How to treat dark spots and hyperpigmentation

[@Kasatrea]

Don't mind me, just commenting for the algorithm

[@evebrown7977]

Ok 😅

[@umelaila1036]

What does that mean

[@lisakulp4639]

I'll start to do this too

[@sankofa2231]

@@umelaila1036 they're commenting to boost the vid's engagement and recommendation

[@umelaila1036]

@@sankofa2231 who is they

[@rrenatabp]

I used to think my skin was more prone to PIH than others and therefore I was doomed for a lifetime of having post acne marks on my face as I am acne prone. Lo and behold when I finally got into a proper sun protection routine (wearing and reapplying sunscreen everyday), I get literally almost no marks left on my face after a pimple.

[@KeishaKiger]

How do people reapply the sunscreen when they’ve got makeup on their face they have to go wash it off and destroy their make up😅

[@sksksks7533]

^ yes basically this was me. I started wearing sunscreen daily even for short walks and my marks are noticeably fading. Tip: Wearing a hat and sunglasses really help. Sunscreen to me is just a part of the protection; hats and sunglasses are a great way to keep out the visible light spectrum and look stylish too!

[@rrenatabp]

@@KeishaKiger I don't wear makeup so I honestly have no idea lol it does seem like quite a difficult thing to do, maybe try an SPF powder?

[@KeishaKiger]

@@rrenatabpthankyou😂 yes but I’ll do it in the morning g atleast then 😊

[@lyspaere]

I only started getting PIH spots after I started using sunscreen....is it a terrible sunscreen?

[@Anonymous6h4a8h5a]

Every one of your videos is always an 11/10 for information in such a digestible manner. You’re truly incredible

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

Thank you! That's really lovely to hear 😊

[@Anonymous6h4a8h5a]

You’re a godsend. QUESTION: why was Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate absent from your list of Vit C derivatives? I hope your upcoming video does a deep dive on gold-conjugated Vit C as well (I find that super intriguing given that 1.5% is the rumoured amount used in this patent and still is efficacious)! It would be super interesting to hear you compare why this can be so effective at such a low dose, compared to 15-20%

[@MamaMia914]

She's incredible because she is a scientist. 😎

[@denisha8596]

The other benefit of wearing foundation and sunscreen together is that you have an objective measure of how well you're fading your pigmentation. That day when you realise you can leave the colour corrector or concealer for special occasions and just use foundation as a daily cover up? That day when you realise you got to the end of summer without having to tint your foundation to a deeper shade? It really motivates you to keep up with your skincare routine. Good to know the foundation on its own was serving another purpose.

[@Sentient_Goose]

I NEED THE BOOK! I'm obsessed. I'm going to buy multiple copies for every single person that I know. Friends. Coworkers. Family. Random strangers. Every single person in my life.

[@violetviolet888]

Please put me on your give away list.

[@lizzie4830]

It’s in my Amazon basket, to be released on 25th of June, I can’t wait!

[@ripsanskrit3609]

Aren't we best friends (

[@dodgek5270]

Same. I feel like it's the least I can do to help them with the skincare world.

[@Queenofcats36]

I need to buy it too!!

[@empressofsaturn]

Since that's the only thing I can explain here...."topical" comes from the Greek word τοπικός which comes from the word τόπος (topos=place). For here it's more like saying "in this particular place only" in general in Greek we use it the same way as the English word "local" ❤

[@XOChristianaNicole]

Interesting. Thanks, for sharing.

[@mimisler]

i have a ba in linguistics: THANK YOU! yeah top is some weird proto-germanic invention. no relation to topic or topical

[@turnbacktime65]

Thanks for another informative session. Love your humor and skills. I’m 66. Now rowing up hill because I was a teenage idiot. On a positive note…..Azelaic acid, Tretenoin, alpha Arbutin, AHA/BHA peels and Niacinimide have repaired my skin. It’s been 9 months so far. I’m sure it will be a full year before I’m where I want to be. One year is a short time when I consider how much damage I did. If you’re reading this, don’t give up.❤

[@thisnthat7760]

Retinol gave me PIH 😂😂 don't tell me " on,it's meant to use at night, and you should not forget the SPF"!!! I did everything in the book. Before the retinol, I have no blemishes on my face.. I'm 38 btw

[@corinastoian3801]

My husband started using sunscreen everyday only after I moved in with him (bf at that time :))). He is pretty bad with having a skincare routine (basically non existent) but he will never skip sunscreen. It took roughly two years to see the pigmentation on his forehead fading away, and sunscreen was all he needed.

[@ishathakor]

i got really bad hyperpigmentation from acne about two years ago. for a year now i've been consistently using vitamin c serum and exfoliating once a week (and using sunscreen of course) and i only really noticed a change about a month ago when i saw my parents again after a long time. the change can be so gradual you don't even realize it's happening at all, like watching your hair grow every day until one day you realize it's really long now. i tried to take photos to compare but i'm very bad at that stuff so i never noticed. glad to know it's working at least. i currently use an untinted mineral sunscreen but i'm looking into getting a tinted one when i run out because of the white cast.

[@beanaguts]

Would you be able to do a video on expiration dates for cosmetics? I’ve seen some of your short form videos debunking other creators sanitizing makeup products but I’d love to see a more in-depth video on product shelf life!

[@Mr.Waterhouse]

I literally just developed my first melasma on top of my bald head - thanks for this!!

[@troubiemakie]

I'm glad you brought up the vitamin c derivatives video because I thought I was crazy when I went looking for it lol

[@seanvalentinus]

What if we want *less* pigment in our skin, but *more* dumplings in our mouth? *WHAT THEN MICHELLE???*

[@UchihaChikiru]

I second this emotion 😊

[@alllisda_idiot7087]

I understand and resonate with this distress I WANT MY DUMPLINGS

[@EnvyBlu]

Waiting, Michelle…..😂 🤔

[@The_ThoughtProvoker]

😂

[@D0B3RW0M4N]

I found hydroquinone extremely effective and well-tolerated by my skin. More than popular exfoliating acids or retinol. Shame it’s so demonized cause I can’t find any products in my local beauty stores with it as an ingredient anymore

[@raeperonneau4941]

If you are in the US, you might want to check out Musley. (not affiliated) My Dermatologist in LA made his own magic potion with Retin A and Hydroquinone and only charged $50 for 6 month supply. It was awesome and my skin was glorious but I made the mistake, in terms of my vanity, of moving to other states and haven’t found a good Derm since. I finally started trying the online sources and after a few fails found The Spot Cream from Musley. It has a decent level of Hydroquinone, plus a few other well studied actives, and doesn’t irritate my skin. It would be worth a shot.

[@jamesa8225]

I think you can still get it prescribed. It sucks but I’d try those cheap online rx spots. Or try to find it overseas and have it shipped here

[@Storm411z]

It got taken away from OTC availability in the U.S. as part of the COVID Relief Bill in 2020, I suspect in part due to hydroquinone also being used to treat early COVID-19 symptoms and the fear that some Americans might.. eat the cream 😐 it might have also been due to supply chain issues and just needing the available hydroquinone to be used for manufacturing oral medications rather than the topical cream-those are just my hypotheses after speaking with several dermatologists and other doctors about the safety of hydroquinone 🤷🏽‍♀️ Because even before, it was only available at 2% OTC in the U.S., and the incidence of the exogenous ochronosis was essentially nonexistent at 2% (hence why it had been available to the general public for so long). It’s really only with prolonged usage at the higher percentages, which have always been by prescription only.

[@kleptomelly]

Depending on where you live you can definitely get a prescription. I have one from my derm. I am usually on it about 3 months, titrate off for a few months and then back on. It has helped but the spots are not completely gone even after about 2 years on this routine 😢

[@sulakaricats]

In Australia John Plunketts Superfade Cream containing 2% hydroquinone is available OTC, I found this extremely effective .

[@beanie-dog]

i really needed this video, even with acne under control the leftover hyperpigmentation is too stubborn

[@vendettea1768]

this is exactly what I wanted! I'm about to turn 21 so I'm still young with not too many concerns right now, but I really want to take care of my skin properly for as long as possible but it's so hard to find someone to trust... so thanks for being a truthful voice in all of the chaos Micheelle. Right now my best friends are moisturiser and well applied sunscreen, that's some of the top advice I've gotten from your videos, thank you so much for all the hard work you do and have done!

[@taranullius9221]

Learn what ingredients do (from professionals not influencers), don't use fragrance in any skincare, double cleanse (oil/balm cleanser first then a regular cleanser) to remove sunscreen and/or makeup to keep your pores clean/from expanding, sunscreen sunscreen sunscreen sunscreen and sunscreen and in comes retinol/retinoids earlier than 35. This, at nearly 44, is what I would tell my 21 y.o. self.

[@shqipe4801]

@@taranullius9221I’m 21 and everyone told me not to use retinol its too early

[@porksteambun2220]

Im begging Michelle BEGGING for a specific video on post inflammatory erythema, your thoughts, recommended ingredients and products. Would love to hear your take based on scientific evidence,, i've watched a bunch of videos already with many of them saying different things usually. I'll buy your book while i wait thanks heaps always love your vids !! ❤

[@wisteriawishy]

16:54 FYI, this product Fairence has tranexamic acid in a patented delivery system. I thought to shout this out, in case you're keen. The product is primarily sold through doctors, but if you ever come to Singapore and want to try it, you can get it from the hospital pharmacies, or Amazon Singapore. Disclosure: I previously worked in the pharma co. that sells this.

[@marcellolima6]

Thiamidol is also getting a lot of attention this days 😊

[@charlie2116]

I've been using Niche Beauty's Transparent Lab Invisible Sunscreen for the past month, and I love it. The price is incredible, and it's 100ml, which means it actually lasts all month. It's goopy yellow at first, and then sinks into my (pale, dry) skin. No trace, easy to reapply. Comes in a pump bottle. 👍

[@pilomatrixoma]

As a certified histology nerd, I like the diagram! Although it’s a little different than what you showed. I’m a pathologist, and I look at skin biopsies/excisions just about every day. Melanocytes deposit their pigment almost exclusively in basal keratinocytes, right at the base of the epidermis (where melanocytes normally hang out too). Makes sense, because these are the actively dividing cells, so they’re the ones that need the extra DNA protection. Melanin isn’t usually seen above this layer. Visible transepidermal elimination is pretty uncommon, although you do see it in some nevi and in melanoma. I wonder if this is why it can be tough to treat. Getting products into the stratum corneum is one thing, but we’re talking about cells sitting right next to the dermis here.

[@SerumsAndSuncreens]

Always on point! I’ve used so many Tranexamic acid serums that just didn’t do it for me and my melasma. Now I know why. Hydroxyquinone 4% turned me umpa lumpa orange. ::slathers on more spf 50::

[@Meelynbling]

Hi Michelle! As someone who has been battling melasma for years, I really appreciate this video. I have been struggling to find a mineral sunscreen I enjoy so hearing that it is a myth as being the best for pigment is such a relief! My question is - is it enough protection if I use my favourite AB sunscreen 50+ and a cushion compact for pigment on top? Please, I just want to find joy in my daily routine of applying sunscreen again 😪

[@Smittenhamster]

I think you would find the video on indoor sun protection helpful to answer that question as she goes quite deep into how where we are located affects the radiation we get.

[@paperheartzz]

stayed for the medicinal chemistry treat ❤ love me a tangent. I have never even heard of transexamic(?) acid

[@AndyInc1377]

I just discovered your channel a week ago, and this video appear on my timeline! I am sooooo grateful. I haven't even watch the video but I am so confident already.

[@sebu.4706]

Hi Michelle. I’m from Latin America, I had suffer from hyper pigmentation for several years, and I can say with confidence that Hydroquinone has been my hero ingredient. I live in the north of Chile, the sun is ruthless (like in Australia) I use the Avene Fluid Sport 50+ sunscreen every day to protect my skin

[@jenniferarmstrong8879]

Thank you for that breakdown of tranexamic acid. When I first start using an active I like to try them in simple formulas, like the Ordinary’s, then wait a month to evaluate my before and after. For me tranexamic acid seemed to do nothing. I just figured that my pasty skin I didn’t have that much hyperpigmentation. My primary skin care concern is generally acne prevention/treatment

[@Charlie66276]

Step 1& 3niacinimde. It’s anti inflammatory antioxidant and reduces acne reduces melanin transfer Step 1 2 and 4 drug retinoids Aha better for hyperpigmentation than bha step 4 Arbutin step 2 Glutathione step 2

[@kaymanuel7256]

Oh my gosh I can't believe how timely this is.. I've literally spent the weekend trying to figure how to get rid of my brown sun spots.. so frustrating as I'm 63 and it bothers me. I'm going round in circles..

[@Smittenhamster]

I am 39 and just spotted my first one. I use sun screen every day so WHAT BUSINESS DOES IT HAVE BEING THERE 😭

[@RixtvdVelde]

Yesss thanks for uploading this! I always love how thorough you go into each topic and I was waiting for this one

[@Jewellianna]

I loved the video Michelle!! I can’t wait for the book 📚🤗🤗

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

Thank you! 🥰

[@emricav3015]

For me sunscreen but tinted really game change for my melasma and dark spot

[@RespectedProfessional]

I LOVE the step-by-step breakdown of which ingredients focus on which part of the melanin pipeline. So clear, so useful! Thank you

[@stranger16luis71]

Great video. I would ask you to kindly make a video on Acanthosis Nigricans and what type of products to use to treat it. People say that it's strongly correlated with obesity, yet many lean people have Acanthosis. It's a different form of hyperpigmentation, with velvety patch near skinfolds like neck, armpits, groin, knee and for many even on the face.

[@costanzapolastri]

fun fact: the word "topical" comes from greek "tòpos" which means "place", because you just put it in that one place! also, i love your videos and you have a new subscriber hiii

[@marionallen2222]

Yes please!!!! Freckles!!! 🤍🤍🤍

[@PandoricaLost]

THANK YOU! I've been battling melasma for a few years now and it's so difficult to get rid of!

[@kleptomelly]

Same here. There are so many different triggers for it and it makes it hard to treat.

[@nn-lh8he]

The ordinary azelaic acid 10% is GREAT very affordable, gentle, and feels very similar to a silicone based makeup primer on the skin!

[@esmeraldagamgeetook2454]

I ended up with a dark spot after an ingrown. Thank you for reminding me skin turnover can take months, I was getting impatient

[@barbiegirl4224]

Yes please I have malasma hardest thing to treat.

[@louisecornwall6870]

Hi Michelle. Love all your videos! Just preordered 2 copies of your book - one for me and one for my high school classroom! I did not know the information about oral vs topical tranexamic acid, so thanks yet again.

[@Joerpg84]

My favourite KZbinr. Love your informative videos debunking misinformation . It’s always good to remind myself and keep up to date even though I’m a Pharmacist and also Pharmaceutical Science. 😊

[@aliveinheels4540]

As a skin expert/pro, I appreciate this video and the delightful dumpling worker analogies! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@debbiewalker273]

Thanks Michelle. You always make the complicated things easier to understand ! ☺️☺️

[@milkythoughts9500]

the tranexamic slander!!! finally!!!

[@thatshithitmehard18]

Oh god, I've already 2 products in my kitty having tranexamic acid as main ingredient. And I'm thinking here why ain't it working on my pigmentation

[@C2C.]

The best discussion of this topic I've seen. Thanks, and congrats on your book!

[@KevinNewin]

love this video and how you broke down pigmentation at each step, will be buying your book and cant wait for it to come out 6/25! :D

[@sunshineli4499]

Love your detailed videos. Can’t wait for the book. I’m a Chemical Engineer and really enjoy all your lessons.

[@Stephstar80]

Ohhh mmmmmmyyyyyyy...... I can't wait to have your book in my hands!!!!!! You are sooooo mean for letting us wait for sooooo lloonnggggg 😭😭😭😭😭😭 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@justdeanna2]

This video couldn't have come at a better time!

[@shruti-h4b]

Great video. I would still like to hear about all the trusted naturally derived ingredients from you. Thank you.

[@amazingme88]

Im buying your book. Michelle, you are GOLD! Thank you 🙏🎉❤

[@saraestrada.esthetics]

any product recommendations??

[@dhruveparoda9498]

would you consider doing a video on scalp skin, how care for it, common mistakes? Why can't I get rid of my flakes!?!?

[@caliinthevalley24681]

Pre menopausal melasma victim here. I literally have a 5’oclock mustache 24 hours a day 365 days a year. I’ve been battling this for the past 3 years. 😞 I have asian SPF sprinkled everywhere car, home, purse, jacket, and the front and back door of my home. I reapply so much I don’t even care that I look like Penny Wise on my commute home. I also run hot which is a big bummer since heat brings it out.

[@asincerewoman]

Sounds like a bummer. Difficult when you are doing everything right and it still doesn’t go away. Good luck!

[@Kloudysummer]

😂 Pennywise. Lol. Right there with you.

[@stephgreen3070]

I e had it since my second pregnancy 14 years ago. Melasma mustache! I hate it so much! I also have a blob between my eyebrows and on each cheekbone. I finally found a serum (Evagloss) with Kojic acid, tranexamic acid, ascorbic acid and arbutin that started helping, plus mineral sunscreen. Australian gold tinted mineral sunscreen. Only using those two products EVERY DAY is slightly working for me. I still have blobs of melasma on my face but I can somewhat disguise them with makeup now. I know not everything works for everyone, but I feel like I tried it all before stumbling on this combo. I’m not trying to advertise, but these two products in tandem have actually worked somewhat for me so I thought I’d throw them out there just in case. Neither is terribly expensive.

[@rose2dimples]

Have you tried an led mask?

[@kleptomelly]

I have it on my cheeks and forehead. My derm has me switch between topical HQ and oral Tranexamic acid. I use Korean Spf 50+ PA ++++, wear hats, a rechargeable neck fan if I'm outside and it still is visible (to me). It is an extremely frustrating condition to deal with.

[@noemi-mi-mi]

Another great video, educational and well systematised. I learned so much from you. Thank you! ❤ p.s. topical comes from topos, which is Latin for place, locality. Top in English has different ethymology.

[@taranullius9221]

Agree, I have seen no results with topical tranexamic acid.

[@gabriellalarose2809]

what do u recommend?

[@katniss4670]

Which sunscreens prevent tanning and hyperpigmentation in Type IV skin color ? Sunscreen always prevents burning on my skin , but never prevents hyperpigmentation or tanning , even after just 15-20 minutes outdoors.

[@celestialstar124]

Gotta agree sunscreen is number 1 tool for discolouration and all skin issue. This is why i reapply my sunscreen every 2 to 3 hour.

[@ririimari]

Please do a video on topical estrogen derivatives! (Estriol, estradiol)

[@SchlichteToven]

"Temporary Tenant" - I want to put that on a card for the next friend of mine who gives birth!

[@XOChristianaNicole]

That would be hilarious.

[@rechellegissane1424]

This is my 3rd time watching this video & I still laugh every 😅😅😅

[@nikkimonk1753]

Thankyou for this but would also love some product recommendations?

[@mvwkout5714]

Great info! You explain things so well. Other than hydroquinone can you please please suggest some products that can help melasma?

[@fidahkhan5866]

I love the way you deliver information!!! I love to hear the science and bringing back to yourself. you offer a holistic view to so much content we see on social media. it's so helpful in centering myself when seeing/hearing things. keep up the good work!!!! ❤

[@ratsbelongnowhere2548]

Thank you so much! This video could've not come at a better time, I'm trying to work out a skincare routine for my mom, her biggest skin problem is hyperpigmentation, thank you Dr Michelle 💞💞

[@modernenergy682]

For those in the US, I have been using Remedy dark spot serum from Dr Shah and it has been better than anything else I have tried.

[@MyLoVeLyMaN]

Azelaic acid seems pretty helpful for my pie from spots - also to target redness. It also seems very smoothing and brightening. I tend to use it overnight and wake up with much more of an even and non red complexion. The only one that works for me it's Financea, which is off the pharmacy and has the most easy to absorb non greasy texture (like a gel). Downsides: tingles when you're not used to it - can be fairly drying depending on skin type.

[@UnpurrfectRobyn]

Support for boring predictability!🙌

[@ViktorDi]

Really want the book, but living in Novosibirsk, Russia. Hope, one day it will be big enough to buy the paper version here!

[@alia8474]

just found ur channel through tiktok :) great video! you covered so many questions i had that most youtubers would take 4-5 videos to cover.

[@KingSugi3]

Woooow….i was just looking this up…God is real ❤❤❤

[@alexisc6136]

Unrelated but before I start this video I just want to say thank you for your thorough explanation and recommendations for hair products with amodimethicone. Wanted to mention it before I forgot ❤

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

I'm so glad it worked for you!

[@db-gb5xi]

Dr Idriss (cosmetic derm) has said she's not a big fan of lasers for treatment of melasma (possibly retriggering the melasma). And speaking of vit c derivatives, she also said in of her vit c videos that ascorbyl glucoside alone wasn't all that great but when it's combined with 3-O-ethyl, it's more stable.

[@slowghosts]

She also said that glycolic acid is unstable in light. Not really a trustworthy source

[@db-gb5xi]

@@slowghosts True but as far as the laser goes, she does have melasma. There are folks who've questioned the whole HA thing as well including other derms.

[@rose2dimples]

I had a bad laser treatment and the nurse burnt me... and I had bad pigmentation that took months to fade. I'm hesitant to ever do a laser treatment again. FYI I'm Vietnamese. I use Dr Aspect pigment plus to lei my pigmentation at bay and sunscreen always

[@StefanieMorgan-b3r]

Would love some product recommendations that are over the counter. I have been struggling with Melasma for over two years❤

[@monicavelazquez3652]

I loved this. As en Esty I feel we need to understand how to treat this issue specially on darker skin which does t get enough attention. I’d love to get cleared protocols together and start getting results instead of guessing g games with products that are mediocre on the ingredients.

[@modernenergy682]

Wear those pimple patches! It keeps you from picking them thus minimizing inflammation and protect from UV rays.

[@Sam-ig9py]

I appreciate it if you could talk a bit slowly for ESL people. I do need to repeat your videos often to catch up and read the subtitles. I am sorry for the inconvenience it may cause. Thank you.

[@yuukiasuna86]

Please do a video on cushion sunscreens. Summer is here and I want to be as prepared as possible.

[@belezacomdu]

Thank you Michelle! Curious to hear your thoughts on Thiamidol and Melasyl. The research for Thiamidol looks very promising.

[@foxwaffles]

Thank you for uploading this!! I wonder if it's an Asian thing but I get hyperpigmentation like crazy and I'm always trying to fade it

[@brunor7931]

I can't believe you're launching a book and the physical version is not available in my country WHY GOD

[@the_Brainjuice]

I have post pregnancy melasma. Last summer I used the anthelios 50+ from la roche posay and my face remained fairly pale, but my melasma blew up like never before!

[@RabbitinCanada]

So comprehensive and also easy to understand.

[@wendymarieglew6548]

Hi @LabBeautyMuffinScience @michellewong great video !! I use Tranexamic acid as an haemophilic if I need surgery to reduce the bleeding. (500mg in 5ml) The blurb on my the box as follows: “Contains- tranexamic acid ph. Eur, Sucrose, raspberry flavouring, sodium methylandethylparahydrybenzoates (E219 and E215) “ I didn’t know it was a thing in skin care or a ‘treatment’ for hyperpigmentation and as the old adage goes - you learn something new everyday Also ordered the book as soon as you mentioned it was available and cannot wait to get my hands on it !!

[@Sag-nonsense]

Super interesting about tranexamic acid I’m surprised it doesn’t really work topically

[@rachelwhite1702]

The info about tranexamic acid was super helpful! Had been looking at the Naturium product but might give it a miss now 😊

[@castadivanorma8478]

could you tell us a few lotions,serums,or creams that we can use for age spots ,PLEASE !!!!!!!! THANK YOU

[@Pattii248]

Thank you for this amzing topic review! Its greatly appeciated Edi: I am using a retinol, the Miracle Toner by some by mi and azelaic acid, which worked wonders for my post acne scars

[@courtneyfields1344]

Informative and easy to digest - so grateful for educators like you!

[@nayalistamoral]

Can you please do a video on avoiding hypothyroidism? My neighbor lost her legs and the tips of her fingers because she had low thyroid. I hear the harsh chemicals are to blame. I really want to know how teflon affects our hormones.

[@susanne4028]

Fantastic and helpful information. Thank you so much for your hard work. 💜💜💜💜

[@Hello_PE]

So much great information! Thanks for sharing. I love your channel!

[@lenorelopez748]

You are so succinct!! Love it

[@jessicameyer665]

I have melasma which is ultra stubborn. At this point I have accepted that I either have to save up for laser treatment or just learn to love it. I am going for the latter currently. I have a big patch on my back too so its likely genetic rather than anything I am doing to my face. I agree on the sunscreen being the most impactful single thing though. I've done a year of prescription hydroquinone and retinoids (after starting with all the OTC stuff) and even that didnt shift it but making sure i stay on top of SPF definitely minimises how noticeable it is.

[@missmo463]

I have a cute set of sun spots that I adore. They’re on the left side of my face, and the shape is kind of like a nike swoosh. I just love them. I recently started wearing sunscreen regularly and I’m scared pf losing them to my multiple actives + sunscreen. 😭

[@Scipio0404]

Great video! Maybe in the future you could make one about PIE? Also I can't wait for your book, will be the perfect relaxation after my med school exams. xd

[@CRCC830]

my secret ingredients are: alpha-arbutin, niacinamide, and then my curology custom mix (tret, topical clindamycin, and azelaic acid). all of these in combination prevent/fade spots that usually last months into a few weeks… as someone who avoids oil in products, vitamin c (specifically absorbic acid which is most researched) doesn’t mix well with my skin

[@CRCC830]

i think this is a good cocktail of ingredients because it tackles several issues… arbutin for tyrosinase inhibiting, niacinamide for antioxidant/brightening/oil and acne control, tret which is multi-functional, topical antibiotics for acne which is my root cause for pigmentation, and azelaic acid which is also multi-functional but helps exfoliate and reduce redness (which tends to turn purple/brown otherwise for me due to my skin tone). this way all bases are covered for me.

[@CRCC830]

i had a custom prescription for hydroquinone via this one company i found on instagram… it was alright but wasn’t a life changer for me - though i wasn’t super regular with it due to the potential risks. the formulation was also a compound prescription and was very strong/irritating/grainy for my skin… licorice extract tends to me in a lot of korean products already… so i don’t tend to seek it out and agree sometimes natural ingredients aren’t enough for major cases

[@riagailsongcayauon2517]

Can you recommend products in addition of using sunscreen to lighten post acne marks? thanks

[@NeoStar]

This is exactly what I’ve been wanting to find out. Thank you.

[@CRCC830]

i’d love to hear your take on the Reedle Shot and the micro sponges that folks are claiming don’t break down