Does hyperpigmentation+sun = no hope?

July 18, 2010 10:16 AM

After spending a lot of time in the sun, my hyperpigmentation from acne scars has gotten very bad. Do I need to go to a dermatologist, or is there still hope for it to fade on its own?

I knew that I was prone to burning while on retinoids, but it didn't bother me enough to make me put on sunscreen whenever I left the house. Now that I've wizened up, I know that it can aggravate acne scars. I've had the same hyperpigmentation marks for over a year now, and they haven't faded at all. Is there still hope? What are some home remedies? If all else fails, what are some good concealers for a guy?

posted by tomtheblackbear to Health & Fitness (6 answers total)

Wear sunscreen every single day and be patient. They will fade. Sunscreen will help it from getting worse while preventing new hyperpigmented spots from developing. The best SPF I've found for acne skin that isn't greasy and has SPF 30 is Eucerine Everyday Protection for sensitive skin.
posted by marimeko at 10:31 AM on July 18, 2010

I have sun spots on my face that don't disappear in the winter, and my derm told me to wear sunscreen every single day (even in the winter) with a metal in it like zinc or aluminum. She said that should help them fade eventually.
posted by emilyd22222 at 10:34 AM on July 18, 2010

Also, look for a concealer that has an SPF factor in it, too - and that is oil free (Almay and Neutrogena are good, relatively inexpensive products and are usually scent free).
posted by marimeko at 10:37 AM on July 18, 2010

Add a hat or two to your outdoor wardrobe.
posted by Carol Anne at 10:54 AM on July 18, 2010

If they don't fade on their own, either a dermatologist or a skilled aesthetician can recommend a brightening cream (or gel or oil etc.) that will help lighten the dark spots. You can also buy OTC brightening creams, but it's been my experience (as someone with hyperpigmentation due to hormonal isses) that they don't work as well as the ones I've gotten from dermatologists and aestheticians. Wearing sunscreen is also a must; you can get sunscreens designed for facial use, or find mositurizers, foundations, and concealers with SPF.
posted by rhiannonstone at 10:56 AM on July 18, 2010

How about Dermablend? It's a waterproof concealer that a lot of people use to cover scars, tattoos, birthmarks, etc. You can find it in almost any department store in the cosmetics department.
posted by lucysparrow at 11:15 AM on July 18, 2010