Melasma blog posts and news

New For Melasma Treatment: Octadecenedioic Acid

Since melasma is one of the most common skin problems facing adult women, skin care companies are constantly introducing new skin lighteners deemed safe and more effective than the others.

A recent product launched in the anti-melasma category is Eucerin White Solution Spot Treatment.  The Eucerin lightener contains a relatively new skin care ingredient for targeting hyperpigmentation: Octadecenedioic acid.

• Octadecenedioic acid is said to interfere with pigment production.  
• According to Eucerin, it appears to be effective at skin lightening.
• A small study of 19 women showed melasma severity decreased by 40% in eight weeks.

Although the Eucerin melasma treatment is not yet available in the US (tell us when it's available!), Nivea has alternate option. Nivea Body Natural Tone Face and Body Creme for an Even Skin Tone SPF 4 also contains Octadecenedioic acid to help even out skin tone and discoloration. 

The SPF 4 is not enough sunscreen protection to ward off future discoloration, let alone sun damage in general. So you'll need to beef up the protection with a much higher level SPF (at least SPF 30). Tip: See doctor answers to What's the best sunscreen

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Tri-Luma For Melasma Treatment And Skin Lightening

Melasma is a condition that affects so many women--many experiencing it for the first time during pregnancy--where it is referred to as the "mask of pregnancy". According to the American Academy of Dermatology, men account for only 10% of those affected by melasma.

A recent comment was posted on the RealSelf.com forum topic "Advice on Treating Melasma" about a doctor-prescribed topical cream, Tri-Luma Cream.

Tri-Luma--the "Tri" is for the three active ingredients it contains-- fluocinolone acetonide 0.01%, hydroquinone 4%, tretinoin 0.05%--touts the ability to reduce the signs of melasma within 8 weeks.

We asked New York dermatologist, Dr. Jordana S. Gilman, to share her thoughts on Tri-Luma Cream, and learned, she's a fan.

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Hide Blemishes & Melasma: Dermablend Smooth Indulgence

Dermablend, a brand that specializes on corrective cosmetics for all skin types, has recently introduced a new foundation that provides medium coverage for minor to moderate skin flaws, without emphasizing wrinkles and pores.

Dermablend Smooth Indulgence Foundation promises up to 12 hours of wear, which is great for those who need a long-wearing foundation for concealing melasma, hyperpigmentation, scarring, bruising, rosacea, redness, spot blemishes, acne and dark under-eye circles.

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Cover FX Makeup Conceals With Over 40 Shades

Cover FX was one of the must-stop-by's at The Makeup Show/NYC this past weekend. One of the most-discussed forum topics at RealSelf.com is melasma, and while much of the discussion focuses on various treatments, corrective makeup can provide another way to manage the condition--as well as to camouflage burn scars, acne and rosacea.

Cover FX, along with  lines like Dermablend and CoverBlend from NeoStrata, can help--and Cover FX's Coverage Cream Foundation offers a whopping 40+ shades. Here, 3 from Cover FX to try...

1. Cover FX Coverage Cream Foundation

2. Cover FX Water-based Liquid Foundation

3. Cover FX Setting FX Loose Setting Powder

Have you tried any of these Cover FX products?

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Is Meladerm Naturally Good For Skin Lightening?

Skin lighteners which include hydroquinone occasionally have some negative reports about their long term effects, but Meladerm claims to be safer way to address a wide array of skin damage:

• Hyperpigmentation / Dark discolorations
• Age / Liver spots / Sun spots
• Freckles
• Tans / Sun damage
• Melasma / Chloasma
• Acne marks
• Old scars
• Birthmarks
• Dark elbows, knees, underarms, knuckles
• Uneven skin tones

Meladerm represents it's active ingredients of kojic acid and alpha-arbutin as a more natural means of addressing these skin conditions.  But before you run out and buy a year's supply of Meladerm, note that Meladerm usage is not necessary over the long-term as a skin lightener. The company states that Meladerm efficacy "plateaus" after 3 or 4 months. Meladerm manufacturer Civant Skin Care stated in a note to RealSelf.com that "Rather than ‘milking’ customers as some companies will do, we are honest in stating that the product does not have to be purchased indefinitely."

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Pigmentation Removal By Fraxel

Last night my friend Denise stopped by with her lovely child (pictured here enjoying time with my pup). Ever since pregnancy Denise has tried in vain to get rid of her facial melasma*. But now the pigmentation from her skin gone. Poof. She looks positively radiant!

Her no-longer-a-secret solution? Fraxel laser treatment.

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