First and foremost I want to start by emphasizing that it can take quite a while to get rid of discoloration! It can take months to years! You will have to be patient and consistent!

Ingredients that will help fade spots include Vitamin A, Kinetin, AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acids), Azelic Acid, Kojic Acid, Vitamin C, Mulberry Extracts, Saxifrage Extracts, Algae, Licorice Root and so on.... and of course Hydroquinone (a synthetic skin lightening ingredient)available in strength of 2% OR 4% . Each ingredient has its strengths and weaknesses. The most widely used and frequently prescribed ingredient is hydroquinone though contreversial. Hydroquinone is stronger than ingredients such as vitamin C and the ones listed above so works quicker. Hydroquinone is a more agressive and fastest way to treat discoloration and for some too strong so alternative products (above) may be for you. Do not abuse or overuse hydroquinone because it can eventually lead to skin lightening called hypopigmentation.(white spots) . If you chose hydroquinone, limit its use to four to six months and stop using the product once the desired result is achieved, making sure to use sunscreen when you are outside or they will return.

I prefer going the natural way with antioxidants and ingredients above such as AHA, retinol, kojic acid and so on. But you do what feels right for you!

It is normal for the skin to get worse before it gets better. Pigmentation that can not be seen with the naked eye during the treatment may be pulled to the surface as will other impurities in the skin so making it seem that your spots are getting worst or that you have more of them but keep it up and the skin will start to improve shortly thereafter.

The topical synthetic lightening treatments will lighten quickly but will not permanently alleviate the problem, every time one is exposed to UV radiation, the pigmentation will return - the cells will turn darker with each exposure...... that is why I prefer the more natural way.... meaning the use of natural extracts such as mulberry which you can find in Dr. Renaud celeste serum and other vitamins mentionned above which you can find in Dr. Renaud Pro-Retinol Serum, Pure serum, Bio-Lift Vitamin A cream and so on......, you can visit my website for more information on these products. I like rotating the serums... I beleive that natural ingredients get to the source of the problem wich are clustered melanocytes instead of a temporary solution as many synthetic ingredients do - while this approach does not lighten quickly but will have long term lasting effect by blocking the skin's reaction to the sun and prevent hyperpigment with future sun exposure - however minimal that exposure is. It is a good idea to start of the treatment with exfoliation, peelings and facials if possible.... it will work quicker.... but please be patient - the results will vary from person to person depending on the damage, age, your skin's metabolic rate. Some will see results right away and then will stall and see no progress but don't give up this is a natural occurance..... - the dermis varies in depth from person to person....

Hyperpigmentation results when the melanocytes produce too much melanin, usually from too much sun exposure, although pregnancy, hormones, birth control pills, trauma to the skin by overusing certain products or getting agressive peels, from acne, picking your face, products containing fragrance or perfumes can also cause hyperpigmentation. Hydroquinone and other lightening products work by breaking up the melanin, until it is too small to be seen with the naked eye. It is then brought to the surface of the skin and sloughed off.

Discoloration can also be produced as a way of the skin protecting itself!!!!!!! I beleive if you heal the skin with natural products then wonderful things will happen to your skin.....

During pregnancy many changes may occur to our skins - some my develop acneic skin - some discolorations called pregnancy mask... these changes are natural due to the hormonal changes occuring in the body.... I suggest that you take care of your skin by doing your regular skincare regimen, use good products and visit your esthetician if this is possible for you and keep your skin healthy which will then minimize these conditions.... postponing more agressive or long term treatment for your discoloration or acne till the baby is born..... During pregnancy is an important time for pampering and taking care of oneself!!!!

L. Fournier
Professional Esthetician,
http://www.ellesestheticstudio.com

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