Hi, Thanks for posting your query to HCM. It seems from your query that your are suffering from the problem of simple hyperpigmentation (darkness of the area) due to the things related to shaving Due to continuous shaving there is a irritation over the beard area due to razors, shaving cream and after shave lotions with other of cosmetic cream usage. These things cause mild inflammation (irritation) of the affected areas ( beard area) and leads to over-activation of the color giving cells known as melanocytes which slowly produce more color and it leads to greyish or darker than normal skin in beard region. Using diprovate cream is not at all a good idea for this problem. This is a strong steroid which can cause a lot of damage to skin if not used under dermatological advise. It can cause atrophy of skin unusual hair growth and visible blood vessels with so many other side effects. Though initially it can give bit hypo pigmentation but that is far beyond its side effects. We do use this cream but not on face. For faster improvement you can use azelaic acid or Kojic acid cream only under dermatological guidance. Hope these informations are helpful. Wish you good health Dr Sanjay Kumar Kanodia MD (Dermatology & STDs)