Do you suffer from hyperpigmentation? *sensitive content *?

[lilyanony1]

I've had this for as long as I can remember my Gp put me on the pill to help with acne but I still got spots, initally I picked them but when I stopped I still got blemishes that turned into scars. I've tried so many different things like lemon, turmeric, liquorice powder, tomato, bicarbonate soda paste, I've had professional chemical peels which really helped to brighten the skin underneath and even the skin tone, but I always got a bitch spot that would leave me with a temporary scar that looked like a burn.
What's really odd is that if I've ever had a cut it doesn't leave a scar.

Im spending hundred of pounds on products which help to make my skin smooth and wrinkle free but the scars remain.
I wash my face twice a day, tone and moisturise I change my pillows daily as I use a fade cream at night.

It's caused me so many issues my ex used to question my hygiene and he told me I couldn't leave the house without my makeup on when I was with him.
I have had people that were supposed to be friends, inviting me to stay only to humiliate me In front of their family after I allowed them to stay at mine and trusting them to see my skin. I'm just really fed up of this tbh...

Please be respectful as I am not rude on others sensitive questions.

[AmandaYVR]

I’m sorry, I don’t know much about this and I’m not sure how much I can really add to the topic. I can imagine how frustrating it is for you, especially with all the research and effort you have put in.
I haven’t heard of being put on birth control to decrease acne. I know there are different hormone combinations that are less likely to cause outbreaks. They all have some side effects and are a real pain to manage and get the appropriate dosing for your body. I had no problems for many years, but after going off them for a while, my body does not react to the same ones in the same way. Super annoying, I eventually gave up. But overall, I liked being on them, skipping months of periods.
I’ve never had too many problems with acne. I do have sun spots which are permanent, so I wear more foundation than I used to. And I hate a greasy feeling on my face, so I find it very difficult to find good foundation, and one that matches my fair skin tone, but is not so transparent that it will cover the sun spots. I thought it might be melasma, after doing a bunch of internet research, I was quite sure. It can be caused by birth control pills. I finally went to a GP about it and she said I would need a referral to a dermatologist specialist, and that took a full six months wait to get in to see him. And within 5 min he told me, “Nope. Just sun spots.” And then I went through a terrifying laser treatment procedure some months later, to try and remove them, but long story short, it didn’t work, after all the stupid sales talk from another guy, and $200 down the drain, no improvement. There’s always someone ready to take your money. It’s all very disheartening and disappointing.
Have you seen a skin specialist? And your hormone levels have been checked, I presume?
What is this treatment you’re doing every night?
Life is hard. That is all I can say. We all go through so many things, physical and emotional, and I think the worst is the stuff you put all this thought and energy into, and sometimes no solutions come. I don’t know how we all deal with this, reconcile this, the disappointment. We have no choice I guess. I suppose we just need to keep persevering, but not hang all hopes on it. The line between perseverance and acceptance is mighty blurry though, isn’t it?

[lilyanony1]

Might blurry indeed. I have not had a hormone or allergy test done. My Gp referred me after my colonoscopy that proved I have ibs. I have poly cystic ovaries after a ultrasound showed the 43 cysts on one side and 45 on the other...
I was recommended a diet by the dietician but that was without mentioned above, the diet removes move food groups including fruit and vegetables. I'm managing the diet,, reducing my stress/grief induced weight gain, and I'm exercising with cycling at least 3days a week.

[AmandaYVR]

That’s a lot to go through. I’m not a doctor so I don’t understand the interconnectedness of it all, but it seems like it may be. So many cysts. Are they going to go in and remove them all? Cysts are common and not necessarily threatening, but the number of them, along with your other issues must be extremely worrying.
Fruits and vegetables eliminated? How bizarre. I guess they have too much fibre?
How do you find the health care there. Are you happy enough with it?

[lilyanony1]

So the cysts are really small, they say they can affect pregnancy. I'm not really thinking about that now not because I don't care but I've been pregnant before. I was told if I remove them they could cause more damage than good, leaving behind scar tissue.
Right now my cycle is pretty regular. I track it every month. Since I hit 25 I do get bad pms which I never had before. But I think that due to revelations in my personal life that basically details a lot of lies. But that's for another time.
I'm clear that in the UK there isn't enough positive research into black health issues simply because well it doesn't affect the many people that are in those positions. Things are slowly changing as more and more of us get educated.
All I can say is. I try to do things the natural way as best as I can. I no longer take the pill as its a waste if I'm not physically active no need for it.

[Anonymous]

I have a similar problem, but worse. I have eczema and it sometimes causes me to lose my pigmentation in some places while causing hyperpigmentation in others. For a natural approach try these first: 100% coconut oil, 100% aloe vera, anything with lemon (preferably a diy lemon scrub), or turmeric masks. The coconut oil may have a reverse effect if you have acne prone skin or oily skin. If that's the case, try aloe vera instead. I personally switch between the two because sometimes my face is & sometimes it's oily. Tumeric can also be messy and stain so I would be careful using it. However, there are plenty of youtube videos on it for evening out your skin complexion. If none of these work, there are some over the counter brightening creams that re sold online at Walmart for quicker results. However, I would look at reviews to make sure it doesn't make your face worse. I wish you the best on your skin care journey!

[lilyanony1]

Thank you hun I appreciate your comment

[Jjpayne]

My brother has discoloration of his skin but I don't think thats hyperpigmentation 🤔 I think we all have our own little battles. I have seen a handful of commercials talking about skin troubles and survivors from it. It stinks to hear you have such a problem but I do hope you can work things out with a dermatologist

[Jjpayne]

Who is your GP?

[Jjpayne]

General practitioner?

[lilyanony1]

Doctor...

[Jjpayne]

I see. I was wondering if it was a specialist per chance. But maybe you could consider seeing a skin specialist

[lilyanony1]

I saw a dermatologist one said they'd give me retinol-a the other said no go have chemical peels. I did the peels and they are temporary fixes.

[Jjpayne]

At least it's something... Maybe there is a forum somewhere with someone that has the same skin problem where they might have found something better to use...

I do feel for you though. And I thank you for sharing your struggle with us

[lilyanony1]

It's OK, it's life some people are meant to be pretty others like me, we're not meant for much

[Jjpayne]

I think everyone is beautiful and from your picture I still believe that you are 😊

[lilyanony1]

Ha... Thanks! You're too kind it hurts

[Jjpayne]

I'm just being my honest self 😊 I hope you have a good weekend

[whybnormal]

I personally don’t think it affects your beauty at all.

[lilyanony1]

Thank you

[Secret6620]

Yes I did when I was a teenager... It was due to poor diet, high levels of stress, poor skincare regimes, and not enough water in the cells... It was extremely embarrassing for me especially because I also had cystic acne... Apparently I am allergic to most food groups and when I stopped eating those inflammatory foods and drinks... And I also invested in to Murad Environmental Shield products and it lightens and evens my skin tone in less than a week... I also exfoliate twice a week and remove comedones... So hopefully this was helpful... I shared my experience... Some tips... And hopefully some positive energy because you are beautiful and need to make some changes to your diet and skincare routine... Acne scars can heal faster if you don't pick at them... Not saying you do but that's an issue I have... Putting my hands in my face causes me to break out... Best wishes... Sorry I am obsessed with beauty and skin care... I wish I could show you my skin when I was high school... I was picked on horribly... But I figured out what causes it and fixed it all on my own🙆😃👏 Thanks for the invite!!!

[lilyanony1]

Thank you for the response I really appreciate it

[COMMODOREII]

I don't suffer from it myself. But i understand how you might feel. It sucks that those friends of yours would treat you like that and your ex. Thats just not right.

[lilyanony1]

Thats what people are like not very nice, especially when they feel the need to bring you down