Expert: Uribe - 11/3/2009

Question
I am a 17 year old female, with oily skin. I grew tired of my mild acne and purchased a face cleansing system called Clean & Clear. I also purchased an exfoliating gel made by Premier. It uses natural ingredients, like sand for example. I used those products on my face, and miraculously my acne vanished little by little, and my face feels incredibly smooth! I also used a product called Nair that safely dissolves facial hair. After using that product for a 2nd time, it left scabs on my skin, I guess the product burned me just a little bit. Those scabs went away eventually, but something else began happening with my skin. My acne had left, but the color of my skin is what changed. I have a caramel colored complexion, but I have light spots on my face where the color has left. The spots are lighter than my actual skin which makes them more noticeable. A friend of mine told me it was acid. My research tells me it's Pityriasis alba. But, Pityriasis alba consist of light, dry patches. My spots/blotches aren't dry. No part of my skin is dry. So what's with the light blotches? Being told it was acid from my drink of sodas, and my love of lemonade (citric acid) I stopped drinking things like that. I've been drinking nonstop water for the past month and a half. Water and milk are all I drink, but my face hasn't cleared up, to me, I feel it may get worse. Is it acid? or is it something else? And whatever it may be, PLEASE tell me how to get rid of it! Thank you so much! P.S If you need pictures of these light, small spots/blotches, I will definitely send you a picture. I guess over all I have skin discoloration...

Answer
Please read my expertise;  this site is only to help in a diagnosis, through photos.
In order to help you, please take some pictures (web size) and send them to jvelasq51@hotmail.com with the words JMC at subject; don´t forget to make your question on the message text.
If you can´t, or you have any concerns with your skin or its treatment, please visit a board certified dermatologist, preferably at an University Hospital.
I don´t prescribe by internet.
Uribe.