post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation products for brown skin

[anaaliyahfan03]

hello all my women of color!...i have posted recommendations on skin care and blemishes in another forum, but i just realized that i dont have blemishes..i have post-inflammatory hyperpigmentaion (mouthful)..thats when you pick the bumps on your face and they become dark spots for the people that didnt know cause i sure didnt know the exact name of it until yesterday...for all the women of color that are or used to suffer from this, what products did you use, cause i read that its alot different for brown skinned people so i thought i would post it here..thanks in advance

[makeba]

i have hyperpigmentation on my cheeks and the sides of my face and i hate it. I have began to exfoliate twice a week and use shea butter afterwards. I also use tri luma cream prescribed by my dermatologist once a day as well. I use Black soap to wash my face twice a day. What i have noticed is that it is so important to use sunscreen every day because the sun can actually darken the areas. drinking lots of water has also helped as well because it rids the body of ugly toxins. You can purchase black soap from Nasaab.com or check with your local health stores. Remember to do your research first on black soap because there are so many imposters out there that make the soap black and call it black soap. Authentic black soap is soft and dark brown. I know i am rambling but at least this will give you a start.

[anaaliyahfan03]

yea i just read about the sunblock too..i was thinking about purchasing ddf brand of products but its kinda high..i just read that hydroquinone lightens the dark spots but i gotta keep it reasonable on price (cant go broke)..never heard of black soap but i will look in on that..thanks

[makeba]

be very careful with the hydroquinone product because it can damage the skin. please do your research and speak with a dermatologist and you will be fine. get that sunscreen sis because it helps. I use Neutrogena sp70 and yes its a high number but it helps. the only drawback is that i have to mix it with a little shea butter or jojoba oil so i dont get the ashy look.

[anaaliyahfan03]

yea i read hydroquinone can have side effects, spf70??? wow!..gotta look into that cause its extra sunny here in tx

[twobear]

I would stay away from hydroquinone as it can over-lighten spots and leave you with white patches. I have worked for a derm before and if you have insurance go for a chemical peel. After after a series of 3 (1 per month) you will definitely see a difference. If you do not have insurance, there are a lot of OTC chemical peel products now. Be sure to follow with a good sunscreen with an spf of 30+. Dark spots are quite stubborn to get rid of but it is definitely possible. I am now able to go without wearing makeup and my skin was HORRIBLE!!

[anaaliyahfan03]

wow it can leave u with white patches???...that sucks!...i do have insurance but couldnt i just go to the spa for chemical peels too..do u know of any other products that i can use that can help with the dark spots but that dont contain hydroquinone?..ive been suffering with this for years and i just want these suckas gone..PERIOD!

[twobear]

I have had peels done at a day spa, but they were not as therapeutic as going to a derm. The good thing about the salicylic acid peels I had done was they continue to gently peel as days pass. A derm can also administer a stronger peel than a spa not to mention you have the expertise of an MD who is acustomed to dealing with all skin types. Salicylic acid peels also help to unblock pores so your skin looks smoother and all whiteheads/blackheads are gone. Not to mention, a $30 copay is better than a $60-$100 peel. A derm may also decide to put you on a Retin-A product which will continue the peeling process on a daily basis and keep all blemishes at bay.

[anaaliyahfan03]

ok cool...thanks...i been trying to exfoliate with peter thomas roth buffing beads..but its breaking me out and causing my skin to be like extra dry..thats another thing i gotta work on..im not on insurance at the moment but i will be back on it a few months (school purposes) so thanks for the info

[MAC_Pixie04]

Don't use a hydroquinone product. They don't tend to work well on darker skin. Hydroquinone doesn't have any inhibitors in it, so as someone said, you can end up with hypOpigmentation trying to cure your hypERpigmentation, so little light spots everywhere and then you're kinda screwed because there aren't many (if any) products available to correct that. Also, hydroquinone products have been linked to liver diseases, and you can only use it for 3 months at a time, then you have 3 months off of it, then 3 months back on.
Use a sunscreen of course. I get really bad dark spots after a blemish (stop picking BTW you're only hurting yourself) and i'm using Ole Henriksen's "Three Little Wonders" which includes Truth Serum Collagen Booster w/ 10% Vitamin C, Invigorating Night Gel, and Sheer Transformation Creme.


Truth Serum Collagen Booster: Has 10% vitamin C, a known skin brightener and potent antioxidant. Apply it to the face and throat AM and PM, you'll see results in like 2 weeks, and the longer you use it, the more rejuvenated the tone and radiance of the skin is.
Sheer Transformation Creme: Is oil free, very light weight and packed with botanical brighteners. Ester C, Kojic Acid (Gently aggressive brightener) and tons of Vitamins packed into this one. It moisturizes really well, it doesn't leave behind any residue.
Invigorating Night Gel: NIGHT TIME ONLY. This has botanical brighteners as well as Alpha Hydroxy Acids to fight blemishes and exfoliate the surface layer of the skin, where your hyperpigmentation is most visible. I apply the sheer transformation on top of this gel, as I don't find it hydrating enough, but I also like having the extra benefits of brightening and evening out my skintone.

It sounds like a lot to put on your face, but honestly my face has never looked better. I haven't worn foundation to work for the last 4 days and people have been commenting on how clear, even and radiant my skin looks. The Three Little Wonders comes in a kit for $65, but it's $132 to buy the three products individually, so I'd honestly say you're definitely gonna get your moneys worth, and they last forever. I've gone through only 2 jars of Sheer Transformation in 5 months, which is quite a long time considering I'm using a generous amount twice a day.

http://www.sephora.com/browse/produc...eg oryId=5674

Good luck, I know how frustrating it is to have little brown (or blackish brown for me) spots and not be able to treat them the same way our lighter counterparts can. I've tried everything, even considered a few dermatologist treatments (very expensive) but the Ole H kit has worked really well for me.

we've also just started carrying a new brand, Rx for Darker Skin, I haven't personally tried it, but I hear good things.
http://www.sephora.com/browse/brand_...l?brandId=5877

[MAC_Pixie04]

Quote:

Originally Posted by anaaliyahfan03

ok cool...thanks...i been trying to exfoliate with peter thomas roth buffing beads..but its breaking me out and causing my skin to be like extra dry..thats another thing i gotta work on..im not on insurance at the moment but i will be back on it a few months (school purposes) so thanks for the info

thats odd; those are the most hydrating exfoliators we sell. and they're the only physical exfoliant you can use on an active breakout because the jojoba beads let out humectant moisturizers and emulsify sebum to be rinsed away from the skin.

which ones are you using? there's a new one with salicylic acid which people have mentioned being a little drying; those are yellow ones.

[IvyTrini]

I have a sizable area of hyperpigmentation on my face and right now I am under the care of a dermatologist. I am acutally using Hydroquinone, but the trick is to use is very sparingly and in a thin flim on the skin at nighttime. I only use the HQ for a couple of days, a week max.The HQ also does have sunscreen in it but I also use DDF moisturizing sunscreen with spf 30. Its the only product that does not give me an allergic reaction and does not give me an ashy look (I am a dark skinned person NW 45). I also use Elidel which is a non steroidal anti inflammatory cream in the morning b4 my sunscreen. So yes you have to be very careful with HQ but it does work in the prescription strength.

[IvyTrini]

Oh yeah for smaller spots from acne etc, its probably better to get a professional treatment like a peel or microdermabrasion done by a dermatologist or just be very careful with the at home peels.

I only use HQ for a more major issue.

[anaaliyahfan03]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MAC_Pixie04

thats odd; those are the most hydrating exfoliators we sell. and they're the only physical exfoliant you can use on an active breakout because the jojoba beads let out humectant moisturizers and emulsify sebum to be rinsed away from the skin.

which ones are you using? there's a new one with salicylic acid which people have mentioned being a little drying; those are yellow ones.

yea they are the yellow ones...eww..i wasted my 36 bucks...oh well..live and learn..i look into everything that u all are saying..thanks

[anaaliyahfan03]

Quote:

Originally Posted by IvyTrini

I have a sizable area of hyperpigmentation on my face and right now I am under the care of a dermatologist. I am acutally using Hydroquinone, but the trick is to use is very sparingly and in a thin flim on the skin at nighttime. I only use the HQ for a couple of days, a week max.The HQ also does have sunscreen in it but I also use DDF moisturizing sunscreen with spf 30. Its the only product that does not give me an allergic reaction and does not give me an ashy look (I am a dark skinned person NW 45). I also use Elidel which is a non steroidal anti inflammatory cream in the morning b4 my sunscreen. So yes you have to be very careful with HQ but it does work in the prescription strength.

i actually have considered the ddf sunscreen before you wrote this and i am a nc50..thanks

[MACaholic76]

Great thread!
I highly highly recommend glycolic acid, which is an AHA, along with a very very mild concentration of hydroquinone, nothing higher than 2%.
I actually do not like the 4% hydroquinone that is often prescribed by derms because like others have said, it will damage darker skin and cause a reverse reaction called hypopigmentation. Trust me...this happened to me.
Another product I highly recommend is azeleic acid. If you can get an Rx, the brand name is called Azelex. It's 20% azeleic acid and it has done wonders for my skin. Azelex works as an antibacterial, lightens dark spots, and rumor has it tha it might also have anti-aging benefits. The beauty of this product is that it does not cause the extreme sun sensitivity caused by retinoids. I love this! This is the one and only product I swear by, and a little bit of glycolic acid here and there.
And dont forget your sunscreen!!!

[anaaliyahfan03]

oh ok cool..thanks for the info

[twobear]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MACaholic76

Great thread!
I highly highly recommend glycolic acid, which is an AHA, along with a very very mild concentration of hydroquinone, nothing higher than 2%.
I actually do not like the 4% hydroquinone that is often prescribed by derms because like others have said, it will damage darker skin and cause a reverse reaction called hypopigmentation. Trust me...this happened to me.
Another product I highly recommend is azeleic acid. If you can get an Rx, the brand name is called Azelex. It's 20% azeleic acid and it has done wonders for my skin. Azelex works as an antibacterial, lightens dark spots, and rumor has it tha it might also have anti-aging benefits. The beauty of this product is that it does not cause the extreme sun sensitivity caused by retinoids. I love this! This is the one and only product I swear by, and a little bit of glycolic acid here and there.
And dont forget your sunscreen!!!

Azelex is fantastic if you can get your hands on it!!

[Bronxcutie]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MAC_Pixie04

we've also just started carrying a new brand, Rx for Darker Skin, I haven't personally tried it, but I hear good things.
http://www.sephora.com/browse/brand_...l?brandId=5877

Is this available in all Sephora stores? I'm in NYC. I have pretty good skin, but I have a few dark spots that bother me. I've been looking for something to gradually even out my skin tone. I was looking at Ole Henriksen, but this brand looks good too.

[anaaliyahfan03]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bronxcutie

Is this available in all Sephora stores? I'm in NYC. I have pretty good skin, but I have a few dark spots that bother me. I've been looking for something to gradually even out my skin tone. I was looking at Ole Henriksen, but this brand looks good too.

get it on sephora.com if its not in all stores

[themisfit]

omg, my entire left cheek is covered with hyperpigmentation spots, and it just looks like ONE BLACK SPOT. It's humiliating! I've been prescribed azelaic acid by the derm, but it STINGS. so I dont use it that regularly (but I really should). I've tried exfoliating, facials, etc...but nothing seems to be working. I can't even find a good cover up that'll hide the discoloration until it's treated.

[cindel25]

Can anyone recommend a product without AHA? When I was young, I used a drugstore brand that left my cheek with dark bumps irritation.

I've been using Loreal Micro-Dermabrasion that actually lighten my cheek a bit but no longer effective. Now I'm using RX for Brown Skin Botanical Brightener.

[sparletta]

I have dealt with this problem for many, many years and have tried thousands of dollars worth of products. The one thing that I have found to be just amazing in reducing the dark spots (I get them whether I pick or don't touch it at all) is 100% tea tree oil. I bought mine from an organic food store but OMG I saw results the very next day! It stings for a few minutes when you put it on (I apply ONLY on the spot with a q tip) but I like that because I feel like it's working. I'm an NC44 btw.

[MAC_Pixie04]

I've never heard of Tea Tree Oil having any kind of brightening ability. I know it's an antiseptic and an anti-inflammatory, which is great for acne conditions, but as far as lightening the skin...hmmmm I'm not sure I'd recommend it for that.

Not to knock what you're noticing with your skin, it just doesn't seem very likely to me. Perhaps there's some research to be done on that.

[reesesilverstar]

Awesome thread!

The regimen that worked for me (before I got lazy) is

Washing my face with Blacksoap (the natural unrefined kind)
Tone with Sea Breeze Actives
Moisturize with Jojoba and raw shea butter

At night I used to use an AHA to help with the skin turnover.

Exfoliate (I use St. Ive's sensitive) every 2 days.

Queen Helene Mint julep mask on Saturdays

When the acne first appears, I put tea tree oil on them. It helps with the itching and burning, and with the drying process.