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spendar
New Member
 
Joined: 22 Jul 2005
Posts: 1
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Fri Jul 22, 2005 2:28 pm  |
| Hi all, I'm so glad I found this site...I really need help. I'm 36 and after years in the sun and 3 babies I have a lot of hyperpigmentation on cheeks and forehead. I first noticed a couple of spots after 1st baby, and now 7 years later it's pretty bad. I also noticed a large darker area on my forehead after 1 late afternoon in the sun recently. So I went to several medical spas for consults and got different info. The first says it's melasma (the second didn't really say if it was that or not. The first recommended just micro. the second wants to alternate modified jessner peels with micro. Both said I would need 6-12 treatments and it may not fully go away (after a ton of money). I also felt like I was at a sales show with recommending skinceuticals, jane iredale, Vit C w/ sunscreen, an aha hydroquinone gel, or a stronger RX. So how do I know what to do? I've read on here about epidermix, but wonder if my skin is too bad for that. I've researched microderm and chem. peels online and I'm a little apprehensive about poss. side effects of peels, like hypopigmentation. And how do I know what product lines are best? Should I be using hydroquinone or retin A or something else entirely? Any input, advice, suggestions, experiences would be so greatly appreciated as I'm very confused right now. I just know it's time to do something as I'm tired of looking older than I am. And yes, I've started wearing sunscreen daily!!!! Thanks in advance! |
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Fri Jul 22, 2005 6:12 pm |
Hi Spendar,
And welcome to the forum!  You will no doubt get lots of useful advice on here, and considering that your skin issues sound fairly common, I am sure you will be on your way to better skin in no time (well, a little time).
I dont think it will matter how bad your skin is, I think epidermix will help - it literally does take a layer of skin from your face, and it does leave it lovely smooth, soft and healthier looking afterwards, so whether or not it directly impacts on you "problem areas" I cant say as I dont have pigmentation. The microderm, IMO is stronger than glycolic peel, and I am not sure whether it is worth using both (on alternate days) to get better results. Could depend on your budget also 
Retin A is touted as the best treatment for sun-damaged skin, as is Vit C, this may also be worth a look. They both take time to work their magic, so it will be a commitment before you see the full impact of them, as for what to use, I think I would prefer retin A for more dramatic results, but wait to see what some others on here say - they would probably have more of an idea, and I still am not sure whether Vit C might be better 
Glyquin XM has hydroquinone and AHA in it, I think its very good, but cant directly to its affect on brown spots. Also you cannot be pregnant or breastfeeding while using this (just in case you still have a little one), as there is no studies on the affect of this on breastmilk etc. I just use it to lighten my skin slightly and give it a bit of radiance... 
I hope this has been useful, I understand your confusion, there's alot out there and distinguishing between different products is difficult.
Good Luck!!! |
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Mabsy
Moderator
Joined: 17 Aug 2003
Posts: 9644
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Fri Jul 22, 2005 7:13 pm |
Welcome to the forum 
I can see where the recommendations that you were given are coming from. The problem is that people's skin reacts differently to different products and there is not just one way of dealing with the hyperpigmentation. To give you an example, Skinceuticals have a product (Phyto+) that is specifically for the problem you described and some people have great results with it while others report no results.
Personally, if I was in your situation, I would be using a mix of products (keep in mind that I don't mind a complicated routine). I'd probably do the following:
AM
cleanse
Vit C serum
Skinceuticals Phyto+ on affected areas
moisturise (with whatever I have, but I have always wondered about the Dermalogica Day/Night Bright creams so this is where I might investiage that )
SPF
PM
cleanse
apply AHA product
Skinceuticals Phyto+ on affected areas
moisturise
I might replace the vit C serum and the AHA serum with something like Skinceuticals C+AHA serum and use that at night. Once or twice a week I'd also exfoliate (or use microdermabrasion weekly).
The most important thing though is something that you're already doing - sunblock. Just make sure that it's a good one that has UVA and UVB protection. |
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45, NW20, combination skin |
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Fri Jul 22, 2005 8:07 pm |
Welcome to the forum, Spendar.
It is very important to know whether you have hyperpigmentation (epidermal) or dermal (more like melasma). If it is epidermal, then Mabsy's suggestions are great. If it is dermal, then it may be a more difficult thing to get rid of. As Mabsy suggested, a high sunblock with UVA/UVB protection is extremely necessary in both cases.
I am afflicted with melasma, and tried many many products, and finally now, my melasma has decreased, though not gone.
I strongly recommend vitamin C, and taking MSM supplements if you have melasma. |
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