My shaving area on face

[tracy]

Dr,

I have a problem with my face. Im a 38 yr old african american male and I have a bad problem with 5 o'clock shadow.  It started in my early 20's when i first shaved, my face broke out in razor bumps (because I switched from the electric shaver) and now I have a blackened area where I shaved (im light skinned). Since I shave every morning I don't have much of a prob with razor bumps, but what can I do to get rid of this darkened area? It always looks like I didn't shave and the dermatologists I go to give me cream that doesnt help. Allergists have told me to lay off the dairy products which I tried but to no avail. can you help?

thank you

T.M.  New jersey

[Jessica]

Please post information on removing unwanted facial hair and how to clear dark spots left due to shaving.

[Jessica]

I am an African American woman with excessive facial hair.  Initially I would shave, however this has caused ingrown hairs and dark spots were I would shave.  Is there anything I can do to stop the growth and remove the embarrasing dark spots?

[tracy]

Dr R,

Thank you very much for responding to my inquiry.  I will try what you said.  I found something on the internet...something called Hydroquinone USP. 4%  Skin bleaching Cream?  Do you recommend something like that?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Tracy:

What you have sounds like postinflammatory pigment, or color left over after inflammation has gone away.  If the lightening creams you dermatologists gave you didn't help, look for stronger ones or combinations with Retin-A, as well as light chemical peels containing glycolic or trichloroacetic acid.  Dermatologists who work with esthetic issues are your best bet for obtaining these treatments.

It's slow, but it can be done.

Best.

Dr. R