Discoloration after years of doing it the wrong way

I found this forum and it has done worlds to improve my shave experience. Since I have gotten a DE razor and went to the art of shaving and found good quality products... I don't hav enay more razor bumps. Which is awesome.

However, I do have quite the aftershave/shadow or discoloration from years of doing it the wrong way. I'm african american and i'm looking to clear my face up. I don't know if I need just some simply lighting cream or to go see a dermatologist. Has anyone ad experience with this before?
thanks

I've never heard of shaving causing discoloration no matter what you use or what pre or after shave products you are using. Usually skin discoloration is caused by certain medications or aging or too much time in the sun or scarring. If you have serious discoloration you might want to check it out with an M.D first.

What exactly were you doing wrong all those years?

Not to be offensive, but... How can you incorrectly apply aftershave? If you mean a darkened "ring" or "band" around you neck area, that more than likely a form of callousing on your neck, I ve heard of it being called, "leatherneck-ing" it's nothing detrimental, just need to moisturize the area a bit more and it should improve. Not sure if this is your issue but hope it helps... And for the record, "leathernecking" is not a term I came up with being a jarhead, lol... It's real I swear!;)

Do you have rough, scarred skin from shaving over pseudo-folliculitis barbae? If so, I'm so sorry. I've met a few African-Americans who were receptive enough to make the financial risk of investing in "dangerous" "obsolete" shaving gear, one of whom I purchased gear for just for him. Yes, they're faces improve, no more razor bumps.

If it's mild scarring I'm thinking only time may make a difference, some people report vitamin E topical creams help... there's a lot of products out there. A dermatologist or cosmetician would be a good source to get yourself started.