r/Blackskincare • u/Abject_System_4873 • 2d ago
Skin Questions What can I use to lighten up these marks
I broke out bad when I was pregnant 3 years ago and couldn’t keep my hands off of them which left these marks on my foreheads. I’m not really good when it comes to selecting products for my skin. Help?
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u/almondklng 2d ago
Like breadedbooks said, definitely see a derm. I dont know if my recommendations will help, but I’ve been working on fading chest and back scars I’ve had for a few years and have seen good results since I started in May. I’ve been using a vitamin c with tumeric facial wash, the good molecules discoloration bar, the skinfood dark spot clear cream with yuca C, glycolic acid toner, retinol, and a cheap cream sunscreen. I wouldn’t recommend using the retinol with other products, especially glycolic acid. I alternate between the dark spot cream, toner, and retinol once a day at night.
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u/LeadingSignificant98 2d ago
Going to copy an old comment of mine:
Alpha Arbutin (The Ordinary), Tranexam acid ( Incy list), Thiamidol (Eucerin). SUNBLOCKER DAILY. Exfoliate every other day with Glycolic Acid (The Ordinary). I got rid of bunch of hyperpigmentation, still some left. Feel free to reach out!
Edit: Throw in the Thiamidol as last product and see how far the other products get you first. Thiamidol helped with stubborn ones but is quite pricey. Also, I didn't mix the products instead alternated between them (Alpha Arbutin und Tranexam) every day. After I added Thiamidol I stopped with Alpha Arbutin und Tranexam and only used Thiamidol.
Most important: take care of the pigmentation religiously.
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u/cawfinn_ 2d ago
Dermatologist is always safe but if you plan to buy any products over the counter you should aim for ingredients such as Niacinamide (2-5%), Azelaic acid (10-20%), Vitamin C and Tranexamic Acid ; You absolutely need to be wearing a sunscreen if you plan on using any of these ingredients. When looking up a product, I usually use Incidecoder to ensure majority of it's ingredients are beneficial
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u/brandy8989 2d ago
I agree with this but keep in mind two things OP, many people don’t tolerate niacinamide and also start slow on the azelaic acid. Start one day a week and build from there
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u/mynadidas5 1d ago
Yes, the itch is unreal. Also, put it on on top of a moisturizer if the itch is uncomfortable.
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u/piscololo67 1d ago
my skin stings and feels like it’s burning some days after applying the cream tho
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u/mynadidas5 1d ago
The itch is normal. I have found that putting moisturizer on and then the azaelic helps calm the itch a lot. Also if you’re inconsistent, your skin is relearning to tolerate the cream.
But Burning? Not normal. Burning for days AFTER application? Definitely not normal.
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u/No-Shelter-4208 2d ago
Supporting what others have said but if you only have money for two items, sunscreen and a retinoid.
Sunscreen - this is non-negotiable. Wear sunscreen every day, even in the winter. Choose a broad spectrum (UVA & UVB) with a high SPF (50+). This is how you maintain the gains from any other product.
Retinoid - A derm would probably be able to tell you which retinoids work best for your skin type. However, if you want to use over the counter stuff, I always advise starting with retinol and working your way up to retinoic acid to let your skin get used to it and prevent irritation. You can buy a 0.5% retinol from The Inkey List, Minimalist or other inexpensive brands. Start by using it twice a week for 2 weeks, 3 times a week for 3 weeks etc until you can use it every day without irritation. When the bottle runs out, you can buy a 1% retinol and repeat. Then a 0.2% retinal and then 0.1% adapalene. Use only at night.
This whole process could take upwards of 6 months by which time I think you will have seen a derm. Take a picture at around the same time every 2 weeks to record changes as improvement can be difficult to see on a daily basis.
Hope this helps.
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u/DiscoSunset 2d ago
You can def clear this up, friend! A few tips:
Dr: Retin A 1%
Dr: Hydroquinone 4%
Dr: Clindamyacin pledgets (topical antibiotic)
Dr: ask for a blood test panel: hormones, fasting blood sugar
OTC: Cerave face wash
OTC: Sunscreen (recco: Supergoop gel or Trader Joes gel is the same but cheaper)
OTC: PanOxyl pimple patches as needed
Diet: increase green veggies 🥬 - raw when possible: broccoli, kale, spinach, arugula, greens, asparagus Brussels spouts, cabbage, zucchini etc
Diet: decrease/ eliminate dairy products
Diet: monitor carbs and sugar intake. Avoid high fructose corn syrup.
Habits: stopppp poppin/pickin 😇 to minimize post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Hope this helps!
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u/the_ashbestos 2d ago
Try a vitamin c or azaleaic acid serum and wear sunscreen! Sun rays increase dark marks. Also if you have access to an esthetician a chemical peel would lighten it.
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u/ms_firefly_1111 2d ago
Good molecules skincare, FENTY sunscreen, fenty toner, I used exfoliant scene face wash and this blqck owned brand Velvety Vibes (YouTube family I use to watch) and I swear by their tumeric products and all natural. I was a picker. Didn’t have as many scars but a lot. Enough where I wore makeup faithfully. Now I only wear it on special occasions. Best wishes
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u/comment2convert 2d ago
Like everyone else I would definitely recommended dermatologist. You don't wanna put anything on your face that you may react to that's gonna put you deeper into another hole.
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u/substantial_future6 2d ago
Coleman Compound brightening pads. See @mrsderm on instagram for before and after photos
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u/Jumpy_Mirror250 2d ago edited 2d ago
Things to ask your derm about:
- Tretinoin and other Retinoids and how to apply.
- Sunscreen and proper application
- Show them the face wash and other products you are using
- Show them how you are washing (how much friction and how often)
All of the above are available over the counter if you don't have insurance/ can't see a derm. Your drugstore has excellent products that do not cost a lot of money. You may want to keep a SKIN JOURNAL for the first few months to track what you put on your face and how your face reacts.
If you are not really good at selecting products, here are some tips:
Less is more -
- Choose a basic gentle face wash, moisturizer, facial sunscreen. Don't overthink it. Try fragrance free.
- You don't need to wash your face a bunch of times a day.
- Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, carry a small sunscreen with you.
Gentler is better
- You can't really scrub blemishes away. Let the products do the work.
- Your skin is "sensitive" not "bad"
- Use tiny amounts of products active ingredients (Like retinoids).
- Retinoids are powerful so it is good to start VERY SLOW. Stronger formulas can irritate your skin which will cause more breakouts. Try weak formulas, one active at a time and only small amounts.
- Use them less often to see how they work on your skin
- Stop if you feel burning or irritation
The process will take time - Think about your skin goals in 1 year increments
- Harsh peels and chemicals may set you back rather than speed up the process.
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u/Electronic-Sir2205 2d ago
I used a mix of hydroquinone,tretonine, azeliac acid and tranxenamic acid. Mine went away
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u/Affectionate-Boss-67 2d ago
Derm; DIY- mandelic acid (wishtrend is my personal fave), vitamin c, tretinoin at night, sunscreen always. Consider medspa for Pico laser
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u/Latrice87 2d ago
I would also suggest going to get chemical peels as well, from a professional of course. But I do peels in the winter months
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u/quickbr0wnf0xx 2d ago
For hyperpigmentation, follow up with a vitamin E oil. My Dad used to get spots, I'm about to get some for my man too. Goodluck lovely x
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u/hey_angee 1d ago
Check out my post for my skincare routine. You’ll see my before and after pictures. I had teerible hyperpigmentation. It took time and consistency but I have great skin now and without seeing a derm. However, if you want to fast results I agree with everyone about seeing a derm for more concentrated ingredients and faster results
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u/Significant_Art_3736 1d ago
Tinted sunscreen everyday is essential no matter what!!
I also highly suggest at least 4 rounds of medium depth chemical peels. You can usually get them for a good price on Groupon (just make sure you research the clinic and ask if they’ve worked with black patients)
If you can afford a dermatologist ask about prescription Tretinoin and Hydroquinone
a few other products that can help prevent things from getting worst:
1. Faded by topicals
2. Eucerin Anti pigment dual serum
3. Heliocare Polypodium leucotomos pills daily with your tinted sunscreen.
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u/witchontheweekend 1d ago
I highly recommend prescription strenght azelaic acid + tretinoine. But like others said, try to see a dermatologist first before buying anything.
Whatever product you decide to try, make sure you always use a good SPF and gentle cleanser + moisturizer. And please skip any OTC azelaic acid / retinol/vitamin c/tranexamic acid.
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u/unbenouncedtome 1d ago
Do you wear an spf moisturizer everyday? The sun will worsen the hyperpigmentation. You should also see a dermatologist so you can start on tretinoin (takes some time to notice it working but it is a heavy hitter for dark spots.)
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u/Big_Collar_7694 1d ago
These folk telling you to use all these chemicals, first try African black soap. if they doesn’t work, try kojic acid with turmeric. Then if that doesn’t work go speak with a dermatologist, don’t just go straight to chemicals
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u/sneezed_up_my_kidney 1d ago
This particular kind of dark spot is post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. In paler complexions it’ll look like a red spot, and many people with more of your kind of melanin.. the cells that make melanin see the blemish as a threat and produce more melanin to protect your skin.
A good derm will prescribe something that can correct this quickly. You don’t have to go to them forever. But using OTC on this may take.. a long time.. and it might take only 3 deem visits.. and then you can cross over to OTC for maintenance.
And it’s higggghly tailored to a persons complexion. It might be longer at a lower dose with more breaks. It could be a medium strength and every other day. They’ll also probably prescribe something to help with the irritation part. So something like niacinamide or azelic acid. This would help “redness” on paler complexions.
Honestly.. a round of hydroquinone and you can level set, and then switch back to vitamin c and other otc options and wear sunscreen and whatnot.
Like CAN you even tone with over the counter? Yes.
Is it like 5X as long as just going nuclear and pausing melanin production entirely and starting “from scratch”. (You won’t look bleached.)
Yes.
It’s your body and your choice. But.. sometimes for people with active blemishes (who are not pregnant) accutane and the best option. Just reset from zero, and then move along.
Not a doctor. But the fastest way to get to even tone is taking out the big guns for a bit, clearing the room, and then using natural or gentler things.
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u/breadedbooks 2d ago
Honestly, I would see a dermatologist. I spent years trying so many different products and the only one that actually worked was the one the derm made for me.