Ask Betsy

Dear Betsy,
I have been a resident of Bahrain for over two decades and am always happy to read your advice on various issues.

It's good to finally have an entire page of information imparted by you on a weekly basis, though I have yet to read an article on c. So here I am asking for some help on how we can avoid, overcome and cure skin pigmentation without having to resort to surgery.
Skin pigmentation or dark sports on the face is a common ailment in my family so I guess to some extent I have inherited it by the virtue of my genes.
Moreover, I am also guilty of neglect as in failing to use a sun-block when my recent job involved working outdoors. Therefor,e the scattered spots developed into a full brown patch stretching right across both my cheek bones.
I have tried various whitening creams available on supermarket counters which I feel aggravated the problem.
Upon the advice from a friend I recently switched to a French cream called Unitone. My main preference is to use natural remedies such as lime juice, yoghurt and flour but when I saw no results, I decided to opt for chemicals.
I am not good at using make up so the scars remain prominently visible and it is becoming a bit embarrassing though at 45 years of age I know I cannot expect miracles to happen to my skin.
But, Betsy, you have always been known to give the most practical and sound advice, so can I please request you to shed some light on the issue of skin pigmentation.
Perhaps there are many in Bahrain who suffer from the same ailment as I and they would certainly benefit from your knowledge.
Thank you sincerely,
Betty.

Dear Betty,
Thank you for your letter about a subject that I have received many questions about over the years.  Unfortunately there is no easy answer, or magic solution, to skin pigmentation problems.
The causes of such dark marks on the skin can be many, such as a hormonal imbalance, (especially during pregnancy)  hereditary disposition, exposure to the sun, exposure to the sun when taking specific medications and some other medical conditions.
One of the most common likely causes of pigmentation in ladies is the use of cosmetics and skin creams which contain certain chemicals and perfumes and also when perfume is sprayed onto the skin which can leave dark marks on the side of your face and neck.
Certain chemical, perfumes and indeed some medications can make your skin photo sensitive when exposed to ultra violet rays and this can result in the unsightly dark pigmentation marks on the face and neck. 
For this reason I recommend that you NEVER spray perfume directly onto your skin in areas where it will be exposed to the sun, even if it is only through the car window.
A light spray on to your clothes is always better or inside the crook of your elbow or under your hair at the back of your neck if you have long hair.
The same is true for men who use cologne or fragranced after shave.  Even the use of some hair products such as hair sprays, gels and mousses ecan be a cause of pigmentation especially around the forehead and sides of the face where some of the product can end up on the skin.
Pigmentation around the mouth can often be caused by using cheap chemical lipstick, lip glosses or even some lip balms.
Of course, prevention is always better (and easier) than cure and the first advice I can offer is to ALWAYS use a total sun block on your face, neck and hands.
This means a non-chemical sunblock with UVA and UVB protection of a minimum SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 upwards - in fact the higher the SPF, the better.
Look for sun block products that contain minerals as these are least likely to cause skin irritation and are generally more effective.
Some sun blocks can be very thick and white so it is best to squeeze a hazelnut size amount of the cream onto your palm and then gently rub the cream with the fingers of your other hand to warm it, thin it and make it easier to apply in an even, fine layer.
Dot it onto your skin and then smooth it out gently and thoroughly.  Sun blocks should always be applied on TOP of your regular moisturiser and eye cream and UNDER foundation cream or powder if you are wearing make up.
As for make-up you need to be very selective and choose products with the least chemicals and perfumes.
Many cosmetic companies now use minerals in their make up which treats and protects the skin and gives it a lovely healthy glow and can offer some great camouflage coverage for blemishes and pigmentation  ... visit  www.idminerals.com and www.janeiredale.com for info on mineral make up.
When it comes to wearing foundation cream don't be tempted to use a really light shade, thinking it will make your skin look paler as on darker Asian or Arab skin tones it won't.
The pale pigment will seep into your pores and will end up making you look grey and ill! I see this often on ladies and have to resist the temptation to run over and tell them to please use a darker, warmer shade to bring out the beauty of their natural skin tone and make them look great.
I am also a great believer in my 'distracting the eye of the onlooker' technique to offer my clients the opportunity to look and feel better about themselves. 
For instance, in your case, if you have dark marks across your nose and cheeks Betty then try using a really pretty eye make up to enhance the beauty of your eyes and draw the eye of the onlooker to focus on this when they meet you, rather than your pigmentation marks.
If you don't like to wear eye make up then try some cute earings, a bright scarf or trendy necklace. For men my advice is to wear a trendy tie, bright shirt or make sure their hair is well cut and groomed.