Hyperpigmentation due to Acne Scarring...

theflyingace

...I have it all over my back, chest, and uppers arms. It's so frustrating. I went to a handful of dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons and they literally told me there is nothing, NOTHING they can do about it! They told me they do not have a strong enough laser to remove it because of the little spots everywhere. They said it would be a waste of my money and topical creams are hit or miss.... one woman even told me they are "snake oil" at best.

So is this true? Is there really no hope for me at all? Am I condemned to have little white spots all over my back, arms, and neck for the rest of my life?

I saw an advertisement on the beauty brains main site for something called SkinBright. http://www.skinbright.com/ This seems like it could easily be snake oil. I was reading some reviews and most of what it said (including their own site) was that you need to have the hyperpigmentation occuring on the outermost layer of skin, not deep in the dermis, or else it won't work for evening out skin tone. Is this true? I've used a couple of different topical creams and nothing seems to work. How am I supposed to know if my scarring is deep or not?

(When I was between the ages of 12 and 16 I pretty much picked at my acne all over my body causing the scabs to turn to scars later and now I have the white spots everywhere. See photos below.)

photos: 1 and 2

sarahf

It looks like what you have is hypOpigmentation rather than hypERpigmentation--your spots, as you say, are white. I doubt a topical can get rid of those, but there may be treatments a dermatologist could recommend (dermabrasion?) although you have hit brick walls with the derms. I think because what you have may be true scars (as evidenced by the lack of pigment), you might research treatments for scarring rather than treatments for hyperpigmentation. I can't believe there isn't something in the realm of laser or dermabrasion that wouldn't do something for it. People get scars for all kinds of reasons. The only other thing to do is to make sure you don't tan in those areas, because that will emphasize the lack of pigment there. By the way, you look great in the photos regardless!

lindygirl1960

I agree with what Sarah said and most especially the part about using sunscreen. I wouldn't give up hope as to a dermatologist being able to do something about this. I would keep checking back because big strides are being made all the time advancing the realm of skin care and treatments.

As to the product you mention, I would be cautious about something found in an ad. Just because it is in a link you saw on the BB forum or on the BB blog page doesn't mean this is something the Beauty Brains are endorsing.

I also agree with Sarah that you look great in the photos. Just remember a smile and a positive attitude will have people remember you, not any scars you have.

Hang in there!

ebony

Lindygirl1960, your last words are soo comforting for anyone with these problems. Thanks.

Ally E.

i'm pretty sure there's a lot that can be done by an experienced dermatologist. hope you find one that knows what they're doing. but for now, have you considered makeup? i know it's not permanent, but would do a lot to boost your confidence about those areas. something like MAC face and body comes in a big bottle so it's cost effective, sets so doesn't ruin your clothes, and is made to use on body and face. Makeup forever also have their own version. Not sure if you want to cover it up though. maybe try posting to a more dermatologist specific forum?

theflyingace

Actually when I tan, the spots blend more to my skintone and look less white. :( It's weird, but it actually looks better, but I usually don't tan to the extreme.

Basically I've been to so many people and they all tell me there's no hope for me because there "isn't a laser strong enough, come back and see us in 10 years when technology has improved." That's LITERALLY what this woman told me. Mehhhh.

But thank you ladies for your kind words. I try not to let it bother me but it honestly does when someone goes "What's wrong with your skin? Do you have sunspots?" Uggggh. =___=;

@ Ally E.: I have tried makeup but it's too frustrating. Especially if I am wearing a light colored top or shirt or bikini. The make-up inevitably smears like hella all over my clothing because I literally have to have someone else help me apply the stuff all over my back, arms, and my chest. There's no escaping it! lol. I think I might try a dermatologist forum but they will probably just tell me what the dermatologists said in person.

Ally E.

that's some rude people you meet. once my rosecea was acting up and i didn't wear makeup and a guy said the exact same thing 'what's wrong with your face?' i almost smacked him.

sarahf

My pre-rosacea used to cause me to get a flush across my nose and people would think I was crying. I couldn't really blame them for that, though, it did look like I was. But these other people have no excuse--not only rude but mean!

skinfreak

hi, i have similar problems...but both hypo- and hyperpigmentation. my research has been pretty extensive and what i am trying (and seems to be working) is a combination of chemical peels and using a dermaroller. i get both on ebay for relatively cheap. i highly recommend this course of treatment. i bet in a year you could have it all cleared up. believe me, i know how good that would feel. good luck!

Ally E.

skinfreak, tells us more. how long have you been doing the peels and dermaroller? what acid are you using and what strengths and so on, i'm very intrigued :)

Ally E.

also, i have heard dermatologists say numerous times that using dermaroller on yourself is not safe, what do you think?

Right Brain

From what we've heard the professional version that dermatologists use works just fine. The at-home version doesn't have the right kind of needles to work appropriately. But I have not heard that it is unsafe.

Ally E.

they probably just trying to get more clients by scaremongering

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