Melasma on upper lip from pregnancy

(IL)

Hi- While I was pregnant with my 4th child (1st time pregnant in the summer) I noticed my upper lip getting darker. I have medium caucasian skin tone. I am pale in the winter, but I tan easily in the summer. I spent a lot of time outdoors with my kids. My doctor called it the mask of pregnancy and I hoped it would go away after I had my child. no luck.

In the winter it did get better. I breastfeed my baby for a little over a year so I waited to deal with it as to not wanting to harm the baby. My family Dr. prescribed a hydroquinone USP 4% with sunscreens. I just started using it about 2 weeks ago.

I am not sure if it is working or not. It hasn't been that sunny lately, but I am DREADING summer. I saw your site doesn't think this should be used. I was researcing laser/ematrix options (I don't know if I am ready for these types of procedures..and if I have much faith in them) and found your site.

I definately DONT want to make it worse. I saw on your Q & A to use Diana Stadler lightening cream. Is that correct? Should I use any other skin whitening products? Soaps? I currently cleanse my face with Neutrogena visibly even cleanser and Neutrogena visibly even mosturizer with 30SPF.

Should I continue to use these or switch to your skin whitening products in addition to the cream?

I am turning 36 years old this week, but I am also still prone to acne breakouts (don't have bad scarring - but as you can see in my no make-up picture I think my stress is making my acne worse)

Do you sell a good SPF mosturizer for the face? I realize that I need to SPF my face and you can't really cover your mouth with protective clothing.. so I need suggestions as to how to protect this area from the sun. Please Help! Thanks!

Answer:

Hello, your discoloration is indeed a pregnancy mask, and is hormonal. Meaning, is not only on the topmost layer of skin.

Skin whitening products can only take care of epidermal pigmentations, so if it is beyond skin deep, it will be difficult to get rid of totally.

Laser treatments are costly, and are not guaranteed not to scar you. So this should be a last option if everything else fails. Meantime, give skin lightening a trial and error period, and don't be afraid to move on to different brands to find what works best for your skin type.

Yes, Diana Stalder Lightenimg Cream is recommended. Try using alone, no skin whitening soap for now, applied at bedtime, once daily.

At daytime, wear sunscreen of at least SPF 30 or 45. Avoid extended sun exposure as much as possible. It is obvious that your skin is prone to sun damage. So half of your success in this regimen will depend on your diligence for sunscreen.

You can also wear wide-brimmed hats for sun protection. It's summer, so show off those fashion hats! :)

If you're prone to acne, choose a facial cleanser with salicylic acid which helps control pimples. Yes, you can still continue with your favorite moisturizing regimen if it's working well for you. Just make sure your moisturizer is non-comedogenic to not clog your pores and cause blemishes.

Good luck and take care.

Maria