Have Pigmentation And Dark Patches On Face. Using HHlite Cream And Neutrogena. Remedy?

Hi XXXXXXX

Thanks for your query.

Now your problem is that of skin pigmentation over the face.
You have been using HHlite over your face which is a triple combination cream containing Mometasone, tretinoin and hydroquinone.
It is a commonly used lightening agent but I would like to make you aware that this triple combination cream cannot be used at a stretch for more than 3 months.
For sure, it has to be used only at night.
Now if you have been using it for less than 3 months, then you can try if you can get the same there at your place by citing the cream components which are mometasone 0.1%, Tretinoin 0.025% and hydroquinone 2%.
But if you are not able to find it as an over the counter drug, then there is another safe lightening agent which can be easily used for a longer period of time. This is a combination of kojic acid and vitamin C. Kojic acid 2 % percent creams are mostly easily available.
This can be applied over the affected areas even twice a day. And as it contains natural products, so it can be used for many months together without causing any harm to the skin.
Now in New Zealand, since the sun rays also tend to be more vertical, so continuous and proper usage of sunscreen is very essential.

Use proper sunscreen (spf>26) before going out in the sun so that the lesion doesn't darken any further . Sunsreen should be applied atleast 20 minutes before going out in the sun. In case of long term exposure to sun, re apply the sunscreen every 3-4 hours.

Take a diet XXXXXXX in vitamin C and antioxidants like Citrus fruits and lots of salads.

Hope it helps.

Any other query, please let me know.

Dr Geetika Paul

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Hey XXXXXXX

I may not be able to tell the brand names which might be available there at your place, but since kojic acid is a commonly available and used agent for pigmentation, I am sure it should be available there. You can quote the agents name while looking for the drug.
You can look for either kojic acid 2% alone or in combination with vitamin C.

Dr Geetika Paul.

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Hi XXXXXXX

It's unfortunate that you are unable to find kojic acid; it's a very common ingredient present in skin lightening products. Since I am unaware of the brands available at New Zealand, I'll suggest other alternative lightening agents. These include:
Glycolic acid available as 6 % and 12 % creams ( to be applied to the affected parts only at night).
Arbutin and licorice extracts ( application is twice a day).
Azelaic acid 20% or 40% cream (application is at night only).

I have suggested various salts which you might be able to find there.

Your nearest pharmacist would know about these salts/ingredients. However in case, you are unable to find any of these, then I would suggest you to consult a physician or a skin specialist there in order to get a prescription according to the skin condition.

Hope it helps,

Dr Geetika Paul.

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