Skin Lightening/bleach-Cream - And Recommendations?

[joko]

i have got 2 brown patches of skin on both my cheek bones - about 2cm x 4cm. not dark brown, more like a cup of tea kind of colour.

they dont bother me really but i have noticed in photos etc that it looks like i have a smudge of something - or that i havent blended blusher properly or something.

so i was thinking of getting some skin bleach - ive looked on ebay - a lot of chinese stuff etc, but i have no idea if any of it works.
they're pretty cheap so thought i would try one or two types just to test it.

so has anyone used anything like this and can recommend a particular brand?
or does anyone know what the main ingredient i need to be looking for so that i get one that works and isnt dangerous etc?

thanks all.

[tandh]

there is some good advice here
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/cosmetic-treatments-guide/Pages/skin-lightening.aspx
and it looks like it will be a lot cheaper if you can get it on prescription as the good ones cost about £75 a pop. Your doctor will probably tell you this but i would test it on your arm or leg before your face just in case you do react to it.
In the mean time/ and/ or have you thought about using a good concealer on the patches before you do your foundation? shear cover is meant to be really good at hiding birthmarks and redness

[woofgang]

Have you spoken to your doc? Facial melasma can have a hormonal basis, best to get that checked before you decide what to do about it

[Jennykenny]

Sorry Jo, but I think you are stuck with them. I have the same problem. In my case it is age (60+). You don't say how old you are.
I wouldn't put anything on my skin that I bought on eBay or the Internet in general.
I tried a cream from one of the high street chemists but it didn't make any difference. Go to one of the big department stores or Boots and have a free make-over and advice as to how best to disguise them. And then forget about them.

[horselady]

I had some similar marks on my neck years ago, apparently caused by sun reaction on the perfume I wore. Bought a product called Fade Out which completely got rid of the marks.

[joko]

thanks all

yes i heard about melasma from a friend - i have pcos so will speak to the doc first, though my friend said its more to do with taking the pill - which i dont.

i don't wear foundation and only wear a touch of blusher - but i dont want to be thinking about make-up etc - id rather get them gone itd be easier in the long run.