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My GF is 30 year old. She works outside a lot and while she uses sunscreen, her skin has really aged fast in the last two years. She looks a good 5-10 year over her age, which is kinda weird considering that her body skin is in very good condition.
That's not a problem to me because I always liked older women , but I see her try one expensive cream after the next and she seemed a bit down about it. She probably has a basket worth at least 500$ in facial creams.
When she turned 28, a few brown age spots started surface and so did a lot of new freckles. Pregnancy last year only made it worse, but the mask of pregnancy only partially went away. Not only that, her pores seem to have gotten bigger lately.
Her skin just looks very rough basically.
I tell her to stop worrying about it and leave it alone but she's unhappy about it. I wished I could help her out. She already gets facials at beauty salon and I don't think there is any cream out there she hasn't used, including mine.
I know genes play a big part but I was wondering if there are any good treatments for this kind of skin condition. I've heard about a bunch of things like laser resurfacing or other least expensive methods, some that are not exactly orthodox, but I don't know if any of those work.
First, I'd suggest a dermatologist. Just be careful as the products & treatments they recommend may cause increased sensitivity to sunlight and susceptibility to UV rays.
As you know, no cream can reverse existing sun damage. In order to prevent further damage I'd suggest practical options: a wide brim hat, lightweight long sleeves/pants in a breathable linen or cotton, and of course continued use of sunscreen. As sunscreen loses its effectiveness, gotta reapply throughout the day! Most people put it on in the morning and forget about it. That's especially important if your girl works outside.
I second the hat, it works much better than sunscreen. I also rec seeing a dermatologist and trying to deal with the situation topically, with prescription creams. And don't go to only one dermatologist, go to several. Stay away from the dermatologist that recommends laser/photo rejuvenation: it will ruin her skin.
She might also consider a consult with her OB/GYN or an endocrinologist to figure out a way to balance out her hormones. And advise her to be patient re: the melasma, it usually does go away, eventually, but it may take some time.
I know that a lot of people have used Meladerm and rec it; it's not very expensive and may be worth a try. However, it needs to be applied to the entire face, not just certain areas, so that the skin tone will be the same all over. Be forewarned that it is a skin lightener, which is really the only treatment at present for melasma.
I have had laser resurfacing for chicken pox scarring, acne scarring, and rosacea and I loved it! If I could afford more treatments, I'd do it. It really softened my skin and reduced pore size.
Have her inquire about microdermabrasion or the use of topical retin-a. With both, she'll have to be extra careful in the sun.
And I agree with visiting multiple dermatologists or aestheticians. I think both like to promote their products without much consideration for what truly works best for the patient. They have to stay in business, right?
I have had laser resurfacing for chicken pox scarring, acne scarring, and rosacea and I loved it! If I could afford more treatments, I'd do it. It really softened my skin and reduced pore size.
Have her inquire about microdermabrasion or the use of topical retin-a. With both, she'll have to be extra careful in the sun.
And I agree with visiting multiple dermatologists or aestheticians. I think both like to promote their products without much consideration for what truly works best for the patient. They have to stay in business, right?
I hope she finds something that works for her.
Yes, for those things, laser is wonderful. However, in the case of brown/age spots and melasma, laser is not recommended b/c it usually makes it worse. Microdermabrasion and maybe even a chemical peel (administered by a dermatologist) as well as retin-A or other topicals are great suggestions.
When I was in my early 30s I had 2 large age spots on my upper lip - which made it look like I had a mustache. It was awful. I went to a dermatologist who recommended laser treatment. It took 3 visits over a period of a few months and I had to stay out of the sun during the treatment. After the laser treatment, the age spots were gone. He offered to do my entire face since I am fair skinned and have freckles but I opted to just have the upper lip done. It wasn't super expensive either - maybe $400-$600.
He also gave me tips on finding good sunscreen that really protects the skin. He said to look for something with zinc oxide as an ingredient (he named another ingredient but I don't remember what it was). He didn't try to sell me any of his products, although there were some on display around the office.
My first step was researching dermatologists in the area to find a highly recommended one. I had to wait an entire month for my first appt b/c he was so booked, but it was worth the wait. OP - I really think your GF will benefit greatly by finding a great dermatologist who will help her improve her skin. She will feel a lot better about herself.
I have had laser resurfacing for chicken pox scarring, acne scarring, and rosacea and I loved it! If I could afford more treatments, I'd do it. It really softened my skin and reduced pore size.
This is something I hope to have done in the future. Thanks for sharing your positive results. I have always had acne and as my skin ages I'm starting to notice visible scarring and large pores.
I'd suggest a visit to a dermatologist , possibly for a prescription RetinaA. I'm lucky enough that my insurance covers it but even if it didn't it would still be (derm visits and the meds) cheaper than what your GF is spending on creams and spa visits.
I use the Neutragena Dry Touch or Age Shield products. I use the Dry Touch instead of my make-up primer to make my pores appear smaller/less noticable
Thanks for the suggestions people. People seem to have different positions on resurfacing though.
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, but I see her try one expensive cream after the next and she seemed a bit down about it. She probably has a basket worth at least 500$ in facial creams. 
