Dark spots on the face – how to get rid of them??

Dr. Irwin
February 9, 2014
I'm 56years old and since last year I has discolouring around face so I used Clinique anti dark spot serum which help a bit do lighten my skin but still these light discolouring in place , what I need to use to get rid of them , thanks

These dark spots are complicated so here’s a way to get started:

  1. If you haven’t had a doctor/dermatologist check them, go and do that first.   Some dark spots are skin cancers!
  2. Please remember that no cream that currently exists is going to be a “home run” for these.  We all wish otherwise!
  3. The most effective creams in the U.S. and the rest of the world contain hydroquinones with a percentage around 4%.  These are prescription only in the U.S.   In my opinion, these are safe to use for 3-6 months but shouldn’t be used daily on a long term basis.  The European Union has banned these due to rather sketchy data in mice.  Also, hydroqinones make some people worse.  More on HQs here. 
  4. There is a lot of research on plant based lightening creams and they are continuing to slowly improve.   See Advanced Pigment Corrector and Lytera.
  5. Estrogens natural or taken orally, or by an other method can create or complicate brown spots – more on melasma here.
  6. Brown spots due to sun damage may respond best to certain lasers like the Fraxel Dual or an IPL.

Hope this helps,  Dr. I

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

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Hi, I’m Dr. Irwin. I believe that consumers deserve a medically trained and unbiased skin care advocate.

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