Really bad hyperpigmentation that is ruined mylife
Hi, I'm a young adult (22 years old),
and I suffer from hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and a very uneven skin tone. And honestly, saying I "suffer" from it is an understatement...
To start with, I have dark/brown skin, and I have dark circles around my eyes. I've had them since I was a child, but they've become much larger and much darker over the years. I also have a dark ring around my mouth, from above my upper lip down to my chin. That appeared during high school, and it has become REALLY dark. It's horrible to look at (and it's the thing I hate the most).
I also have acne marks on my face, and because I have eczema, I have very dark areas on my arms, legs, and neck from years of scratching.
I've tried everything: kojic acid, tretinoin, azelaic acid, sunscreen 24/7...
Because of all these creams, I've developed a fear of the sun. I used to love sunshine, but now I barely go outside. Even seeing sunlight makes me panic because I'm afraid it will make my skin problems worse.
And the worst part is that none of it seems to work—in fact, it may have even gotten worse...
I've developed depression. Every time I look at myself in the mirror, I just want to die or hurt myself. I don't enjoy anything anymore, and I no longer go out with my friends. I've developed social anxiety, and I can't stand people looking at me.
I'm afraid to use hydroquinone because I'm worried it might make my hyperpigmentation even worse. I've considered chemical peels or laser treatments, but since I have dark skin, I'm not sure whether they're safe or appropriate...
Anyway, I just needed to get this off my chest and find out if there are other people going through the same thing as me (although I honestly hope not lol).
Anyway...