My mom, 37, has been battling pigmentation and stubborn acne for over five years; we've tried dermatologists, lasers, even Ayurvedic remedies—nothing seems to help.
Hi everyone,
I'm posting about my mom, 37. She's been dealing with facial skin problems for more than five years and we're totally stuck.
Background:
- She suffered frequent, severe acne breakouts for many years.
- Even now she still gets regular acne flare‑ups.
- Along with that, dark patches and uneven pigmentation have appeared on her forehead, cheeks and around the mouth.
- She used steroid/fairness creams in the past (we didn't know the risks back then).
- She's also tried Ayurvedic treatments and home remedies.
Current condition:
- A mix of acne and dark patches.
- Skin looks uneven and patchy.
- When she goes out in the sun → her face reddens and the pigmentation darkens.
- This happens even with sunscreen.
- Her skin feels very sensitive and reactive.
Treatment history:
- Consulted several dermatologists over the years.
- Tried many creams and serums.
- In the last eight months:
* Took oral medications.
* Used Cipla creams/serums.
* Underwent laser treatments.
- Result → no significant improvement.
Concerns:
- Acne keeps coming back.
- Pigmentation keeps worsening or stays the same.
- Skin seems damaged and not responding to treatment.
Questions:
1. Why does she still get frequent acne along with pigmentation?
2. Could this be a mix of melasma, post‑acne pigmentation and steroid‑damaged skin?
3. Can laser make this condition worse?
4. Should we treat acne first or pigmentation first?
5. What treatments actually work in cases like this?
Any advice or similar experiences would really help. Just trying to help my mom get better.
Thanks
(https://preview.redd.it/u29ng0o2fnqg1.jpg?width=2034&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=69c24beb6fda2879374c39697d61c6429fdd4803)
(https://preview.redd.it/bvjg12o2fnqg1.jpg?width=1695&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=677dc5f928e7f8d05261420d47c8ae67c5a7e24f)
Skin care takes time, it's not a quick fix. Ideally it should have started early, but many of us didn't have that info. My advice: see a dermatologist; if they can't clear everything, accept the marks, keep using moisturizer and sunscreen forever to stop further damage.
I'm not a doctor, but from what you've described, the first thing is to rebuild her skin barrier. Pick a moisturizer that has ceramides and colloidal oatmeal, apply a thin layer and let it soak in. Even a simple Boroline can help. And don't forget solid sun protection so the sun doesn't aggravate the spots.
I'm sorry, but no over‑the‑counter cream will sort this out. She'll need proper laser therapy combined with a barrier‑repair routine and a tyrosinase inhibitor. Not all lasers are equal – a skilled dermatologist with the right equipment gives very different results from an inexperienced operator. Find a well‑trained dermatologist and be ready for several sessions over many months. If anyone promises a cure in one or two visits, walk away. A typical acne course alone takes at least six months, and piling on treatments in a short span can worsen the hyper‑pigmentation by damaging the barrier. Also get a full medical check‑up – blood tests, hormone panel – to rule out internal issues. I hope her skin improves with patience.
It might not just be the skin; a gut problem could be behind it. Check for leaky gut or any food sensitivities if you haven't already.
Visit a reputable dermatologist and focus on a balanced diet, regular sleep and low stress.
Seems like melasma to me.
It looks like melasma on the cheeks. For the acne marks, start with Aziderm 10% cream – even if the doctor suggests laser, this should be the first step. Use a mineral sunscreen daily. For melasma, Eucerin anti‑pigment serum works well, though it's pricey, it gives great results. When the skin feels reactive, a bit of diaper rash cream can soothe it.
You could also try a Pranic facial for holistic support.
Find a good dermatologist; it does appear to be melasma. Remember, treatment can take months or even years. Don't keep switching products – irritation can trigger more pigmentation. Your mom must avoid sun completely; if she has to step out, use an umbrella, scarf or hat along with a strong sunscreen (even the best sunscreens aren't 100 % foolproof). Apply sunscreen indoors too! Also ask the doctor for hormone tests – estrogen, progesterone, FSH, LH – to rule out any hormonal imbalance, as both acne and melasma can be hormone‑driven.