Getting Rid of Sun Damage

[Eve]

I had a load of brown marks come up over the top of my forehead over the past few months. I assume sun damage (although I hate being out in direct sun - actually a running joke about my shade seeking - and tend to go in the shade or where a hat where possible...obviously not enough!). I hoped it would just fade but it keeps getting darker again when it's sunnier.

I've been trying a scar removal/skin healing serum which isn't having any effect so looking for other possibilities to get rid of it as it's not very attractive and bugging me, although I'm sure I notice it more than others. Is it a skin ageing thing?

A friend mentioned hormonal stuff as it looks like some pregnancy rash (?) but save for an immaculate conception it's definitely not that! Only hormonal change recently is going on Yasmin and that was back in Jan/Feb so I assume it must be sun damage.

Any, preferably cheap, tips to fade it or preferably get rid of it entirely? I'm already avoiding the sun even more than usual, slapping on the suncreen, got my hat etc...lesson learnt there. Can I use face scrubs on it without irritating it to try an exfoliate it away?

[sara3]

hi Jenna.. take a look at this http://www.bbc.co.uk/...asisversicolor1.shtml

I thought I was getting "age spots" or had sun damage on my face, but it's this and I have some stuff to clear it up.

[Buenchico]

All of the regularly suggested remedies (including good old lemon juice) seem to be summarised on this page:
http://www.best-natur...m/removing-age-spots/

Solar lentigines (or 'brown patches' to you and me!) generally have their origins many years before you actually observe them. Sunburn as a child could be what has really caused your brown patches, rather than recent sun exposure.

Chris

[sara3]

I reckon you should show a doctor before wasting your time and money on anything else.

[karenmac60]

Don't use facial scrubs Jenna. Get yourself some glycolic acid give yourself a weekly peel. There are shops on ebay that sell it and other glycolic acid products (eye gel, cream etc). It's a natural exfoliant and will give a much more even result. Start off on a low percentage and then build up gradually. It will remove the very top layer of skin (just leaving your face looking fresher) and stimulate new cell formation. It's a slow process, but it will help. It's a wee bit nippy, but that means it's working, and you need to be careful to use sunblock.

[Eve]

Thanks all (sorry, was distracted by Torchwood). Had a bloods check today for my arthritis and got to go see GP next week when they have the results so will ask then.

Fungus? :(

What is the difference between normal sun lotion and sunscreen (if there is one?).

Will check out the links but not try anything too radical before then. No money to waste so idea like lemon juice sound good in the interim.

Will see what the GP says and say well out of the sun in the meantime.

[hc4361]

You would have to be bonkers to buy glycolic acid from eBay or a market.
It is a rust remover and grease cleaner and is considered hazardous material at over 10% strength.
Please do not put this on your skin at least until you have seen your GP and know what the problem is. If you do intend to try it, buy a reputable make from a specialist.
I would advise you to stay away from it, especially as a home treatment.

[karenmac60]

Hc - I had a peel done professionally by a qualified nurse some time ago and followed her advice on maintaining it. I buy medical grade glycolic acid and have never had any problems. I currently use 30% and my skin has improved dramatically as I have fair skin and had a lot of damage from my childhood.

[hc4361]

Well good for you, karenmac. You was advised by a professional to use it.
Many people are advised by professionals to avoid it because of their skin type or skin problems.

[karenmac60]

Fine HC, but things like lemon juice just won't work. The damage goes much deeper than lemon juice can have any effect.

[atalanta]

You could come off the pill. The hormone contraceptive pill is known to produce pigmented patches, especially in sunlight.
If that is it, there is nothing else you can do.

[luwarm]

this sounds like melasma. i suffer from this too. often related to hormones and presents itself when pregnant or from taking the contraceptive pill. unfortunately it is very hard to remove. i saw a dermatologist who recommended avoiding the sun, daily use of high factor suncream, and also prescribed tretinoin cream. i still have it, but use factor 50 every day, which seems to stop it getting any worse. i avoid exposing my face to the sun as best i can. on holiday i wear sunglasses and a wide brimmed hat to minimise the pigmentation.