Extreme Skin Darkening

I had been on steroids for more than 4 yrs , I have discontinued using them for more than a year now. I took it on recommendation of my dermatologist for acne,c=scars adn complexion improvement. I am a dark girl aged 26 and of Indian origin. I have spent a fortune on all treatments from microdermabrasion and glyco peel offs and a list of chemical treaments and surgeries. Plz recommend me something where i dont have to go under the knife as well as somethin which wont affect me after I discontinue using it and show me visible results.My skin on my face and neck adn very dark compared to the skin on my body adn I have tried home remedies as well as consulted doctors but nothing helps. Plz help me as I am very disturbed adn stressed as it has affected my confidence. I would love to have radiant and unpatchy and even complexion , also plz recommend me a sunscreen I currently use neutrogena 70 once in a day. I have scars but no pimples as such , I do have facial hair and am allergia to hydroquenine, gylco acid and kojic acid. Plz help me.....god bless!  

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The darkening of the face which is in patches can be due to hyperpigmentation or melasma. Melasma is caused by hormonal changes, which stimulate a temporary increase in your body's production of melanin. People with darker complexions are more prone to this condition than people with lighter skin.

Treatment options include treatment with vitamin C and hydrocortisone, peel with carbon dioxide snow and alexandrite and ND-Yag Q-Switched laser treatment preceded by a hydroquinone-based application. Please discuss these options with your dermatologist.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing