<human>: 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.
<bot>: 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