Blog with Dr. IrwinTag >> Pigment problems Is Cosmelan a good product for pigmentation problems?Posted in Skin Care Products, Skin Care, Pigment problems, Asian skin, African american skin, 2012 on Feb 04, 2012 | Permalink Dr,
I am planing to get Cosmelan. I did my research and found out that Cosmelan has a new formula with Hydroquinone. It seems like the old formula was the best, and new formula has mixed reviews. Can you please advise on new Cosmelan.
Thank you
I hope I'm wrong, but I'm very suspicious of this company - Mesoestetic. First, it's difficult to find out much about them. Their website constantly asks the user for information while... more Type IV skin and acne scarring - which treatment is best??Posted in Pigment problems, 2011 on Dec 21, 2011 | Permalink Hello Dr. Irwin,
I am skin type 4 and have deep acne scars on my face, I was reading so much about Fraxel-Restore as that is only available in my country and had almost made up my mind about going for it. When surprisingly my Dermatologist (She is the most trusted one, and easily the best this country has) told me that No, Fraxel will not help so much for your scars as much a Fractional CO2 laser would do, because my scars are very deep indeed. Now I know the difference is Fraxel Restore is Non-Ablative and the latter being Ablative.
I have seen and read some Horror stories about people getting PIH (Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation) with Fractional CO2 laser, Especially with skin type 4-5. So should I be considering it in the first place. My Dermatologist who has almost now 30 years of experience has strictly said no for Fraxel as it would not help and I woulD unnecessarily end up spending lots of money on several Fraxel Restore sessions. She said I don’t think Fraxel will help you atall and that’s Period ! What do I do.
I can go with Fractional C02, but I am most worried about PIH and my skin is very sensitive and I did a Glycolic Peel of 20% some years back and it gave a very bad PIH which still has not gone. But I was just thinking Glycolic Peel and Fractional CO2 are two different things maybe the Fractional CO2 it will not give me a PIH . But I don’t know any suggestions, advise ?
Thanks
My apologies for the delay on this. I think you wrote in November. If you have deep acne scarring, I agree with your dermatologist. You will get much more benefit with the fractional... more A question about darker skin under the arms and in the groin area.Posted in Pigment problems, Body Treatments, Asian skin, 2011 on Nov 30, 2011 | Permalink Hello Dr. Are the darkened skin in the pubic area and under arm also called melasma and do the medications for melasma such as renova, hydroquinon, and peeling work for those skins? I am an Asian woman and my skin in those areas are 3-4 degrees darker than the olive skin in the rest of my body and I feel embarrassed.Thank you for your help and advice.
First, generally this isn't referred to as melasma because it isn't caused by the interaction of female hormones and light exposure. Other causes can include genetic (other people in... more Is there a good over the counter hydroquinone cream for hyperpigmentation?Posted in Pigment problems, Melasma, Brown Spots, 2011 on Sep 24, 2011 | Permalink Can you please recommend some over the counter hydroquinone cream brands? I have hyper-pigmentation and would like to try and over the counter bleach cream. Thank you.
All of the over the counter "bleaching" products that contain hydroquinone are limited to a 2.0% concentration in the United States. Prescription creams are usually 4% and dermatologists... more What to do about the darkening caused by tweezing in african american skin?Posted in Pigment problems, Hair Removal, Hair, African american skin, 2011 on Jul 29, 2011 | Permalink Not sure what to use..I have been removing hair from chin by tweezing I am african american and this has caused hyperpigmentation so that the area is extremely dark and very noticeable. I have been on the website looking at bleaching and lightening products but sort of wary because there are so many and my skin does tend to breakout. what can i use to bring that part of my face back to the same color as the rest of my face or should i see a dermatologist.
I think a lot of women have this problem. In lighter skin types, it shows up as reddish discoloration around the hair follicles and, in darker skin types, more dark brown. It's caused by... more Help with dull looking skin.Posted in Pigment problems, Brown Spots, Blotchiness, 2011 on Jun 11, 2011 | Permalink hello Dr. Irwin
first of all i love your suggestions it helped me a lot.
so my problem is like this- i am from India. naturally i have fair coloured skin. i am 14 years old . but from 2 or 3 years . my skin is getting dull. when i clean my skin it gets glowing but after few hours it again gets dull. is it because my diet? and i have dark circles also. i sleep enough ? how can i get rid of them.
Thank you for writing. Can you write again and give me a little more information. Is your skin dry, oily, acne prone? Are you putting anything on your skin after you wash? Are you... more
Pigment under the arms and on the inner thighs - what can I do?Posted in Pigment problems, 2011 on May 10, 2011 | Permalink Hi there,
I have a question about skin discoloration under my arms and on the inside of my upper thighs. I'm guessing that this is from my skin rubbing on itself. For the last few years I've been lifting weights regularly and have noticed that as my legs have become more muscular - the skin on the upper part of my inner thigh has darkened.
Are there any over-the-counter products that you would recommend to lighten this area? Would it be best to see a dermatologist and get a product that is prescription strength?
Thanks for your input, and I LOVE skintour!
You bring up a couple of good points. First, increased pigment can occur lots of other places besides the face and second, it can be just as annoying and cause self consciousness! ... more Does Triluma help with scarring from picking!Posted in Skin Care Products, Skin Care, Pigment problems, Brown Spots, Acne, 2011 on Apr 04, 2011 | Permalink Hello DR.
does tri-luma help with brown sccaring from picking? I.. like to try it ty
The short answer is yes............ but only if you stop picking! So here's my question to you. I'd like you to think about why you're picking. If you have acne, please see a... more Skin care products for women of color.Posted in Skin Care Products, Skin Care, Pigment problems, African american skin, 2011 on Mar 27, 2011 | Permalink Dr.I,
I love skin medica ( i use it) but can a person of color ( african american) use this product and get the results? I was not sure to recommend this produt to a friend of color.. Ty
Yes, this skin care line is excellent for women of all skin colors. Just remember anyone can have an individual reaction to an individual product. I usually vote for starting new products... more
Is the Lumixyl skin lightening product a good one?Posted in Pigment problems, Melasma, 2011 on Feb 13, 2011 | Permalink Hello:
What are your thoughts on Lumixyl? I've been hearing buzz about it, and interested in skin lightning/brightening. I am fair skinned naturally (light hair/blue eyes), but would like to even out and get my skin as pale porcelain perfect as possible :)
As you know, it contains multiple plant based "lightening" agents. Like the prescription hydroquinones these products don't really "lighten" or "bleach" anything. They work mostly by... more I'm an African American with laugh lines and uneven skin tone.Posted in Wrinkles, Pigment problems, 2011 on Jan 28, 2011 | Permalink I'm a african American with uneven skin tone and small laugh wrinkels around my eyes. What do you suggest?
For your uneven skin tone, it depends on whether the blotchiness is being caused by hormone related melasma, sun damage, inflammation from acne or irritated hair follicles, etc. I think... more Is this hydroquinone product okay to use around the eyes?Posted in Pigment problems, Eyelid Treatments, 2010 on Nov 20, 2010 | Permalink I have a question regarding Hydroquinone. I asked my dermatologist about the dark circles under my eyes and also a few brown spots I had. He recommended 8% hydroquinone in 0.01% retisol, to be used twice a day. I am finding that it seems to make my skin more sensitive and I have been getting these red itchy spots. Will this pass or is this product maybe too strong. Any recommendations for these problems that may be better than this. I am 54 years old.
Thanks
In my opinion, this compounded 8% cream with retinol is WAY too strong to use around the eyes. I'm surprised you are not completely red, itchy and puffy. You must have very tough... more
What do you think of Obagi cosmetics?Posted in Skin Care Products, Skin Care, RenovaRetinoids, Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams, Pigment problems, Cosmeceuticals, Brown Spots, 2010 on Nov 09, 2010 | Permalink What do you think of Obagi cosmetics?
I think I'll just tell you the pros and cons in my mind because it's a little complicated. Obagi was one of the first doctors who tried to base skin care more on science, and for that I... more What do you think of Obagi cosmetics?Posted in Skin Care Products, Skin Care, RenovaRetinoids, Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams, Pigment problems, Cosmeceuticals, Brown Spots, 2010 on Nov 09, 2010 | Permalink What do you think of Obagi cosmetics?
I think I'll just tell you the pros and cons in my mind because it's a little complicated. Obagi was one of the first doctors who tried to base skin care more on science, and for that I... more Problems with hair removal and brown spots with light olive skin.Posted in Sun Protection, Pigment problems, Melasma, Hair Removal, Hair, Brown Spots, 2010 on Oct 22, 2010 | Permalink Dr Irwin, Thanks for sharing your expertise! My qs is about hair removal and lentigoes.
Which specific laser do you recommend for facial hair removal for type 2/type 3 skin? (light olive with dark hair)? What is your opinion on LightSheer v/s Alexandrite v/s ELOS (by Syneron)? I have had 7 treatments of ELOS but the hair still comes back (though not any more within the 6 week interval, more like 12 weeks). Is it true a traditional laser will get faster results than ELOS?
The clinic also used ELOS on another setting on my lentigoes but after 2 x crusting and improvement, it didnt reduce the pigment any further. Of course i use sunblock daily (la roche posay meroxyl sx 50+ and clinique spf 15 powder on top of that - based on your recommendation for layering- thank you!), but despite this, this summer the spots all came back, with vengeance- there is now more general melasma under the eye area on both cheeks which looks like it will become one giant patch. I'm 42, and don't take any medication or hormones.
In my opinion, the Elos Syneron system is not the best for hair removal. Best choices for you with light olive skin would be the LightSheer or any of the Nd:Yag based systems. If the hair... more Can brown spots be something serious?Posted in Skin Cancer, Pigment problems, Eyelid Treatments, Brown Spots, 2010 on Oct 11, 2010 | Permalink I was told by my family physician to use "Mother of Pearl" cream to help with a brown spot I have on the side of my eye since it is getting larger. After reading your tips on brown spots, I am making an appointment with a dermatologist to make sure it is nothing serious.
Thank you for writing this. You did exactly the right thing!! There are brown spots that can be melanomas or lentigo maligna or "pre melanomas" - also called dysplastic nevi. I... more
What can I do about melasma?Posted in Pigment problems, Melasma, Brown Spots, Blotchiness, 2010 on Oct 03, 2010 | Permalink | View Comments (1) Dr. Irwin,
I was diagnosed by a dermatologist a few years ago with melasma. I have also had slight acne and with my pregnancy 2 years ago my melasma was really dark. I am 35 years old and the melasma and acne started in my late late 20's. I have had numerous laser treatments (ip-Fraxel) and they helped some and broke up some spots but I still have really dark spots all over my face. It is uneven all over and very oily. I'm searching for a good glycolic peel but have not decided on anything. Do you have any recommendations on what to try now or what type of peel to use.
I used the Obagi for months and still use some of the products but the hydroquinone didn't seem to make a difference.
Help
DWebb
I still think that melasma is the toughest problem to treat because there is no cure for it - just good control. You will absolutely need the help of a dermatologist who's interested in... more A follow up on a problem with an IPL treatment!Posted in Pigment problems, Peels, IPL, Brown Spots, 2010 on Oct 03, 2010 | Permalink Dear Dr I, I took your advise and went back to the doctor who did my IPL and left me with brown/black marks on my face for 10 days!!!! I still have dark spots on my face a month later and he says it's just a matter of time and he will do a peel once a week to speed up the process. I didn't like that answer and went for a second opinion. The 2nd doc said to wait about a month and do a lime light treatment. I got a 3rd opinion who recommended to do another IPL treatment with a lower setting to break up the pigmentation he says is stuck right below the surface. Needless to say, I still value your opinion over a computer than these other people. I know it's hard without seeing me but any suggestions you have I will use to help make a better decision. I'm hispanic, 37 yrs old and had good skin with the exception of some sun spots that led me to the horrible IPL treatment. I still have the sun spots plus alot more brown blotches:( Thanks for your time.
I'm impressed because this is a really tough situation and you're doing such a great job being proactive about it. Kudos to you! I'm guessing, hoping that they all went over the basics... more Why didn't my brown spots light up after my IPL treatment the way they usually do?Posted in Pigment problems, Lasers, IPL, Brown Spots, 2010 on Jun 01, 2010 | Permalink Hi Dr. Irwin
I just had an IPL treatment for my brown spots at a new clinic. This was my 4th treatment over the span of 2 years. I didn't feel the "zapping" that I did in my previous treatments and my brown spots have not gotten darker like past times- immediately after the treatments. I was expecting the pinkness on my cheeks,the slight scabbing for a few days and then the spots disappear or are much lighter. This experience was very different. Do you think it can have the same results if I didn't experience any of my expected/usual things? I know the settings must have been different and probably the machine. I hope I didn't waste money trying to find a new place closer to home. I know time will tell ...I was just wondering if there is somewhat of standard experience for the IPLs? Thank You
Excellent question! There are many different companies making IPLs now and they are not all created equally. The ones sold to salons and medispas tend to be less powerful and therefore... more What can I do about problems with irritation from tretinoin?Posted in Pigment problems, Hair Removal, Hair, Finding a Good Doctor, 2010 on Jun 01, 2010 | Permalink I was in India for a vacation till end of march and two weeks later went to a hair removing laser clinic, and started developing red patches on my skin and continued applying tretinoin on top of that, then the Dr gave me desonide to apply for a week and started on tretinoin again, my skin started peeling (more irritation, could see some pink skin underneath), then stopped tretinoin, how long can i stay without it, i have been on it for 7 years and it was going very well (0.05%). Can i ever go back to it?
I think I have this straight. You were using the tretinoin without problems until the India vacation, the laser hair removal (assuming on the face?), and then the desonide. It takes the... more How do I construct a great skin care regimen?Posted in Vitamins for Skin, Vitamin C, Sun Protection, Sun Damage, Skin Care Products, Skin Care, RenovaRetinoids, Renova Retinoids and Vitamin A Creams, Pigment problems, Maintenance, Cosmeceuticals, Cell growth factors, Brown Spots, Blotchiness on Apr 18, 2010 | Permalink Hi Dr. I!I have a question regarding skin care products. I am such a fan that I have aquired the products you use and recommend to see what works for me. I guess at this point I have become a little neurotic/obsessed with my skin as I see the changes that I know are inevitable. So, how much is too much??? This is what I am doing right now. Night time: Obagi Nu-derm (hydroquionone 4%) for the brown spots, TNS Recovery Complex, Eye cream, Revaleskin Night Cream, and a moisturizing lotion (dry skin).Day Time is much harder for me to figure out. Obagi Nu-derm (hydroquionone 4%) for the brown spots, TNS Recovery Complex, Eye cream,SkinMedica Vitamin C & E, Moisturizer (Dry skin), Zincclear Sunscreen and I am trying to figure out if I can add a firming/wrinkle filler for the slight wrinkles that are NEW ON my cheeks and then Makeup (foundation, blush, lipstick)!!!!I\'m almost 40 and my skin has become dry, a few brown spots and NEW (very noticeable to me) wrinkles under the eyes and cheeks. Do the products work as well piled on??? I was told I should use a \"treatment\" type product such as \"Perricone Md\" face firming activator and/or \"Substiane\" (La Roche-Posay). There is just so much. I know a lot of it is trial and error and I know everyone is different. I apoligize for this \"book\" I have written in trying to ask you for your advise and what is too much product and if am I going over board if I throw in an extra wrinkle filler or two in my daily regimen??? Thank you for your time and for this website.
Whoa!! This is way too much so let's simplify and get back to basics a bit. Here's what I'd recommend: AM cleanse, Vit C & E (your antioxidant), eye cream, spot treat your brown spots... more Does cryosurgery (liquid nitrogen) work for brown spots?Posted in Pigment problems, Lasers, Brown Spots, Blotchiness on Mar 27, 2010 | Permalink Dr Irwin;
Thanks for your informative internet chat with Paula Begoun. How do you feel about cryosurgery for facial brown spot removal? I have had 5 laser treatments which have worked to some degree; but I have 2 stubborn spots which were only lightened. I have had cryosurgery before, but the brown spots returned in the same location. I am 54, and am vigilant about daily sunscreen protection. I don't have any wrinkle issues; I'm lucky in that regard. But the brown spots are driving me crazy ! I have tried everything, including 4% hydroquinone. Cryosurgery seems to work more quickly than laser treatment; would you disagree? Thanks for your honest manner; I so appreciate that!
Gail Liquid nitrogen (cryosurgery) is used for a lot of different purposes in dermatology including, sometimes, removing brown spots. It does work! There are problems with it though when used... more I have brown spots and am hispanic. Is this advice good?Posted in Pigment problems, Melasma, Lasers, Brown Spots, Blotchiness on Mar 27, 2010 | Permalink Hi Dr. I
I had a consultation today regarding the brown spots/sun damage on my face and I wanted to ask for your opinion. I am a 37 years old, on birth control pills,hispanic(olive skin) and work outdoors (10 hour days).I have done the IPL 3 times and see results but not completly satisfied. I started the IPL after I had a baby. I was told that a peel would be better than a laser treatment and that I should use certain products(cosmelan).
I am using the sunscreen you recommended Zinclear but this doctor told me that I don't need Zinc in my sunscreen at my age???????? What do you suggest? I do plan to get a different opinion but I was wondering what you thought of this and what direction/questions may be more helpful in my next consultation. I know for sure that that advice about your sunscreen was not good!!! You are YOUNG - only 37 - and if you have brown spots, are hispanic, on birth control and work outside, you need a... more If I have olive skin will I get hyperpigmentation from injectibles?Posted in Pigment problems, JuvedermRestylane, Juvederm and Restylane, Botox on Jan 12, 2010 | Permalink I am thinking of having Botox (for frown lines) and Juvederm Ultra Plus (for nasal labial folds) but am concerned because I often get hyperpigmentation. My skintone is light to medium olive and I use Elestrin estrogen replacement therapy (gel). I had a good deal of PIH after laser therapy a few years ago to correct hyperpigmentation. After several months of using Lustra my skin did look good but it took a long time. I also get hyperpigmentation marks from minor skin blemishes that often last a long time. Should I be concerned about the needle marks from both products above and is there anything that could be done to help with the outcome? I can see why you would be concerned about this but the answer, fortunately, is no! The needles used for Botox and Juvederm are usually the size of an acupunture needle and are so tiny... more
What To Do When Melasma is Difficult to Treat?Posted in Pigment problems, Peels, Melasma on Nov 05, 2009 | Permalink Hi Dr. Irwin I'm a 45 years old spanic suffering with melasma for the last 4 years I tried different products in the past including triluma nothing helped. At the end of August of this year I ordered a product on line called BLEMISH FREE comes on spray can. I sprayed this on all the brown spots on my face and 2 weeks later I was left with eve darker spots (dark brown) this product burn my face so bad I did some research about it and found out was liquid nitrogen, immediately I went to see a dermatology who performed 2 photorejuvenation treatments 2 weeks apart. Is exactly 4 weeks from my last laser tratment and don't look any better. Should I leave it alone and let time heal my skin or is this a permanent damage? I really, really, really recommend that you try to find a good dermatologist experienced with hispanic skin in your area. You didn't tell what area you live in. It makes me sad to think... more Pigmentation problems post laser and hydroquinonePosted in Pigment problems, Brown Spots on Aug 18, 2009 | Permalink Hi i have been using 6%hydroquinone to try to resolve my post inflammatory hyperpigmentation post laser i have been using it for six months and it does not seem to be working any suggestions? You will definately need a good dermatologist to help you with this!! Assuming you are already seeing one, it might be time to consider whether you may be one of those people who gets... more |
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