how to get rid of brown spots

elpgal

I used to have pretty great skin but in the past year it has it has developed patches of dryness and several brown spots (some from whiteheads).

I am hoping the warm weather will help with the dryness but is there any way I can remove the brown spots.

I have found recommendations ranging from OTC treatments to dermatologist administered peels.

15 years ago

General

16 replies

Latest reply was from Mo

MsMary

Veteran

My doc uses liquid nitrogen on a qtip and just dabs it on the spot. It scabs up and looks pretty awful for a couple of weeks, but when the scab goes away, so does the brown spot.

15 years ago

Carole

Veteran

I've had the treatments MaryK mentions but some of mine never went away and the dermo can't do any more liquid nitro...there is bleaching creme that is prescription strength that I think I will try next, results are slow and the creme is awful smelling...I'll be interested to know what others have found that works....

if only I had listened to my mother "get out of the sun"

15 years ago

Louise

Veteran

I think the brown spots are something to do with the pigment in your skin. The pill can cause darkening pigments, I have a patch on my right cheek I'm assuming only right because of the sun coming through the glass in my car (right hand drive) I'm becoming religious about applying sunscreen or at the very least moisturiser with SPF to prevent them getting any worse. Clinique have something thing that claims to lighten dark spots It's supposed to show results in 6 weeks I haven't managed to apply it consistently for that long so can't offer an evaluation x

15 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Are these "wisdom & experience" spots, as my dermatologist calls them? In the last couple of years, I seem to have amassed a wealth of wisdom!

15 years ago

(website)

Veteran

Ah, I have them from working in the sun on the golf bar cart and the sensitivity from birth control pills. Melasma is what the derm called mine and said IPL laser was not a good idea but prescribed Obagi creams. Not cheap for the whole line, but I just picked up the bleaching part of the treatment at $100. Need a prescription unless you can find it online somewhere. So far, I think mine is helping but it's no overnight miracle cure for sure.

15 years ago

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

Liquid nitrogen treatments generally freeze + thaw + re-freeze the skin to break down the cells; so it would work for things like warts (although they may come back). I do not know if they would work for things like hyperpigmentation.

15 years ago

Beth

Veteran

The best OTC lightening creams typically use an AHA combined with a low percentage of hydroquinone or kojic acid (higher percentages are available in prescription form). A prescription retinoid can also help a great deal. Nothing will help without religious use of a good full spectrum sunblock, though:)

15 years ago

elpgal

Veteran

I think it is the pills because I do use a sunscreen everyday. After I read your comment, I realized that one of my medications comes with a 'sun sensitivity' note on it

Beth, is there a brand that you like? I think I want try the OTC route first.

15 years ago

TravellingTam

Active Member

I've been using this and have been getting good results

https://www.rodanandfields.com.....spx?cid=67

15 years ago

Scarlet

Veteran

Hmm, I have this problem too. Sadness. I don't do anything about it, since I figure I still have a lot of hormonal changes ahead of me in life.

15 years ago

elpgal

Veteran

Scarlet, I must admit I am conflicted about this. Should I cultivate acceptance or should I play researcher and figure out the best evidence based solution?

15 years ago

Scarlet

Veteran

Well, I am pretty sure there are reasonably good topical products you can use to lighten the dark patches. I would ask a dermatologist, or even a facialist. Then you have to be religious about using them and the keeping sun off your face so that they actually do go away and don't come back. I think a dermatologist also has ways (maybe laser?) of removing those patches. If my face were my fortune I would do something about it, and I suppose I would need perfect teeth too I think it is just up to you how much it bothers you. I do wear a little make-up most days to even out the pigmentation.
Well in any case, let me know what you find out in case I ever decide to take action

15 years ago

Julie

Active Member

The product that has given me the best results (and, happily, is the cheapest!) is AMBI fade cream. You can get it at Walgreen's. My spots (mostly post-pregnancy, but some acne scars) have pretty much faded to the point that I don't need makeup.

15 years ago

Susan Brennan

Active Member

I'm 7 weeks into the Obagi Nu Derm treatment and am seeing remarkable improvement in my big mess o' brown spots. (not affiliated, yada yada) I advise you discuss options with skin care professional, like at a medical day spa.

15 years ago

Beth

Veteran

Elpgal, I've been using the Resist products from Paula's Choice for the last few months and been fairly pleased. I've also heard very good things about the Obagi line, too.

15 years ago

(website)

Veteran

FWIW I've used Palmer's Fade Cream, Ambi (which I think is actually for black skin), and Olay Definity over the counter. None of these did much for my actual spots although they brightened my complexion as a whole. The Obagi-C serum seems to actually be fading the spots themselves. Have not tried the Resist line mentioned. Hope that helps some!
I now use Neutrogena Ageless Intensives tinted moisturizer for my day cream. It's supposed to help with the spots, plus has sunscreen and a bit of color for coverage, all in one. Win win. I still use the Obagi underneath.

15 years ago

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