stop pigmentation

hi. i am an asian of medium skin color. i also have hyperpigmentation. i literally can get a tan by going outside for 2 minutes without sun screen on. i used to be really fair as a child, but once i started swimming and going outside i never wore sun screen and over the years i have become a lot darker than originally was. further, i hate that my arms always have a tan line. is there anyway i can restore my original skin color or at least stop it from pigmenting? i already use spf 90 on my fave and 70 every where else. i dont leave the house without it on, otherwise i get burnt and my skin begins to peel! please HELP HELP HELP! is there anything?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms the skin darkening looks like sun tanning only. Keep on wearing the sun screens as you are doing but ensure to apply them half an hour before going out in sun. If the symptoms still persist then you should consult a dermatologist and discuss the options of skin creams like hydroquinone, azelaic acid , dermabrasion or laser resurfacing.

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.