How can face darkening caused by benzoate based products be treated?
Patient: hello Dr samuel, i am having a problem of facial darkening anytime i use products with benzoate, my face has become very sensitive of recent and brightening products dont seem to work anymore on my face. i am presently using fair and white exclusive fade cream and body lotion. Doctor: Hello. Thank you for writing to us at healthcaremagicBenzoate based products can cause contact sensitivity and possibly it has lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation/ PIH.A common example of benzoate based products is PABA or para amino benzoate which used to be a common sunscreen agent in the past but now has been replaced with other safer ingredients.I suggest you to use a broad spectrum sunscreen, covering both UV A as well as UV B part of the electromagnetic spectrum. The sunscreen should be PABA free.Use it throughout the day. Reapply every 2-3 hours, specially outdoors.At night I suggest you to use a moderately potent topical steroid e.g fluticasone propionate 0.05% Or mometasone furoate 0.1%, once or twice daily at night over the dark areas on face.I suggest you to visit a dermatologist in person for exact visual assessment and appropriate prescription.Regards