Darker spots on face, cream or laser to remove?
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Anonymous
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My grandma had these and called them "sun spots." I'm 33 and just got one on my face last year and I'd prefer to get rid of it as I think it makes me look older. I'm considering using some "dark spot corrector" cream and am curious about other people's experiences with different brands. Also curious about having it taken off by a dermatologist (If anyone has done this, about how much did it cost and are you happy with the results?)
Advice? |
NYC2DC
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Member Offline
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You're grandma is right. These are sun spots. They are, unfortunately, a sign of sun damage. A dermatologist will probably prescribe you Retin A ,which can do a number on those sun spots. The most important thing you can do right now is put sunblock on ALL THE TIME. The sunblock will prevent more spots from forming, and will make sure these brown spots don't get browner.
Keep in mind you cannot use Retin A if you are nursing, pregnant, or trying to have another baby. |
Anonymous
| I'm curious about this too. My derm recommended laser and a chemical peel on the same day which seemed intense to me. |
Anonymous
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I am only ten yrs older than you OP and I have many of these dark spots on my face. Unfortunately in my youth, I had many facial sunburns and didn't use sunscreen because I thought it made my already oily skin feel/look oilier. I regret it now.
I advise you not to stress so much about one, but take it as a sign how important sun damage affects the skin. Good for you for nipping this problem in the bud. |
Anonymous
| Proactive is just starting to advertise a cream for treating dark spots. I personally havent tried it but it is the first thin like that i have seen. Anyone used it? |
Anonymous
OP here. Thanks, I appreciate your post. I know how important sunscreen is and I use it all the time (my mom died of skin cancer 9 years ago). Unfortunately, I had a few bad sunburns as a kid/teen, which we now know is especially bad for the skin. I'll not stress about the one I have and I'll try to embrace it as a sign of maturity 
Now, I just have to figure out how let my kid play outside and enjoy the sun without becoming the overbearing sunscreen-nazi that I'd like to be. |
Anonymous
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I just did a series of laser treatments and I can not BELIEVE the difference it made. I purchased a groupon for laser hair removal, and after finishing up all my visits for that, I had gotten to know the doctors and techs at the center. They advertized facial skin rejuvenation, which was supposed to tighten skin, eliminate broken capillaries, and lighten dark spots. I was interested so I asked about it, and they gave me a great deal to try it out.
Even after my 1st treatment, I was sold. I have hormonal acne, and my face has never been so clear in my life after having these treatments!! Also, by the end of the second treatment, all the old dark spots (ghosts of pimples past) were either gone or barely noticeable. I don't know if it works for everyone, but I can tell you that I LOVED my experience and still believe it is the best thing I've ever done for my face. I did a total of 6 30 minute sessions, and I'll probably go back for 15 minute touch ups every 6 months or so. Give it a try! |
Anonymous
Where did you have it done? |
Anonymous
| 23:24 - I had mine done at Metropolitan Med Spa. |
Anonymous
| Obagi is also a really effective lightening cream. My derm prescribed it for me, and I was very impressed with the reuslts. Really lightened up the dark spots. |
Anonymous
| Over the counter lightening creams do not work well and can be toxic. Your dermatologist may be right and the peel may be the best thing for you. Many have done it and loved the results. |
Anonymous
| I would recommend caution on any treatment.. you can make a "problem" worse (believe me! I have two non treatable skin conditions!). I was going to use laser to get rid of spots and fortunately tested it on my wrist before since I still have a dark dot there (so fortunate I didn't do it on my face). Read up on websites of thedownside of these treatments before going and decide for yourself if you want to risk it. Everyone's skin color etc is different. I would not trust a dermatologist (one gave me one of my skin conditions with a cream)- they are in it for the money. I ahve only had one dermo that was more of a medical - the rest have been all pushing creams, laser etc. |
Anonymous
| I have done the creams. They work if you use them twice a day for a couple months. I did last fall and my skin got better. However, during the time I used the cream, my face would flush, especially if I had any alcohol (any). That stopped when I stopped using the creams (once the spots had lightened). Now, with warmer weather, I am outside a bit more and my freckles are coming back fast and I assume the melasma will soon. But, when you use the creams, you have to avoid the sun (or risk more damage). My solution now is to really be vigilant about putting on sunblock (every morning and then again whenever I go out). I keep some by the door and in my purse. I expect that by next fall, I will start with the bleaching creams again. |
Anonymous
What cream do you use? |
Anonymous
| Obagi |