Hi all, weird questions but I’ll be moving to Japan in a couple of weeks for work and I just wanted to know if anyone knows of any place that’s treats hyperpigmentation? Like things for bad hyperpigmentation like chemical peels, or maybe even “skin bleaching”. Don’t know if’s a common thing in Japan but I wanted to looked into because I really want to visit some onsens but I have hyperpigmentation around my thighs and butt area and it’s a pretty big insecurity to have others see me. And before anyone says “ when you’re in onsen people aren’t looking at you and they’ll be focusing on themselves” it’s one of the few insecurity’s I have and I just want to find options to make me feel more comfortable with enjoying it.
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Skin bleaching is pretty dangerous, though popular in many Asian countries.
You said hyperpigmentation, but maybe you mean birthmark? Many Asian people have blue/black birthmarks that look like bruises. My kids also have patches of darker skin on their lower halves and I wonder if it’s not an Asian thing (I’m not Asian). You could probably see a dermatologist here for that, but I don’t think there’s anything you can do to make your skin lighter that’s not dangerous or cancer-causing.
Good luck! It’s easy to feel self conscious, especially if you’re a foreign person in Japan. But it’s onsen! Women being naked together is a powerful thing.♡
chemical peels and laser treatments are available here. you can have free consultation at plastic surgery clinic, or some dermatology clinics offer as well. not covered by insurance and i feel it’s quite expensive here
There are beauty (dermatology/cosmetic surgery) clinics that sell beauty supplements (美肌サプリメント) that helps with melasma and hyperpigmentation. One of the supplements is tranexamic acid. You’ll need to take the supplements for at least 3 month to see noticeable results.
Anything you do to your skin will damage it, Think about how your skin will be when you’re 50. It’s not possible to repair damage once done. The best you can hope for is scar tissue.
I’m not sure but I’m saying this just in case. I’ve read that hyperpigmentation in those areas can be an indication of insulin resistance. Treating the underlying cause will help with the hyperpigmentation.
Sounds like the JET Program.
Also, without images its hard for anyone to provide advice.
Have you tried OTC treatment with vitamin C, retinol or niacinamide? You can buy stuff like that at any drugstore. Japan has a lot of whitening skin products and afaik they’re pretty strict here on what ingredients are allowed on the market and safety regulations.