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Pigmentation from Hair Laser Removal

by Gazelle
(Sydney)

Dear Maria, I have been using fair and flawless for overall skin lightening and happened to experience some hyperpigmentation with my last hair laser removal session on my legs. The pigmentation appears as 1/2 cm wide darkish circles on my lightened skin. I am continuing to use the fair and flawless products to get rid of the hyperpigmentation but its been 8 weeks and I do not see any change. Please advise.

I did not rest the skin from the lightening regime prior to the hair laser removal due to my ignorance about it. I recently read your response to a question asked by someone else on this subject. So now I am wiser for it. But still need help with the current problem.

Also recently a beautician told me that pigmentation usually becomes larger with time as it starts effecting the surrounding areas of the skin. Is this really true?

Thanks
Kind Regards
Gazelle

Answer:

Hi Gazelle, laser scarring does take time to fade, because the scars came from fresh exfoliated skin when you use skin lighteners. If fair and flawless have been working well for you, then yo may just need more time to have it work for your new scars too.

I believe pigmentations do not become larger in time, but can darken more as we age if left untreated.

Hope that helps. :)

Maria

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Pigmentation from Hair Laser Removal

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Can Thin Skin Repair itself
by: Gazelle

Dear Maria,

Its been a while since I wrote to you. But after year of using *edited* products my skin is very thin. And I want know that if the skin has the ability to repair itself by periods of rest and any nourishing products?

Thank you so much
Lots of love
Gazelle

Answer:

Hi Gazelle, it is nice to hear back from you.

You're right, allow skin to heal by wearing sunscreen (remember, thin skin is very sun sensitive), moisturize, and of course, avoidance of any skin whitener for at least 3 weeks.

Thinning skin from peeling should have been avoided, if you used the skin whitening products minimally during maintenance.

Take care,
Maria

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Acupuncture on exfoliated skin
by: Anonymous

Dear Maria,

I am thinking of having acupuncture and maybe cupping.

So my questions are:
1. Will acupuncture leave little dots or bruises on my skin.
2. Will cupping leave a deeper scar that would heal in a longer space of time then unexfoliated skin.

NOTE: I can't afford to give my skin a 2 week rest from my skin lightening regime.

I look forward to your advice.

Thank you so much :)

Lots of love
Reema x

Answer:

Hi Reema, if I understood your question right, that you are considering acupuncture or cupping while you're in the skin whitening regimen.

I'mnot too much concerned about acupuncture, but cupping on exfoliated skin can burn it because of the use of heated cups. Yes, it can help longer and create dark spots again for you.

Take care,
Maria

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Opening Pores for better product absorption
by: Gazelle

Dear Maria,

Thank you so much for such well thought out and helpful answers :)

3. You have mentioned that I should run my hands under running water. How much water should I take from the tap. Should the tap be on a very gentle flow?

Yesterday I googled a way that you can use while you are still in the shower to open pores which will assist in the absorption of a skin product. This item was with regards to a skin moisturiser, but I assume the same principle applies to skin lightening products. Please let me know what you think of this. Here is an excerpt from the article:

?Move the shower head away from the body and raise the temperature to a level where steam is produced. The steam will collect in the shower and open all of the pores on the skin.

?While in the shower, rub small amounts of baby oil all over the body.

Thank you so much
Lots of love
Reema

Answer:

You're welcome, Reema. And yes, I feel the love. :)

3. Yup, just a gentle flow to run fast over it (one second) and wet 'lotioned' palms.

About that article, it is good if you're applying bath oil, not lotion or cream. Because after applying bath oil, you still have to towel off to dry.

However, it can still work - while applying lotion or cream (steam is on), and you feel you have massaged the lotion/cream all over concerned areas evenly, turn off the steam and continue massaging the lotion/cream until dry on skin. This will assure you that it is already well-absorbed.

That's my 2 cents. :)

Maria

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What is Damp Skin?
by: Gazelle

Dear Maria,

I have been trying to apply my skin lightening product for the last few days on damp skin. So I have some questions regarding this:

1. How wet does the skin need to be in order to be considered damp.
2. Since dampness is not something that can be precisely measured, how does one ensure that the the skin is not too damp, in order to dilute the product too much where the ratio of water to product is such that there is too much water for the amount of product being applied (I hope that made sense :-o In which case, would this not compromise the effectiveness of the product.
3. The other issue I am facing is that while I am applying product to my thighs and legs, the other parts of my body in the meantime tend to dry up and are no longer damp. How do I overcome this.
4. In order to prevent rest of the body from drying up while I am massaging the product on one part, I tend to go very fast in my product application. Does this compromise the absorption of the product into the skin. I think I spend like 10 secs max on each section.

Thanks so much Maria :)

Lots of Love
Reema

Answer:

Hi Reema, I'd behappy to answer your questions -

1. Damp skin is just a bit wet, right after bath when you towel off to not dry the skin totally.

2. Too damp is wet skin right after bath. So damp skin is between toweled dry and wet skin. This is just to add a bit of water to smooth out application of the lightening lotion or cream.

No it will not compromise the efficiency of the product, but rather help it. Why? Because any skin product you apply on moist skin will have it be absorbed better, and ensures an even application all over skin. Better yet, you only need a thin application which makes the product last longer. Saves you money.

3. Before you apply on legs/thighs, spread the lotion on your palms and wet your hands promptly on running water (without spilling out any of the lotion), dab/spread on different spots of legs/thighs to distribute, then apply/massage all over.

4. Don't worry when other parts of skin dry up, because as stated in no. 3, there is always running water from the faucet to aid you.

Hope that gives you a better idea.

Maria

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Oxidation Process
by: gazelle

Dearest Maria,

The customer service of this manufacturer is almost non-existent. Thats why I felt that you might be able to advise me from your experience. My understanding was that it was a case of oxidation process...but I wasn't sure if this diminishes the effectiveness of the active ingredients.

Thank you so much
Warmest Regards
Gazelle

Answer:

Hi Gazelle, sorry for the late reply, I thought I replied to this already. My bad.

True, constant exposure to air can discolor the whitening lotion or cream because of the oxidation process. Light yellow to light brown is ok, but if it gets darker, the potency is already affected.

You're welcome.

Maria

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Whitening Cream Oxidisation
by: Anonymous

Dearest Maria,

I purchased a batch of whitening facial creams early this year (of another brand). I opened one of them today and the colour was a medium brown as opposed to the usual white colour. So my question is that does this level of oxidisation diminish or dramatically decrease the effectiveness of a product. This cream would be at least 6 months old now.

Thanks so much for your help.
Warmest Regards
Gazelle

Answer:

Hi Gazelle, check with the manufacturer if the color is normal. If it is, then 6 months is not a problem because cosmetics after opening can last 1 to 1 and a half years.

MAria

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Showering in hot water
by: Gazelle

Dear Maria,

Another question for you :)

I was wondering about the use of hot (not scalding hot) but enough that produces some steam in the shower.

I live in cold climate where its not easy to face tepid water early in the morning, so I was wondering if this is damaging to the skin while on a skin lightening regime.

Thanks
Gazelle

Answer:

Hi Gazelle, if it's too hot, it is. Remember, hot water is equivalent to heat, which can burn skin, and not suggested especially if skin is peeling. Just keep your water warm, but not too hot.

Maria

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Is it friction or skin waiting to peel
by: Gazelle

Dear Maria,

Thank you for your response to my previous question about how to protect skin while holidaying in a sunny location. I love having your wisdom as my sounding board. You are the best :)

I have another question today regarding areas on my skin that look like as though skin started to peel but then did not peel completely leaving areas of dark and light lines on the skin. So my question is:
1. Is this a result of skin that did not peel properly and simply requires time (although I have given it enough time) or
2. Is it friction that has caused skin to darken forming dark lines upon lightened skin, thus giving the appearance of a pattern of dark and white lines.
3. Depending on whether the cause is 1) or 2), what should I do to fix this.

Thanks
Gazelle

Answer:

Hi Gazelle, you are always welcome. :)

Now, let me address your new concerns -

The dark lines may be caused by 1), 2) or these may be areas which experience more mobility or stretching than other parts of your body.

When skin is peeling, it is flaky dry skin which can break, thus exposing the 'ashy' peeling skin and the lighter skin underneath.

What you can do is moisturize the affected area to alleviate the dryness and thus avoid the spread of cracked skin.

MAria

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Tips on skin care on a sunny holiday location
by: Gazelle

Dear Maria,

I am going away tomorrow on a week long holiday at a sunny coastal location with 30 C temperatures in Queensland, Australia. I will be wearing my sunscreen on all the exposed parts of the body, but apart from this basic per-caution against sun-tanning, can you please suggest what else I should do to protect my skin from sun damage and sun tanning and still have some fun in the sun :)

Also I am currently using a SPF 45+ mineral sunscreen. I find that it dries out my skin a fair bit (especially in winter). So I have started using lesser amount of it on my face and also I mix it with a moisturiser to prevent the dryness. To give you an idea of how less...I use a pea size portion of the sunscreen on my face. My questions with regards to this are:
1. Is this amount enough to protect the face?
2. Is mixing the sunscreen with the moisturiser compromising the effectiveness of the sunscreen?

As always thank you so much for being such a fantastic sounding board for all our questions and problems. God Bless you! :)

Warm Regards
Thanks
Gazelle

Answer:

Hi Gazelle, oh how I wish skin lightening and sun fun can mix. :)

Wear a classy black wide-brimmed hat, and a light-colored light cotton long-sleeved blouse over your sexy tank top. You'd look fantastic.. and sun-protected as well!

1. I also apply a pea size on my face. It's fine. Try applying on damp face to smooth it out more evenly.
2. Not really, only if you mix when you use it right away. Do not pre-mix to use later.

You're welcome. Always glad to help.

Enjoy your vacation,

MAria

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Ingredients to be caref ul of...
by: Gazelle

Dear Maria,

I have a question regarding moisturisers. I have recently discovered a moisturising body product that I just simply love. Its Body Shop's Shea Butter Body Butter. However, I always get concerned about the ingredients of any given product. My concern specifically here is about products containing ingredients that in certain dosages can boost melanin production which is obviously the opposite to the effect that is desirable in skin lightening.

So my question for you is if you know of any ingredients used in moisturising products that will boost melanin production and should therefore not be used when skin lightening. I hope I am making some sense :)

Thanks
Gazelle

Answer:

Hi Gazelle, the only moisturizers that appear to boost melanin production are the bronzers, those tanning lotions. Otherwise, most moisturizers only provide hydration which is a must for every skin type. :)

Maria

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So what happens when we reduce to 1-2x weekly
by: Gazelle

Dear Maria,

Sorry asking so many questions. But can I ask when one does reduce the usage to 1-2xdaily...is this frequency of usage enuf to maintain the achieved results. Won't the achieved results diminish when going from 2x daily to 2x weekly?

Thanks
Gazelle

Answer:

Hi Gazelle, it's how you maintain the desired results. You see, if you keep using your favorite skin products for a long time on a regular basis, the skin gets to a point called "immunity syndrome" and stops responding to the effects of the products. That's why you have to break it at some point with minimal use, and maintain it from there. It should be enough to keep the results lasting.

Maria

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What to expect from 1x daily regime
by: Gazelle

Dear Maria,

Thanks for your response. Can I please clarify that you are suggesting that I reduce my regime to 1x daily? What can I expect from this? For eg, skin will become less sensitive, the skin lightening will slow down etc.

Thanks
Gazelle

Answer:

You got it, Gazelle. 1x a day is better. You may get slower results but it will allow time for your skin to renew itself, thus making it less sensitive. But remember, skin lightening 1x a day is not forever, because frequent exfoliation/peeling is not good for skin either. After you reached your goal, lessen the use of the products to only 1-2x a week for maintenance, if still necessary.

Maria

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Thinning skin
by: Gazelle

Hi Maria,

I have noticed that my skin injures really easily with the slightest bump or scratch. This then means that I end up with blemishes. I am still on my lightening regime to achieve my desired results. So I am not sure reducing the 2x daily routine is the right thing to do as it will slow down the process. Can you please advise what I can do to stop my skin from being overly-sensitive without compromising the lightening result.

Thanks
Gazelle

Answer:

Hi Gazelle, sometimes you can't get the best of both worlds. You have to compromise. Skin lightening should only be done 1x daily because over-exfoliation or peeling can thin skin and make it sensitive. Skin needs to heal and renew itself too while you are in a skin lightening regimen.

Maria

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What will happen to the skin tone?
by: Gazelle

Dear Maria,

If you rest my skin from laser for 5 days, will this not darken my skin as I won't be using skin lightener as per your advice?

Thanks
Gazelle

Answer:

Hi Gazelle, it may or may not, but at least the skin has healed at that time.

Maria

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Facial Hair Laser Removal
by: Anonymous

Dear Maria,

Yesterday I had laser done on my face for facial hair removal. I have been pampering my skin with rosehip oil and aloe vera gel based moisturiser since then. I don't see any visible irritation to the face from the laser. Would it be alright if I applied my skin lightening cream which is quite gentle and hydrating at night time only and just dab it on instead of massaging it in. I guess what I am hoping to do is apply my skin lightener mimimally until the skin doesn't feel sensitive from the laser anymore (say a few days). Does that sound like a crazy plan or am I ok to do what I have just mentioned?

Thanks
Gazelle

Answer:

Hi Gazelle, though you see no irritation externally, skin underneath might still be healing. I suggest you give it a week to rest before applying any exfoliating products.

Maria

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Maintenance Question
by: Anonymous

Dear Maria,

I have a few questions regarding to the maintenance phase:

1. What should my frequency of use be?
2. Should I just use the soap and a good body lotion at other times.
3. Do different products require different frequency of use in the maintenance phase. If so, how do I work out whats the frequency necessary for the product I am using.

Also I have a question regarding sunscreens. There is lot of debate regarding how a sunscreen should be applied and how often. I would like your opinion on this matter for the following:

1. Whats the order sunscreen should be applied in? For eg: Cleanse, Tone, Apply lightening product, Moisturiser and Sunscreen.
2. How often should sunscreen be reapplied as lot of companies require the sunscreen to be reapplied every 2 hours which is very impractical.

Thanks
Gazelle

Answer:

Sure, Gazelle.
1.-2. Frequency should be reduced to half or less the original routine. Skin whitening soap can be used 3x a week as simple wash and rinse, without the leave on time. Skin whitening lotion and cream 2x a week.

3. Your skin type will tell you if you need more or less for maintenance. One sign to tell if you're overdoing it is if you're experiencing too much dryness in skin.

For sunscreen -
1. Sunscreen should always be applied last, but before makeup if you use any.
2. Re-application every 2 hours is only necessary if you'll be exposing yourself under the sun for an extended time (more than 2 hours) between 9am-5pm. This is applicable if you're on the beach, any outdoor job or activity. Otherwise, if it's a daily routine of just going to and coming from work daily, a single application is fine.

Hope that helps.

Maria

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What to do if skin is too try and over-peeled
by: Anonymous

Dear Maria,

There are some parts of my body (i.e. back and stomach area) that I wish to lighten further so I cannot go into maintenance mode just yet, even though rest of my body is the right shade.

However, my overall body skin is feeling very dry and over-peeled (although there is no redness. What can I do to reduce this and still continue my 2x daily regime.

I was thinking that perhaps I should start using a heavier body moisturiser 2x daily. And am thinking of making my own botanical moisturiser. Do you know Maria, if there are some essential or carrier oils that aid the lightening process that I could use in my homemade moisturiser blend. So far I am thinking of using the following;
Carrier Oils:
- Sweet Almond Oil
- Apricot Kernel Oil
- Avocado Oil
Essential Oils
- Lemon (Peel) extract oil
- German Chamomile
- rosehip oil
- rose otto

Can you please advise.

Thanks
Gazelle

Answer:

Hi Gazelle, your overall body skin needs maintenance at this stage. Otherwise, dryness would be a problem. Start reducing the frequency of application of the skin whiteners where you think you've reached the desired results, and moisturize to alleviate the dryness.

For the back and stomach, do continue treating these areas.

So far in skin care, the best oils would be extra virgin olive oil or extra virgin coconut oil.

Yup, they're just in your gramma's kitchen. :)

Maria

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Red irritated areas
by: Anonymous

Dear Maria,

My facial skin around the nose and just underneath the chin recently peeled (not sure why...maybe over-cleansing) and it was a bit dry and crusty for couple of days. So I have been putting Dr Hauschka's rose cream to repair the skin. After having done that for a week the dryness and scaliness is gone and the skin is just red.

So now I need to know how I can get rid of the redness. Can I start using whitening product on it or should I wait longer. There was never any burning on the irritated skin, just slight dryness initially and now that the dryness is gone, the skin just looks blemished.

Please advise.

Thanks
Gazelle

Answer:

Hi Gazelle, wait for the soreness or redness to fade away completely. Red skin means there is still fresh skin. It might nor turn out to be a dark spot after all. If it does, and turns brownish or greyish, then the pigmentation is ready to accept a skin whitening cream for treatment.

Maria

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Increasing product usage
by: Gazelle

Dear Maria,

Thanks for giving me hope :)

I was wondering if it would help if I increased application of the product from twice daily to 3x daily. Or should I just go slow and steady.

Thanks
Gazelle

Answer:

Slow but sure would be better, Gazelle. :)

MAria

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Broken Capillaries on Face due to Waxing
by: Gazelle

Hi Maria,

My broken capillaries on the face were a result of waxing facial hair during skin lightening regime.

Its my fault that I was not careful with following the rules. However, before this happened my skin lightened a lot but since waxing it is not as light as it used to be. I have stopped waxing and now I am using hair laser removal instead. And I follow the rules of skin lightening combined with laser treatments. But my skin's original lightness that I had achieved prior to waxing has not returned. Can you please throw some light on this and offer any suggestions.

Thank you
Gazelle

Answer:

Hi Gazelle, the skin lightening process anew may take a longer time than before. Why? Waxing has caused a bit of scarring on your epidermal skin, and it is also possible that the laser treatment has contributed to the pigmentation, because you may have probably done laser to sensitive skin.

Nevertheless, since your skin has worked well with a skin whitener before, it is still doable. Be consistent, and wear sunscreen.

MAria

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Broken Capillaries on Face
by: Gazelle

Dear Maria,

I have broken capillaries on my face and I would just like some tips on how I can effectively massage my skin lightening product into the facial skin effectively without aggravating the existing broken capillaries and causing more broken ones. Currently I use a very gentle touch to apply the product, but the instructions for the product say that I should massage the product really well into the skin. So its catch 22 for me.

This might be outside the scope of the questions that you can answer in this forum, but is their a safe and effective cure for broken capillaries?

Thanks
Gazelle

Answer:

Hi Gazelle, a simple gentle massage is fine for the face. It will also help in blood circulation.

Sorry, can't suggest for broken capillaries as I'm not an expert on that.

MAria

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How damp should the skin be before application
by: Gazelle

Dear Maria,

Thank you again, for your valuable tips.

I just have one last silly question on this subject. You mentioned that if I apply the product on damp skin it will dry faster. However, I never really know how damp should the skin be. Is this when the skin just has a few drops on it still from bathing? I think there have been times when I applied the product when the skin was too wet, I tend to think that "too wet" skin probably dilutes the product and consequently its effectiveness. What are your thoughts on this?

Thanks
Gazelle

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Any other tips
by: Anonymous

Dear Maria,

Thank you for your response. Are there any other tips that might also allow me to maintain the effectiveness of the product without having to spend as long as 25 mins on it. For example, any particular type of fabric or clothing. I know some fabrics tend to absorb moisture or lotions in this case a lot more then others. Any other tips would be really really appreciated.

Thanks heaps.
Gazelle

Answer:

Hi Gazelle, I really don't see any reason why you should wait 15 minutes before putting on your clothes after applying the skin whitening lotion or cream. Simply lessen the massage time (I mean, literally, massage it quicker. I do that a lot lol) and 5 minutes waiting time, while you comb your hair or apply makeup. You don't need to sacrifice any favorite clothing for this process.

Maria

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Speeding up whitening product application and aborption time
by: Anonymous

Dear Maria,

I usually take good 10 mins to massage my skin lightening product and then on top of that I give it 15 mins to be absorbed before I put my clothes on. So its a lengthy 25 min process. However, i am soon travel with my partner and will be staying with him during this time and I was wondering if there is a way to speed up the product application and absorption time without compromising the effects of the product, as I don't want my partner to think its weird that I spend such a long time in the bathroom...lol. I hope you understand my dilemma.

Thanks
Gazelle

Answer:

Hi Gazelle, keep the skin just a bit damp or just towel dried before applying any whitening cream or lotion thinly. That should dry it up sooner.

Maria

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Overpeeled skin and laser hair removal
by: Gazelle

Dear Maria,

I think due to overpeeling on some parts of my facial skin (i.e. chin and the around the nose area) the skin has become irritated and very dry. I have been keeping it moisturised as much as I can, but am still continuing use of my favorite lightening cream (which is quite hydrating). So I am hoping my skin will restore itself. I have a few questions regarding this:

1. Do you advise the regime I have just mentioned above to restore the skin.
2. How long do you estimate for the skin to restore itself (I am using Omnilux treatments at the salon to rejuvenate skin, hoping that it will speed up the process).
3. I have facial hair laser removal treatment coming up in 6 days time. Can you please advise if the laser won't react with the irritated area.

Thanks
Gazelle

Answer:

Hi Gazelle,
1. Rest the skin from the lightening cream for a week, but continue hydrating it with your moisturizer. This will relieve the dryness and overpeeling.
2. Before indulging in another skin treatment, you have to rest the skin from the last skin lightening regimen as well, for at least 2 weeks.
3. Check the skin area if it has healed already. If you need more than 6 days, don't rush it.

Maria

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More questions on pigmentation
by: Anonymous

Dear Maria,

Your response is a great relief for me. So thank you from the bottom of my heart.

What kind of time-frame can I expect to fade the pigmentation as its on the deeper layer as you said due to the freshly exfoliated skin? Is freshly exfoliated skin the dermal layer? And how long does it take the dermal layer to resurface and renew itself.

Just to clarify the last point about pigmentations not becoming larger but darker with time, so does this mean that surrounding lightened areas will not be effected?

The reason this is a concern for me is that I don't want the already achieved lightening results to be compromised.

Thanks
Gazelle

Answer:

Hi Gazelle, you are very welcome, and I'm always glad to help.

The time frame for an improvement will depend on how deep these scars have affected your skin, which can be epidermal (top layer) or have somehow reached the dermal (underneath) layer because you know how powerful lasers work. So be patient. It always pays off.

Don't worry about the surrounding areas that have lightened, they will stay that way as long as you maintain it.

Maria :)

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Pigmentation from Hair Laser Removal