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.
Hello. Thank you for writing to us at Chat Doctor Benzoate based products can cause contact sensitivity, and possibly it has lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation/ PIN. A common example of benzoate based products is PBA 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 and UV B part of the electromagnetic spectrum. The sunscreen should be PBA 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 furnace 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