dark face and neck/lighter chest and sooo depressed about it

I have a dark face and dark neck. But my chest is lighter. I'm African-american btw. This is so annoying. The difference is obvious. I 've used hydroquinone + retinol (up to 8% hydro) as prescribed by my dermatologist.

The problem is that the product lightens in patches and my forehead and sides of my face never lighten up, i've been doing this for years, but it never turns out right so i've given up on that route of lightening my face (plus its expensive).

I've used chemical sunscreens and am currently using a physical sunscreen. Nothing is working. I just need to find a way to darken my chest. Like, i don't care, i just want to be ONE EVEN COLOR. I want it to be permanent as well.

I can't even wear dresses, or pretty tops because of this. I go to the gym to work out, I have amazing grades (didn't even need to take the MCAT to get into med school), and I'm a God-fearing person and I just feel like I've been cursed with this. I don't know. It's the greatest insecurity I have. It kills me sometimes to think about it and I just CANNOT get over it.

Like this one thing is restricting me from wearing a dress, honestly! I'm literally crying while I'm typing this, but this is really frustrating. Thanks for your help. I don't know what else to do.

Answer:

Hello, our skin has thinner and thicker areas. Though the face and neck are classified as thinner skin, it is not uncommon to have areas reveal lighter skin ahead than the rest of the remaining areas to be lightened. When this happens, you should adjust the usage/application of the skin whitening products to even out the lightening effect.

What this means is you reduce the usage of the skin whitening soap or cream on areas where it peels faster (which can manifest results earlier). The forehead is particularly common to lighten later.

If you prefer to tan your chest, it is fine if that works better for you. But you have to remember, skin lightening is a trial and error process. you may not have used (and found) the right skin whitener that fits your skin type.

Keep in mind that skin lightening, or skin tanning, is not permanent. Maintenance, which is minimal, is necessary to keep the results lasting.

Don't cry. I can feel your frustration on this. Achieving an even skin tone can sometimes take a toll on one's life.

I say keep on trying. You might find the answer here with our skin whitening products. Maybe not as well. But there is always hope and an answer to every problem.

I perceive that you are still young, but insecure. Can't blame you, but remember, you are not alone in this dilemma. SO many are in a worse situation. Much much worse, and I know that based on all the questions and problems we address on this Help Line. Don't give up hope yet.

If you wish to pursue your skin lightening goal, I can suggest a possible solution that deeply in my heart I wish it can work well for you.

Try this - Dermaline DE Black Soap and Whitening Cream.

An instruction sheet will be provided, and I suggest you read it twice for best results.

Wishing you good luck and take care.

Love,
Maria