Best dark spot corrector?

[sangria]

Something that really works. Preferably a product with hydroquinone since I know that's the gold standard for getting rid of melasma

[treedimensional]

I used Obagi for years because my plastic surgeon recommended hydroquinone. I had marginal control.
The problem is that is doesn't get rid of the spots. They are always there. You have to use the cream twice a day to keep them suppressed, but one sunny afternoon and one lapse in sunblock and you're right back to square one.
I decided that for me, hydroquinone is pretty much like throwing away my money. I had several prominent spots removed with laser treatments. Yes, the spots can grow back, because your skin will always produce melanin, but removing them is so much better than constantly fighting the same spots every day. The spots I had removed 5 years ago are still 100% gone. And... I work outdoors! So I'm delighted with the outcome. I have nowhere near the same level of satisfaction with hydroquinone cream.
I just began IPL sessions (intense pulsed light) on my face. Next week is my 2nd treatment. She also treated one big spot on my arm that has been there for about 10 years. Three weeks after she zapped it (3x in one session), it flaked off and it's GONE. There is a tiny bright pink scab that will go away in another week or so. Maybe this will be a deal breaker for you, but I am so happy with the result that the peel and the scab is worth it. FWIW, she didn't zap any area of my face that much, so peeling is barely noticeable.
Good luck with whatever you choose.

[phoenixrising]

I have been using the Murad version. I have been happy with it! I do think my skin looks more even, and my dark spots have faded. I would love to invest in laser treatments, but that is definitely not in my budget.

[mommytutu]

Oct 1, 2014 7:53:58 GMT -5 treedimensional said:

I used Obagi for years because my plastic surgeon recommended hydroquinone. I had marginal control.
The problem is that is doesn't get rid of the spots. They are always there. You have to use the cream twice a day to keep them suppressed, but one sunny afternoon and one lapse in sunblock and you're right back to square one.
I decided that for me, hydroquinone is pretty much like throwing away my money. I had several prominent spots removed with laser treatments. Yes, the spots can grow back, because your skin will always produce melanin, but removing them is so much better than constantly fighting the same spots every day. The spots I had removed 5 years ago are still 100% gone. And... I work outdoors! So I'm delighted with the outcome. I have nowhere near the same level of satisfaction with hydroquinone cream.
I just began IPL sessions (intense pulsed light) on my face. Next week is my 2nd treatment. She also treated one big spot on my arm that has been there for about 10 years. Three weeks after she zapped it (3x in one session), it flaked off and it's GONE. There is a tiny bright pink scab that will go away in another week or so. Maybe this will be a deal breaker for you, but I am so happy with the result that the peel and the scab is worth it. FWIW, she didn't zap any area of my face that much, so peeling is barely noticeable.
Good luck with whatever you choose.

If you don't mind can you share about how much it cost?

[treedimensional]

IPL prices are all over the place. The place I go is $300 per session, but the first 2 were 1/2 price because they're having a special. The first place I had a consultation the price was over $500 per session. Many places advertise IPL (usually cosmetic surgeons) but don't publish prices so you have to call.