Q Are there products that can lighten blemish spots, brighten dull skin tone and prevent frequent breakouts at the same time? Should I choose whitening products or anti-blemish ones?

A You are talking about two different kinds of pigmentation problems that require slightly different approaches.

According to Dr Patrina Wong, founder and medical aesthetic director of LinC Aesthetic Clinic in Liat Towers, acne-related blemishes are known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).

Dullness and age spots, on the other hand, are known as sun- and age-related hyperpigmentation (SARH).

They are very similar as both conditions cause an increase in skin pigmentation, says DrWong.

'The key difference is that PIH tends to fade on its own and can occur on any part of the body while SARH persists for a prolonged period and occurs on the face and other areas frequently exposed to the sun.'

Treatments for both conditions are similar because the common aim is to reduce the production of melanin, the chemical that determines the colour of your skin.

Both whitening and anti-blemish products, for instance, may have ingredients such as hydroquinone, a lightening agent, and glycolic acid, which exfoliates the uppermost layer of the skin and accompanying dark marks.

You can use whitening products and sunblock for your skin tone issues. For acne blemishes, the most important thing is to treat the acne rather than the post-acne scars.

'Every time a new pimple develops and then resolves, a new area of PIH will develop. Therefore, it is crucial to minimise outbreaks with appropriate medication,' says Dr Wong.

The best way is to consult a doctor for appropriate prescription medication for acne treatment. Remember to keep your doctor posted on any potential skin irritations so he can change your medication or the dosage.

This article was first published in Urban, The Straits Times on Jan 30, 2009.