long used etc.

What type of acne do you have? Any blood test with a full hormonal/vitamin panels checked - usually need to ask for everything to be checked - ?

@Llamamama2

[Llamamama2]

To answer your questions:

1) My SPF moisturizer ran out and I am guilty of not reordering it. I know I have to do that asap for the reasons that you mentioned.

2) I use Tatcha deep cleanse face wash once daily, which does have a gentle exfoliator in it. I also use the Tatcha rice exfoliator once weekly and sometimes this chemical face exfoliator from European Wax Center. I use multiple face masks during the week. I love the Sephora sleep masks but because I cannot sleep with them on, I'll use them for several hours at a time in the afternoon and then rinse off. They do not dry out or irritate my skin.

3) I have been to more dermatologists than I can count since the age of 14. But the one I am currently seeing has addressed my hyperpigmentation. I actually need to make another appointment. She prescribed me the Tri-Luma cream but as I mentioned, it was not effective.

4) I have hormonal acne. I have suffered from acne since the age of 14, but it got progressively worse in my 20's, and I am now 45. I have tried everything, and I mean everything, from OTC medications to Spironolactone to Accutane. I am now on Doxycycline (oral antibiotic), Aczone during the day, and Ziana gel at night. I do have a script to get blood work done and will probably go this weekend.

It's interesting that people are looking at this from a medical perspective. I didn't even think of it from that viewpoint. Thank you for your input!

[TrysBeautyItems]

I have tricky skin, and been to my share of derms. Have asked for more blood work than the standard, just to be sure, since I'm running out of options (products/rx's) as well. I'm in an very sunny/arid environment, so spf is in my routine 🙂

Since I've used most of the rx's you mentioned, my acne isn't hormonal nor bacterial but have you tried Azelaic acid?

Also to throw in there, for blood work, check iron levels.

[Anonymous]

This might sound crazy but have you been tested for food allergies? It seems you are having hypersensitivity to various ingredients; I would look at other potential causes.

[Llamamama2]

Thanks. That doesn't sound crazy at all and I never even thought of that. I have been tested for food allergies in the past but am only allergic to certain kinds of nuts (walnuts, pecans). I don't know if this has any relevance or not. I know lactic acid is based off of milk proteins, but I am fine with milk and dairy. Regardless, maybe I should get myself tested again. Thanks again for your response!

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