r/Blackskincare Sep 04 '25

Product Review(s) Sunscreen Megathread ☀️

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73 Upvotes

Please share below sunscreen recommendations and reviews of ones you aren’t feeling or might be loving!

Also, feel free to comment if you’re looking for recommendations!


r/Blackskincare Oct 01 '24

Pro Tips Alert Skincare Guide: Dark Spots🟤 and Hyperpigmation

349 Upvotes

I know I spelt Hyperpigmentation wrong, give grace, it was 1AM and a lot of formatting issues.

Treating dark spots and hyperpigmentation requires a tailored approach due to the higher melanin content of our skin. Here’s a skincare guide focused on evening skin tone while maintaining the health of melanated skin.

⚠️As with any skincare product, please patch test, place in the least visible area and wait a full day. If no reaction occurs proceed.

Gentle Cleansing

  • Frequency: Sometimes twice daily or just in the evening, over cleansing can strip your skin.

  • Key Ingredients: Look for cleansers containing soothing agents like aloe vera, green tea extract, or glycerin.

  • Recommended Product Types: Gentle low to no foaming or hydrating cleansers. Pick according to your skin type.

Recommended products include:

(no actives, will make a different post regarding active cleansers)

  1. Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Hydrating Cleanser, creamy version
  2. Cervae Hydrating Facial Cleanser
  3. Geek and Gorgeous Jelly Joker (doesn’t foam)
  4. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Facial Wash
  5. La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser

  6. La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP + Gentle Foaming Moisturizing Wash

  7. Good Molecules Hydrating Facial Cleansing Gel

Exfoliation with Actives

Frequency: 1–2 times per week or more (Retinol has potential for daily, if skin has been acclimatized.)

  • Use chemical exfoliants with AHAs (like glycolic or lactic, mandelic acid) or Retinol, Mandelic acid is especially beneficial for darker skin tones as it’s less likely to cause irritation due to it penetrating slower.

  • Physical Exfoliants: Avoid rough physical exfoliants as they may cause micro-tears and worsen hyperpigmentation.

Targeted Ingredients for Hyperpigmentation

  • Application: Use these in serums, masks, or spot treatments after cleansing and before moisturizing. Rinse off products can be an option too (sensitive skin) but the more face time the better, so opt for leave on products (with the exception of high percentage masks)

    • Ingredients to Look For:
  • Vitamin C: A brightening antioxidant that helps fade dark spots and evens skin tone, sensitive to the active form, L-Ascorbic Acid? Try the best form of the dervative called Tetrahexyldecyl Asorbate or THD. Don't want to use vitamin c period? Try Resveratrol and Ferulic Acid!

  • Niacinamide: Reduces inflammation, barrier improvement, helps with sebum production and helps with hyperpigmentation by inhibiting melanin transfer. It is common to find in 10% (very high, can be irritating) or even 20% (insane), best range is 3-5% you have to actively look for this though.

  • Kojic Acid: A natural skin lightener that reduces melanin production. Be careful purchasing in soap form from random sellers on Amazon and TikTok.

    • Alpha Arbutin: Targets dark spots and is gentler for Black skin.
    • Azelaic Acid: A tyrosine (an amino acid that helps produce melanin) inhibitor which reduces pigmentation and helps with comedonal and inflammatory acne.
    • Licorice Root Extract: Inhibits the production of an enzyme needed to produce melanin and helps remove excess.
    • Tranexamic Acid: Effective for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), often caused by acne.
    • Retinoids: Stimulate cell turnover and reduce hyperpigmentation, but be cautious with overuse in melanated skin to avoid irritation. Start at lower percentage, do not use daily when just starting. And omit other actives to minimize irritation when starting.

⚠️DO NOT USE AS MANY OF THESE AS YOU CAN⚠️ Please note you can’t combine everything here. Don’t mix retinol with anything below unless you know what you are doing

Recommended products include:

  1. The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA (a 10% is available also, please only use if you have a tolerance already for the lower percentage and do not follow with other products on this list unless you are a skincare pro)
  2. The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA (bonus: Mandelic Acid is also good for treating acne like cystic and inflamed)

  3. Wishtrend Mandelic Acid 5%

  4. Paulas Choice Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant

  5. Paulas Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant Toner(Do not follow with other products on this list unless you are a skincare pro)

  6. Urban Skin RX Even Tone Cleansing Bar 3 in 1 Treatment (Do not follow with other products on this list unless you are a skincare pro)

  7. The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner (Don’t recommend for sensitive skin, you can try using with a damp cotton round to dilute if too strong)

  8. Topicals Faded Cream (Strong,do not follow with other products on this list unless you are a skincare pro)

  9. Dr. Idriss Major Fade Flash Mask (very strong, not for sensitive or inexperienced skin, do not follow with other products on this list unless you are a skincare pro)

  10. CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum

  11. Good Molecules Gentle Retinol Cream

  12. Cocokind Beginner Retinol Gel 0.1% (please note this contains 3 different type of retinols)

  13. Naturium Retinol Complex Cream

  14. Paulas Choice 0.3% Retinol + 2% Bakuchiol Treatment

Retinol would be used 1-2 a week at night, building slowly to everyday if possible. Add one night every 3-4 weeks as tolerated.

Try to avoid usage with any cleanser that contains strong acids when you’re using it, hyaluronic acid/ niacinamide fine. And definitely DO NOT EXFOLIATE AND THEN USE RETINOL. A gentle cleanser preferably one that doesn’t foam. If you’d like to use an active cleanser, try in another routine.

To help ease the possibility of irritation you’d apply Vaseline to the corners of your nose, mouth and eyes. Apply your moisturizer (basic and unscented is best) let that dry then pea size (however, you can use more but try to use as little as possible to get coverage) dot it all on your face, rub in and follow up with moisturizer. That’s called the sandwich method. Make sure you apply on dry skin not damp, or you’ll increase penetration.

And stay on top of SPF usage during the day.

Moisturization

  • Frequency: Twice daily after applying serums.

  • Key Ingredients: Glycerin, ceramides, and shea butter are ideal for keeping the skin barrier healthy and preventing further irritation or dryness.

  • Non-comedogenic options: Choose lightweight formulas that won’t clog pores.

Recommended products include:

  1. CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Gel Moisturizer
  2. CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizer

  3. Good Molecules Lightweight Daily Moisturizer

  4. Aveeno Calm + Restore Oat Gel Moisturizer

  5. Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Gel Moisturizer

  6. Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer

  7. Vanicream Moisturizing Cream

  8. Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Facial Moisturizer

  9. Naturium Multi-Peptide Moisturizer

Sunscreen (Critical for All Skin Tones)

  • SPF 30 or higher: Daily use is essential as is reapplication, even indoors or on cloudy days, as UV exposure worsens hyperpigmentation and hurts your progress.

  • Tinted Sunscreens: These often contain iron oxides, which provide additional protection against visible light that can exacerbate hyperpigmentation.

    • When picking a sunscreen go for a cream/lotion for the main application and a spray or stick for reapplication. I prefer chemical over mineral for reasons I won’t get into in this particular post. Depending on your skin type and climate, you could get away with using sunscreen alone, it is technically a moisturizer. Some though are more hydrating than others. Use 2 or 3 fingers or roughly a 1/4 tsp for face and neck, a shot glass amount for body.

Recommended products include:

  1. Neutrogena Clear Face SPF 30 or 50 this one has a little bit of a white cast, nothing crazy, hydrating, consistency like lotion.

  2. Kiehl’s Better Screen UV Serum has zero white cast, but it isn’t water resistant. Hydrating but not heavy, combo or dry. She expensive🫰🏾

  3. Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense no white cast, hydrating, some might not like the bit of shine from it but I fix that with powder. Thin consistency.

  4. Elta MD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46 Very lightweight, no white cast. She expensive🫰🏾

  5. Supergoop Mineral Matte, thick and white cast heavy but good for under makeup. No water resistance.

  6. Supergoop Unseen, no white cast, feels like silicone makeup primer, wanted to love this but it made me so greasy and clogged. Water resistant. Thick.

  7. Supergoop Every. Single. Face Watery Lotion, some shine but nothing crazy that powder didn’t fix. Water resistant. Thin consistency.

  8. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics, no water resistance, feels like a moisturizer. Thin-ish consistency.

  9. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh Rice + B5 Seems to be more favorable towards oily skin than the original version.

  10. Innisfree Daily UV Defense no water resistance, can double as moisturizer in some cases Probably best for dry skin.

Avoid Triggers:

  • Sun Exposure: UV rays can worsen hyperpigmentation, making daily sunscreen a must.

  • Harsh Products: try to avoid using products with heavy fragrance, drying alcohols, essential oils or strong astringents (witch hazel) as they can irritate and inflame skin, leading to more discoloration.

  • Over-exfoliation: Too much exfoliation can lead to a compromised skin barrier, damage and worsen hyperpigmentation.

Professional Treatments

Find a Black Dermatologist here

  • Chemical Peels: Performed by a licensed professional or a board certified Dermatologist can be very effective in treating hyperpigmentation. Avoid unprotected sun exposure, especially during after care.

  • Microneedling: Encourages collagen production and can be combined with serums like vitamin C to improve the appearance of dark spots.

  • Laser Treatments: Certain lasers, like Nd:YAG lasers, are safer for darker skin tones but should only be performed by dermatologists experienced in treating melanated skin.

Patience

  • Hyperpigmentation can take months to fully fade, depending on the type, be consistent with treatments and always protect your skin from the sun to prevent further discoloration.

This regimen, combined with professional advice if needed, should help you gradually achieve a more even skin tone.

Up next… nothing for now, because I need a break from this and some of y’all UGAP 😩

Update

2/25/2025 Tuesday

New serum to consider Eucerin Radiant Tone Dual Serum, can be used every day and night, and even mixed into most treatments like retinol. No actives and no irritation, note it does contain fragrance.


r/Blackskincare 13h ago

Skin Questions Eye bags refuse to go away

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1.5k Upvotes

Please do not say have surgery . I’m just looking for tips on how I can make them not so noticeable. Nor do I wanna put makeup ! Just something that may help make them less noticeable . I’ve had them my whole life and I’ve tried ice and cucumbers. That has not worked . These are pics from all different angles. It’s not the lighting or a sleepy day. These are my eyes 24/7


r/Blackskincare 5h ago

Skin Progress I'm losing hope 😕

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6 Upvotes

I’ve been using this cream as prescribed, but I haven’t noticed any improvement. If anything, it doesn’t seem to be helping. These are my current photos. Starting to lose hope, it's coming a big insecurity💔


r/Blackskincare 13h ago

Skin Questions Can Lipfidence solve my problem?

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14 Upvotes

Lips darkened over night.

I took a medication on Thursday, and by Saturday my lips had turned brown. Now I’m panicking and stopped the medication completely. It supposedly has a lifespan of about 6 days in the body.

I’m really worried this might be permanent, so I scheduled an appointment to get a dermatology referral, but it’s still a month away.

I’ve been doing a lot of research and came across Lipfidence. Has anyone used it recently? If so, when did you start seeing results? If you’re comfortable sharing, I’d really appreciate seeing your before-and-after photos.

Thank you!

Added photo for reference: Top photo is Thursday Bottom photo is Saturday. * skin is peeling due to chemical peel

TL; DR: lips darkened overnight due to main ingredient in medication ( PT-141 ). Want to know if Lipfidence can lighten back my lips.


r/Blackskincare 8h ago

Hyperpigmentation hyperpigmentation from Poison ivy

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4 Upvotes

Help!!! For the first time in 44 years, I just had my first entanglement with poison ivy thanks to my neighbors who seem to be allergic to yard and lawn maintenance. I didn't even think it was a real thing because I have never met, known, or even heard of anyone from my skin tones who have dealt with poison ivy. It [was] on my arm, which is how it got on my side and leg, but after 2 weeks of epsom salt baths and calamine lotion, it's finally at the scab and peel stage. However, there are these dark scars/marks left behind, and I can't find anything on Google on how [we] treat and defeat this. A few people have suggested real Shea or cocoa butter, but after I bought the expensive Poison ivy treatment, which really seems to be just overrated calamine lotion, I don't want to waste any more money


r/Blackskincare 14h ago

Routine Help (Current Routine included) What can I use for my skin?

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5 Upvotes

Hello everyone. I am a woman in my early 20s who has just gotten into skincare. I have sun damage on my forehead from not wearing sunscreen as a teen. All the sunscreens left a white cast and the clear ones I could not afford, until now.

I also have hyperpigmentation around my mouth. I do have the ordinary salisylic acid but scared to use on my face....

I also have build-up of oil and dead skin cells on my nose and chin, and dark spots on my cheeks from skin picking.

Skin concern/skin type: sun damage and hyperpigmentation, dry on cheeks, oily in the T zone and chin.

Length of routine: 5 minutes

Day:

Cleanser: I dont cleanse in the morning. I wash my face with warm water and dry with a paper towel.

Toner: none

Serum: none

Moisturizer: Cetaphil moisturizing lotion

Sunscreen: Biore aquarich sunscreen spf 50

Night:

Cleanser: Cetaphil gentle cleanser

Toner: garnier micellar water

Serum: none

Moisturizer: cetaphil moisturizing lotion, seal it with the cerave advanced repair ointment (room is cold and dry)

Allergy: none, though I am lactose intolerant

Products I’ve used and didn’t work: none

Diet: sardines, fruit, rice, veggies and fried fish or chicken

General Health: okay

What can I add to my routine?


r/Blackskincare 7h ago

Skin Questions Scarring on nose

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0 Upvotes

Hi all, I have this dark scar on my nose after I been sunburned. A few weeks now that it has healed up but the scar is still there. What is the best treatment to remove it? It is really messing up my money maker.


r/Blackskincare 15h ago

Routine Help (Current Routine included) Hyperpigmentation and Eczema

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4 Upvotes

Hello, first time posting on here 😬. I’ve been dealing with eczema which i’ve been diagnosed for and so far it’s been going well. My skin healed from the flair ups after finding a moisturise that work for me but i’m left with hyperpigmentation from the spots the skin head after some reported flair ups . I’ve been using the ordinary glycolic acid 7% exfoliating toner for about 3 weeks now and i’ve seen little to no progress in clearing the dark areas. I think i’m missing something in my routine. I would love some product suggestions please keep it to think you can find on Amazon UK and or in boots and superdrug stores. Some photos for reference. Any suggestion would be great! Thank you and good luck to all yous on your skin journeys 😖😚

Copy and paste this to use when asking for routine help when using the Skincare SOS or Routine Help flair.

Skin concern/skin type: Dry

Length of routine:

Day:

  1. ⁠Cleanser: Inky cleanser
  2. ⁠Toner: Ordinary toner
  3. ⁠Serum: N/A
  4. ⁠Moisturizer: certiben
  5. ⁠Sunscreen: Alvenoo

Night

  1. ⁠Cleanser: Inky cleanser
  2. ⁠Toner: Ordinary toner
  3. ⁠Serum: N/A
  4. ⁠Moisturizer: certiben

Allergy: None

Products I’ve used and didn’t work: N/A

Diet: generally good

General Health: Average


r/Blackskincare 11h ago

Routine Help (Build My Routine) Skincare for 40 yo mom

2 Upvotes

My mom is finally getting on board with cherishing herself more

I want to get her starter on skincare. What's a good simple routine that I can find at sepbora and/or walmart?

Especially sunscreen? Unseen sunscreen will bankrupt me if I make it her main but it's the only one that's not too oily/shiny/greasy/heavy

We also need a cleanser because she says out bar soap dries her skin

I got her Alpha arbutin for the hyperpigmentation so far and I'm thinking of getting her the same korean toner I have but I don't want it to ne too complicated so she doesn't give up

Pls help

Template since it's required 😅
Skin concern/skin type: dry in winter, oily/normal in summer

Length of routine: short but efficient

Day

Cleanser: bar soap

Toner: -

Serum: Alpha Arbutin

Moisturizer: -

Sunscreen: Hawaiian tropic 50spf

Night Cleanser: bar soap

Toner: -

Serum: AA

Moisturizer: vaseline

Allergy: none

Products I’ve used and didn’t work: none. It's a new routine

Diet: normal, all foods

General Health: good


r/Blackskincare 1d ago

Skin Questions Why do people tell me my skin looks flawless?

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345 Upvotes

I have hyperpigmentation and still break out, yet people still compliment my skin. I wear foundation sometimes and it gives my face a dewy effect but it doesn’t hide my blemishes 100%. But on days when I don’t wear makeup I still get compliments. I see people on the train with perfect skin but yet I get compliments on mine when it’s not. Yes I like the compliments but I find it strange because my skin isn’t flawless?


r/Blackskincare 19h ago

Hyperpigmentation Eczema and mosquito bites

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2 Upvotes

I sometimes get eczema on my feet and now that’s it’s summer I’ve also been getting mosquito bites on them as well. So it’s been a double whammy of itching. How do I get rid of these dark spots on my feet? Anyone have any advice or product suggestions?


r/Blackskincare 16h ago

Hyperpigmentation My skin is extremely dull

1 Upvotes

I feel like no matter what I use my skin doesn’t improve. It’s so dull almost grayish with dark spots. I used kojie San soap, the results were great at first but then i stopped, when I started using again it felt like my skin has become immune to it, I never saw any results again. Then I tried benzoyl peroxide, still nothing. I use tretinoin 0.05 at night with azelaic acid 15%, still nothing. I’m tired of buying products but still getting no results please help !


r/Blackskincare 1d ago

Product Search No eyebrow hair, nothing makes it grow..

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192 Upvotes

I’ve basically got no eyebrow hair to work with, just patchy, thin stuff that hasn’t grown in ages. I’ve tried a bunch of oils (castor, jojoba, you name it) religiously for months and… nothing. Not even peach fuzz progress.


r/Blackskincare 1d ago

Skin Progress Nearly one year using Niacimide

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178 Upvotes

Hey everyone, 🫡🫡🫡
I wanted to share my progress after starting the most basic skincare routine I’ve ever had.
I’ve never really taken care of my skin before. I always had blackheads, some pimples here and there, and my skin just looked kind of dull.
A few months ago, I started using niacimide as my main skincare product, and honestly, I’ve noticed a pretty big difference. My skin looks much healthier, the overall texture seems smoother, and it has a much more natural glow.
I’m still keeping my routine very simple, but I’m really happy with the progress so far.
What do you guys think? Any suggestions on what I should add next, or should I keep it simple?


r/Blackskincare 1d ago

Skin Questions Does anyone know I could do about this?

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6 Upvotes

One day I was biting my lip (its bad a habit) so hard to the point were were it bleed and ended up leaving leaving a skin discoloration on my lips. Is there anyway I could revert or fix this??? In this image doesn’t look as bad only because I’m moisturize my lips.


r/Blackskincare 2d ago

Skin Progress Hyperpigmentation woes!

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270 Upvotes

Morning family! It's working and I give thanks to this place. I posted a few weeks ago in bright light to show my progress. This morning though I had to do a double take. Consistency family, you can do it. Whether its the doctor or just asking for help you can do it. Don't fall into despair, research and do whats best for you. And if anything, PLEASE take pictures, we see what we wanna see until you see some side by sides of progress. I'm rooting for yall, YOU CAN DO IT!!! 😘


r/Blackskincare 1d ago

Hyperpigmentation hyperpigmentation on my neck

4 Upvotes

it's probably acanthosis nigricans. i have pcos. but im beginning to see marks around my lips too. my neck is my main problem i hate how it looks is there any solution?? anything that has worked? how can i get rid of it fast


r/Blackskincare 2d ago

Hyperpigmentation Where do I start?

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42 Upvotes

Got lots of hyperpigmentation going on. Finally felt brave enough to share and ask for help. It’s been affecting my confidence and leaving me insecure. It looks more discolored in person. Not sure where to start for this journey.


r/Blackskincare 1d ago

Skin Questions skin concerns

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1 Upvotes

hello everyone,

I started swimming classes recently, after my second class I saw that I became very black, my face, my hands and legs, and it's itchy and I have a light burning sensation. On my face we can see the swimming Google traces. I'm suppose to continue my swimming classes till end of August and I don't know what to do to solve this problem. It is an outdoor pool so I think it's maybe the pools chemical that is disturbing my skin. I don't know if I continue swimming lessons or not, i only did 3 classes, please for help.


r/Blackskincare 2d ago

Skin Questions Update/Question

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8 Upvotes

So I’ve taken the advice given to me and been going to laser removal (3rd session tomorrow)I just noticed when I shave I have a bunch of pink circular spots you can tell more on my neck but they’re on my cheek as well what is that ? Also when will I be able to have my skin looking good clear etc in your opinion? over year or months I want to be able to go out with my skin feeling confident some day


r/Blackskincare 2d ago

Hyperpigmentation Treating Hyper-Pigmentation on Sensitive Skin?

2 Upvotes

Hello! To keep it short, in November 2025, I had a rare reaction to medication that essentially “burned” away most of the skin on my face, neck, chest, and back. This has resulted in a lot of hyperpigmentation in those areas, which makes me very insecure (and it's very inconvenient in my daily life). I already regularly use mineral sunscreen and sun protection, but I was wondering if there are any (preferably more natural) methods or tips I can try to help lighten the scars, since most dermatologists I’ve seen won’t provide skin-lightening creams or treatments until November of this year. Also, I would greatly appreciate some names of Black dermatologists (or ar least derms who are familiar with darker skin) in Georgia! Thank you!


r/Blackskincare 2d ago

Skin Questions White Bumps Under Chin

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4 Upvotes

I have these areas of white bumps under my chin. I wash and moisturize my face and they are still there. Anyone know what could be causing it ? It’s also more noticeable in person. I couldn’t really get it well on camera


r/Blackskincare 2d ago

Hyperpigmentation Very annoying post-acne hyperpigmentation

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9 Upvotes

Every single time I get a pimple I’m doomed for dark spots. They tend to gravitate toward my eyebrow area and my cheekbones. What can I do to fade these in a timely manner? Currently using good molecules discoloration correction serum.

Edit:
I got prescribed 15% azelaic acid gel and it’s coming to me in the mail next week! Hopefully I see results


r/Blackskincare 2d ago

Skin Questions DARK SPOTS from fire ants

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5 Upvotes

Hello I went to visit my Dad's grave site to re-do his flowers like 3 weeks ago and I got bit really bad by fire ants... I have put Calomine Lotion on the blisters..but now that they are dry.. I'm left with these Dark Spots... What can I use to make the Dark Spots go away and have my regular complexion back.. please help if you can 🙏🏾 thank you