topic Re: WHEN VARIOUS ACIDS DONT FADE SPOTS, WHAT TO DO?? in Beauty

WHEN VARIOUS ACIDS DONT FADE SPOTS, WHAT TO DO??

Dazlin — Mon, 30 Jan 2023 22:52:46 GMT

I have a few new spots, 2 above my lip and one on my upper cheekbone. Couple other light ones around, and very light ones on my hands, only I see.

So I use, Glycolic serum, retinols, C serum, and Dr Nassif detox pads, loaded with acids. These spots are not fading. So now what...dermatologist??

I use exfoliating scrubs in the morning too, and PLENTY sunblock...

I'm kind of afraid to go to a dermatologist because whenever I've had skin biopsies I'm left with ketosis or a poc. I go to mayo clinic...I just don't heal well. I realize a biopsy is much deeper, but idk my reaction to a professional remover. I had a suspicious spot removed on my face, just a light tan spot, and im left with with a off colored poc. Looks worse than before. Was benign besides. I'll have to get that filled.

What about fresh lemon, i already use C serum...or anything else I could try...haven't ever had much luck removing spots with anything.

Re: WHEN VARIOUS ACIDS DONT FADE SPOTS, WHAT TO DO??

JeanLouiseFinch — Mon, 30 Jan 2023 23:07:55 GMT

@Dazlin Do not apply fresh lemon juice to your skin. Have you looked into specific skin lighteners like hydroquinone or azelaic acid?

Re: WHEN VARIOUS ACIDS DONT FADE SPOTS, WHAT TO DO??

SilleeMee — Mon, 30 Jan 2023 23:18:27 GMT

@Dazlin

I would seriously consider a visit to a derm. They can tell you what your options are.

As far as zapping them with a form of technology, laser (pulse CO2 laser) is your best bet with eliminating spots entirely or possibly with a second visit depending on how deep the spots go into the skin. IPL (not laser) is also another treatment but not as effective and spots often come back, you go back again to get another treatment and then the spot comes back again...just no. IPL is good for very superficial discoloration, and maybe some small broken caps but even those are most likely to return.

Re: WHEN VARIOUS ACIDS DONT FADE SPOTS, WHAT TO DO??

Skyegirl21 — Mon, 30 Jan 2023 23:49:03 GMT

I've ever had any luck with a lotion or cream fading an sunspot ( age spot). You gotta go get lasered!

Re: WHEN VARIOUS ACIDS DONT FADE SPOTS, WHAT TO DO??

Dazlin — Mon, 30 Jan 2023 23:58:04 GMT

@JeanLouiseFinch , I used the hydroquinone cream , but have not tried azeliac. TY

Re: WHEN VARIOUS ACIDS DONT FADE SPOTS, WHAT TO DO??

Dazlin — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 00:06:46 GMT

@SilleeMee wrote:
@Dazlin
I would seriously consider a visit to a derm. They can tell you what your options are.
As far as zapping them with a form of technology, laser (pulse CO2 laser) is your best bet with eliminating spots entirely or possibly with a second visit depending on how deep the spots go into the skin. IPL (not laser) is also another treatment but not as effective and spots often come back, you go back again to get another treatment and then the spot comes back again...just no. IPL is good for very superficial discoloration, and maybe some small broken caps but even those are most likely to return.

@SilleeMee ...ill keep this with me on my next visit, I'm actually over do. Thank you!

Re: WHEN VARIOUS ACIDS DONT FADE SPOTS, WHAT TO DO??

NYCLatinaMe — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 03:02:22 GMT

@Dazlin If it's a new spot, particularly one that changes shape, you need to get it checked by a derm. I have some dark patches (not spots, though I do have freckles) that have not budged with Bio-Oil Skincare Body Oil, mederma, AHA's and Retinol, so I am applying a hydroquinone cream (Porcelana), just to the patches. It has helped a little, but they have not gone away completely. My guess is they won't except with professional treatment.

I have had spots and freckles all my life, and have never done anything about them. Beauty marks, I would call them. My understanding is they are OK to have as long as they don't change.

Re: WHEN VARIOUS ACIDS DONT FADE SPOTS, WHAT TO DO??

Shanus — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 14:04:51 GMT

@SilleeMee wrote:
@Dazlin
I would seriously consider a visit to a derm. They can tell you what your options are.
As far as zapping them with a form of technology, laser (pulse CO2 laser) is your best bet with eliminating spots entirely or possibly with a second visit depending on how deep the spots go into the skin. IPL (not laser) is also another treatment but not as effective and spots often come back, you go back again to get another treatment and then the spot comes back again...just no. IPL is good for very superficial discoloration, and maybe some small broken caps but even those are most likely to return.

@Dazlin @SilleeMee A derm can also prescribe a 4% hydoquinone, sometimes used w/ a retin A as a "booster" to fade spots and darker areas on the face, hands, etc.

Re: WHEN VARIOUS ACIDS DONT FADE SPOTS, WHAT TO DO??

Shanus — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 14:06:29 GMT

@Dazlin OTC hydoquinone is not a high enough % to be effective. 4% is recommended.

Re: WHEN VARIOUS ACIDS DONT FADE SPOTS, WHAT TO DO??

SilleeMee — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 14:08:13 GMT

@Shanus wrote:
@SilleeMee wrote:
@Dazlin
I would seriously consider a visit to a derm. They can tell you what your options are.
As far as zapping them with a form of technology, laser (pulse CO2 laser) is your best bet with eliminating spots entirely or possibly with a second visit depending on how deep the spots go into the skin. IPL (not laser) is also another treatment but not as effective and spots often come back, you go back again to get another treatment and then the spot comes back again...just no. IPL is good for very superficial discoloration, and maybe some small broken caps but even those are most likely to return.
@Dazlin @SilleeMee A derm can also prescribe a 4% hydoquinone, sometimes used w/ a retin A as a "booster" to fade spots and darker areas on the face, hands, etc.

@Shanus

Yes and sometimes a derm will laser treat plus prescribe the topicals as an added measure.

Re: WHEN VARIOUS ACIDS DONT FADE SPOTS, WHAT TO DO??

Shanus — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 14:10:41 GMT

@Dazlin When applying full coverage foundation on a client, I sometimes add back freckles or spots with a waterproof liquid liner because no one's is perfecion...looks more natural with a bit of freckles, etc.

Re: WHEN VARIOUS ACIDS DONT FADE SPOTS, WHAT TO DO??

Shanus — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 14:14:04 GMT

@SilleeMee wrote:
@Shanus wrote:
@SilleeMee wrote:
@Dazlin
I would seriously consider a visit to a derm. They can tell you what your options are.
As far as zapping them with a form of technology, laser (pulse CO2 laser) is your best bet with eliminating spots entirely or possibly with a second visit depending on how deep the spots go into the skin. IPL (not laser) is also another treatment but not as effective and spots often come back, you go back again to get another treatment and then the spot comes back again...just no. IPL is good for very superficial discoloration, and maybe some small broken caps but even those are most likely to return.
@Dazlin @SilleeMee A derm can also prescribe a 4% hydoquinone, sometimes used w/ a retin A as a "booster" to fade spots and darker areas on the face, hands, etc.

@Shanus
Yes and sometimes a derm will laser treat plus prescribe the topicals as an added measure.

@SilleeMee ITA, it's a question of additions and upkeep to keep them from coming back. I'm not sure if @Dazlin means raised spots or flat, surface ones. The raised ones are only laser removed, etc.

Re: WHEN VARIOUS ACIDS DONT FADE SPOTS, WHAT TO DO??

Dazlin — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 14:34:52 GMT

@Shanus , thank you, it's just a couple, but I don't like seeing them. They are flat.

Re: WHEN VARIOUS ACIDS DONT FADE SPOTS, WHAT TO DO??

NYCLatinaMe — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 16:47:48 GMT

Hoping no biopsy needed 🤞🏽!

Re: WHEN VARIOUS ACIDS DONT FADE SPOTS, WHAT TO DO??

1Professor — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 17:09:19 GMT

@Dazlin wrote:
I have a few new spots, 2 above my lip and one on my upper cheekbone. Couple other light ones around, and very light ones on my hands, only I see.
So I use, Glycolic serum, retinols, C serum, and Dr Nassif detox pads, loaded with acids. These spots are not fading. So now what...dermatologist??
I use exfoliating scrubs in the morning too, and PLENTY sunblock...
I'm kind of afraid to go to a dermatologist because whenever I've had skin biopsies I'm left with ketosis or a poc. I go to mayo clinic...I just don't heal well. I realize a biopsy is much deeper, but idk my reaction to a professional remover. I had a suspicious spot removed on my face, just a light tan spot, and im left with with a off colored poc. Looks worse than before. Was benign besides. I'll have to get that filled.
What about fresh lemon, i already use C serum...or anything else I could try...haven't ever had much luck removing spots with anything.

@Dazlin @JeanLouiseFinch @Shanus + all

You have tried SO much, congratulate yourself for that.

I also have several facial brown spots. I don't use all the items you list, but DO use Dr. Nassif's detox pads morning and night. Although I was not trying to fade brown spots, each spot has faded. Not disappeared.

I don't believe there is a happily-ever-after for the desire to get rid of facial brown spots. They will reappear. They are not ugly. I'm not going to engage with that fight. Energy draining.

As @JeanLouiseFinch and @Shanus have discussed, there is always foundation/concealer for those rare times I REALLY want them not to show (photographs, major speaking gigs). Otherwise, even being in front of students all the time (and I do not believe students care/notice), I am more likely to have some fun with fashion or hair than worry about brown spots. Me.

I had one suspicious mole examined by a board-certified dermatologist a few weeks ago and asked a lot of questions. She COLD-burned it off. Weeks later, it finally dropped the scab BUT there is, indeed, a shadow of skin a different color. Was on my left arm and the doc reminded me that it showed up on my driving arm (I commute) and to keep sun screen in the car ... Another reason that I am making friends with spots that are going to insist on appearing and don't matter to anyone else.

Re: WHEN VARIOUS ACIDS DONT FADE SPOTS, WHAT TO DO??

curlygirl13 — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 20:04:22 GMT

Go to a derm and have IPL. Works like a dream. Spots be gone!

Re: WHEN VARIOUS ACIDS DONT FADE SPOTS, WHAT TO DO??

paixmcdao — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 20:28:43 GMT

@Shanus wrote:
@Dazlin OTC hydoquinone is not a high enough % to be effective. 4% is recommended.

Hydroquinone is considered the gold standard for the treatment of hyperpigmentation. It is commonly used at concentrations of 2-4%. Clinical studies report well to excellent responses induced by 2% hydroquinone. Higher concentrations are effective but can cause irritation.

Re: WHEN VARIOUS ACIDS DONT FADE SPOTS, WHAT TO DO??

SilleeMee — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 20:52:23 GMT

@curlygirl13 wrote:
Go to a derm and have IPL. Works like a dream. Spots be gone!

IPL works only to a certain depth into the skin. IPL will remove spots closer to the surface but if a spot has deeper 'roots' then the spot will return at some point. Spots have roots which come from deep within the skin layers and IPL treatments can't reach most of them. A little bit of root left is all that is needed to regrow the spot....just like a weed in the garden.

Re: WHEN VARIOUS ACIDS DONT FADE SPOTS, WHAT TO DO??

Shelbelle — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 21:07:10 GMT

Hydroquinone works for me, use it intensely for 3 mos, then stop, should work by then.

Re: WHEN VARIOUS ACIDS DONT FADE SPOTS, WHAT TO DO??

tends2dogs — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 15:03:26 GMT

@1Professor wrote:
@Dazlin wrote:
I have a few new spots, 2 above my lip and one on my upper cheekbone. Couple other light ones around, and very light ones on my hands, only I see.
So I use, Glycolic serum, retinols, C serum, and Dr Nassif detox pads, loaded with acids. These spots are not fading. So now what...dermatologist??
I use exfoliating scrubs in the morning too, and PLENTY sunblock...
I'm kind of afraid to go to a dermatologist because whenever I've had skin biopsies I'm left with ketosis or a poc. I go to mayo clinic...I just don't heal well. I realize a biopsy is much deeper, but idk my reaction to a professional remover. I had a suspicious spot removed on my face, just a light tan spot, and im left with with a off colored poc. Looks worse than before. Was benign besides. I'll have to get that filled.
What about fresh lemon, i already use C serum...or anything else I could try...haven't ever had much luck removing spots with anything.
@Dazlin @JeanLouiseFinch @Shanus + all

You have tried SO much, congratulate yourself for that.
I also have several facial brown spots. I don't use all the items you list, but DO use Dr. Nassif's detox pads morning and night. Although I was not trying to fade brown spots, each spot has faded. Not disappeared.

I don't believe there is a happily-ever-after for the desire to get rid of facial brown spots. They will reappear. They are not ugly. I'm not going to engage with that fight. Energy draining.

As @JeanLouiseFinch and @Shanus have discussed, there is always foundation/concealer for those rare times I REALLY want them not to show (photographs, major speaking gigs). Otherwise, even being in front of students all the time (and I do not believe students care/notice), I am more likely to have some fun with fashion or hair than worry about brown spots. Me.

I had one suspicious mole examined by a board-certified dermatologist a few weeks ago and asked a lot of questions. She COLD-burned it off. Weeks later, it finally dropped the scab BUT there is, indeed, a shadow of skin a different color. Was on my left arm and the doc reminded me that it showed up on my driving arm (I commute) and to keep sun screen in the car ... Another reason that I am making friends with spots that are going to insist on appearing and don't matter to anyone else.

@1Professor I loved your post and it conveys my sentiments exactly. I am in the sun almost daily, year round. Fighting spots would be a constant battle that I don't care to take on or think about on a daily basis. While I do use SPF on my face, neck, and chest and visit my derm yearly, I haven't explored any of the other "next step" options. I really don't want to invest the time or money it would take. No judgement to anyone!

What caught my eye in particular about what you wrote was your use of Dr. Nasif's facial pads. I use those, too. While I do use Retin A and found it to be a great pore cleanser, it was no miracle worker for me. The pads, however, have begun to fade the few spots I have on the side of my lower face. Win, win! I have also found that Bare Minerals bisque is a great cover for brown spots.

I love reading all the posts about what each and everyone is doing for the skin care regimen. I am not in anyway putting anyone down for it. I just wanted to state that I am doing what I am willing to do for me.

BTW I had a derm appointment a month or so ago. I pointed out a couple things on my face to him. He asked, "Do you have a magnifying mirror?" I sheepishly said, "yes". He said, "You are seeing things that no one else can see. You are doing a lot better than you think you are doing. Just keep it up." Needless to say, I left happy.