Re: Treating brown spots on face

SeaMaiden · ‎03-10-2010

@Shelbelle wrote:
In this country 4% Hydroquinone is stil lthe gold standard for melasma, use it for 3 months, then stop, by then it should have don its job. I have used it and would use it again, it works!!

@Shelbelle When I apply this to my “spot”...does it go on before everything else....after everything else.... only the hydroquinone on dry skin? Not quite sure....

and,did you apply it just at night or morning and night?

thankyou!

SilleeMee · ‎05-22-2016

Sometimes HQ is applied twice daily on clean dry skin. Another thing about application is not to spot treat but to apply it on the dark spots as well as on the immediate surrounding normal-looking skin. The reason for this is to treat deeper layers of the skin that are not visible but may harbor active melanin producing cells and these may produce spots after you have treated the visible areas of concern. Ask your derm about how to apply it.

On the technical side...

Each melanocyte in the deep layers of the skin can produce more than one spot on the surface. The melanocytes have 'fingers' that extend upward and feed the pigment to the upper layer cells (keratinocytes) where they become visible as dark spots. So when you treat the visible spots only, then you might be missing the melanocytes other 'fingers' heading for another spot adjacent to the area that you just treated. So that's why you need to apply HQ beyond the dark spots and extend it out around the spot. Hope that made sense.

Apply HQ directly on the dark spot as well as around the dark spot. Do not spot treat.

Shanus · ‎05-17-2010

The Obagi Blender product that had HQ has been reformulated without it and is still effective. I use it at night mixed w/ my Retin A, as suggested, when I need to fade spots. Only some online sights offer this. Use Google.

SeaMaiden · ‎03-10-2010

@Shanus You explained it SO much better than the doctor did. I will do as you suggested...put in on the upper cheek area rather than just on the spot. I want to be applying it effectively if I am paying $50 for a 3 ounce tube!

Thanks again!🙂

LTT1 · ‎03-09-2010

@SeaMaiden @SilleeMee

I have used this for my brown areas on my skin, however, it zapped all pigment in one circle.

Shoutout to @SilleeMee

I should have applied this cream to a larger area...and I definitely will.

An aesthetician told me that mine is not melasma (it is LP probably) but my derm prescribed it.

It is Triluma and has tretinoin in it.

~Have a Kind Heart, Fierce Mind, Brave Spirit~

Shanus · ‎05-17-2010

@SeaMaiden wrote:
@Shanus You explained it SO much better than the doctor did. I will do as you suggested...put in on the upper cheek area rather than just on the spot. I want to be applying it effectively if I am paying $50 for a 3 ounce tube!

Thanks again!🙂

@SeaMaiden It’s important to mix a pea size amount of Obagi w/ about an equal amount of the Retin A. Applying it all over the face (don’t forget earlobes and extra for neck and chest). This way, if your skin exhibits any obvious lightening around the spot, your entire face/other areas will be more balanced all over in color.

SeaMaiden · ‎03-10-2010

@Shanus wrote:
@SeaMaiden wrote:
@Shanus You explained it SO much better than the doctor did. I will do as you suggested...put in on the upper cheek area rather than just on the spot. I want to be applying it effectively if I am paying $50 for a 3 ounce tube!

Thanks again!🙂
@SeaMaiden It’s important to mix a pea size amount of Obagi w/ about an equal amount of the Retin A. Applying it all over the face (don’t forget earlobes and extra for neck and chest). This way, if your skin exhibits any obvious lightening around the spot, your entire face/other areas will be more balanced all over in color.

@Shanus now this is becoming confusing.... what is Obagi? And I only use Neutrogenia brand night time retinol cream and only maybe three times a week.

Shanus · ‎05-17-2010

@SeaMaiden wrote:
@Shanus wrote:
@SeaMaiden wrote:
@Shanus You explained it SO much better than the doctor did. I will do as you suggested...put in on the upper cheek area rather than just on the spot. I want to be applying it effectively if I am paying $50 for a 3 ounce tube!

Thanks again!🙂
@SeaMaiden It’s important to mix a pea size amount of Obagi w/ about an equal amount of the Retin A. Applying it all over the face (don’t forget earlobes and extra for neck and chest). This way, if your skin exhibits any obvious lightening around the spot, your entire face/other areas will be more balanced all over in color.
@Shanus now this is becoming confusing.... what is Obagi? And I only use Neutrogenia brand night time retinol cream and only maybe three times a week.

Oops @SeaMaiden . Obagi is a professional line of skincare including cleansers, exfoliators, sunscreens, retinol, products that brighten the skin and others that fade dark spots. They are sold at derm offices, medi spas, facialists or online (be sure it’s a reputable dealer).

You can purchase a complete regimen which is usually recommended by your derm because it’s expensive or individual products. Whew! Over the counter retinol is not strong enough to activate the Obagi (did I mention the fade cream is called Obagi Blender?). I mix it w/ my Retin A, prescription strength, apply 3 nights a weeks and definitely be sure to use a high spf daily.