Melasma Treatment: Forum
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Have you had melasma laser treatment?

Posted 19 Aug 2007

Has anyone out there had Fraxel laser to treat melasma, and if so, how did your melasma react in the immediate weeks after your treatment?

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  • Jill81 (Community Manager)
  • 1 month ago

It is always nice to see that "celebrities" have the same issues as we do.  A few weeks ago Real Housewife of Beverly Hills star Brandi Glanville talked about having laser treatment for her Melasma (and lots of other procedures), after being seen looking pretty raw post-procedure.  Here is a link to one of the articles about it.  I wish she would give us all an update as to whether or not the treatment worked!  What do you guys think?

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Melasma has many causes, but we know that once melasma pigmentation becomes ingrained in your skin, it is very hard to eliminate. In my practice, I ask patients to minimize their risk factors if at all possible. This may include abstinence from hormonal factors, birth control pills, and sun exposure. In addition, I recommend MelaPeels once monthly and daily use of Melarase AM and Melarase PM.
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Hiya, well my melasma has come back bcos I'm pregnant and I can't use the obagi nu derm system at the moment but I still use the foam wash and the toner and and sunscreen ... I didn't realise about liquid foundation which I do use cos it gives more coverage but now I think I will have to have a look at some other fondations, when this bubba is born at the end of august I will do a tca peel and then start using the obagi nu derm system again ;o)) oh and I'm gonna try the vitamin b3 and the viamin C also ... Good luck everyone... What is the best sunscreen to use for melasma???
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Hi Lissa! I use CellCeuticals PhotoDefense daily skin protector SPF 55+. It has NO parabens in it, (mess with your reproductive system and mimic estrogen that causes Melasma)..and is totally safe for your face:-) I also use Obagi Medical Nu-Derm braod spectrum SPF 50. It also has NO parabens. You should never EVER use anything that has parabens in it, whether you are pregnant or not. Parabens will cause your Melasma to be worse, or start in other places. So READ your labels..methelPARABEN is a big one...anything that has the ending of "paraben". The first sunscreen I mentioned is pricey, but you don't use much at one time. I buy it on Amazon.com. It worth it..it's your face! I also use Maybelline Mineral Powder as my new makeup, no liquid covers. This powder is fabulous. I use the light one to cover the melasma a little, then I use a darker one as my full face cover. Also, if you can afford it, the Luminess Face Spray system works beautifully, and has NO parabens in it's makeup! It's so pretty and you will love it. But again, the machine is very expensive, but once you have it, you just buy the luquid makeup as you need it. I love it, and it's amaziing that your skin can look so good with a healthy product. So check all this out. And please, no parabens on your body..if you can avoid it. Almost all shampoo's, soaps, everything, has some kind of paraben in it. But I have managed to find all those products that do not use parabens. it takes time, read your labels, be informed. Look up methylparaben on EWG.org. You will educate yourself and you will be glad you did! I didn't have this nfo for years, and once I had it, I changed the darkness of my Melasma almost overnight. good luck to you:-)
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Thank you so much for your insight, I'm gonna write it all down and go online and check it all out, thanks again for ur help ;o))
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if you think of it and have time, I would love to know how you do...long term. I'm glad I could help. Few people realize that the very things we put on our face to hide our Melasma, actually makes it worse! Good luck to you:-)
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Hi robbie - where did you get your luminese spray system. My melasma is horrible and now I am not responding the triple prescription from my dermatologis. I am at the end of my rope~
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Hi there, I bought it off line, at I believe..Luminess.com. It's really amazing. It has a primer liquid, it has highliters, any shade you could possibly need for your skin color..etc. I don't use the blush and eye stuff, that's silly. But being able to use your own concealer then SPRAY on your foundation...it's really cool. Order two different shades that you may like, and you can mix them together until you find the perfect shade. WATCH the video that comes with the machine. As far as your Melasma, what have you done, what do you use, what have you tried? I will share my personal trials and tribulations with you, and feel free to email me at AOL..i'm at Robalinkfla@aol.com, if that would make you more comfortable. I know what a nightmare this can be, and who knows, maybe there's something you haven't tried that I have, that my work.who knows? but the Luminess is fabulous..it's worth every penny..it really is..pls keep in touch:-) Robbie
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Hiya at the moment I'm using obagi foam wash and the toner but when I read the label on the foam wash it contains parabens!!! And I'm using obagi nu derm sunscreen 50 I've just bought skincueticals 50 spf. As u recommended! And once the baby is born I will go back to using obagi nu derm system I'm gonna try that make up ur talking about as well, thanks for all ur help ;o)) I'm really grateful x
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sounds like you researched the parabens..it's pretty amazing isn't it? What we don't know can hurt us a lot! And seriously, you are going to be so glad you spent the money on the good makeup. The Maybelline mineral powder is very nice and has NO parabens, and also the Luminess spray make up system. Be sure also Lisa, to put on your sunscreen, wait about 10 minutes or so, then apply a second layer. Let that dry and then apply your makeup. Sunscreen is meant to be applied in layers, and it works so much better if you do. the obagi nuderm is awfully white, as you know already, so in that case, apply your extra layer to only the Melasma areas. The nice thing about the Obagi SPF is that since it's got a white tone, and it's rather heavy, it helps hide the Melasma!! I looked at the Obagi foam wash and toner myself, but RAN away from it. And Lisa, once the baby is born, try not to go back to anything that has parabens..please. They are never ever good for you, and will never EVER help you with your melasma. They MIMIC estrogen, and that makes Melasma worse. It's was making it bad from the inside of your body in the first place. Keep reading..you owe it to yourself to get rid of all extra estrogen products and foods. Yes foods..research, it's worht it to your face and your body:-) And breast feeding also is smarter without all the added estrogen. Be well..stay in touch!
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www.luminessair.com it's expensive, but it's good make up, and you will look so smooth:-) Check out the return policy just in case you don't like it, but I can't imagine that you won't. I really can't. When I just use my mineral powder now with a brush, I always wish I had bothered to take the time to use my Luminess machine. And this is important...be sure to clean your applicator..you must clean it as directed to keep it nice. There will be directions, I urge you to follow them and lastly..never use any other brand of make up in your spray applicator. No matter what you think, all other brands of makeup will clog and ruin your spray nozzel. Trust me on this, I know:-) I'm sure you will love it..take your time, practice, find the right shade, and you will be happy:-)
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Thank you hun I will keep u posted I've got ur email address ;o)) oh and I ordered skincutiecals not cellcuticals never mind I will get that too ( we can never have enough sun screen right) lool
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Fraxel is not a cure for melasma. I would first recommend topical therapy. In my opinion, I would begin with topical Melarase and then perform MelaPeels once monthly. Conservative treatments are good first-line therapies.
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I had Fraxel DUAL, which is NOT the same as the regular Fraxel. The DUAL approach worked well for me, I've done it twice. Both times the Melasma was gone, and then because the skin was so new and so "at the surface", I could then treat it with Obaji and Tretinoin, which has kept the Melasma at bay for the most part. There's a light version of it still on my upper lip, but it's almost undetectable. I think people need to realize that regular Fraxel is not a good idea, the Dual IS good, and gentle, but then you really have to stay out of the sun, wear a hat, and use good products on the Melasma to keep it at bay. You can't just Fraxel, or bleach, and then act like that's all you have to do. It's not. You seriously have to take excellent care of your skin. NO sun on your face. None. And I use Obaji SPF of 55, and I use TWO layers. I then use a SPK Mineral powder over that. NO liquid makeup, they almost ALL have Parabens in them. Parabens MIMIC estrogen, which is most likey why you HAVE the Melasma in the first place. NO PARABENS anywhere on your face! I stopped using parabens and my Melasma almost cleared up. Get serious, do your research, you WILL get it under control. Email me if you have any questions regarding my personal experience. I am not a Doctor, but Melasma has little to do with what you are, and everything to do with your personal experience with treating it. Let's all keep sharing!
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Hi I used the obagi system and loved it. What cover up or tinted moisturizer do you recommend?
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Yep with great results (fraxel but not for melasmal) then somehow melasma creeped upon me and boy its incredibly difficult to get rid of (understatement) it's ruining my life and self confidence gone out the window for the past few months treating w/ bleach and 8hr mask treatment no results well very little wouldnt mind the cost if something actually worked no laser for a minute b/c heat activates melasma still working on it makes me look older than I am bummer ;( guess ill inquire about VIT b3
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There maybe something behind the Vitamins. My 54 year old husband is presently in a 12-month Hospital trial group for Vitamin B3 (nicotinamide) as a potential remedy for sunspots and skin carcinoma's. He takes 500mg in the morning and 500mg in the evening. After 6 months the results seem amazing. The doctors say his spots have declined by 50%...and the moisture content of his skin has risen significantly. It seems as though he might might not be in the placebo group (quite funny if he turns out to be so!). I have had a melasma for over 15 years. I have used IPL and fraxel and within a few months the melasma is back. There is some promising work out there on the benefits of B3 on reducing melasma's. The vitamin is also recognised for its ability to reduce the effects of acne (found in creams) and to whiten skin (newly released cosmetics). Your skin radiates on this vitamin. I have been a big fan of B3 for a couple of years but for a different reason. My kids suffer neutropenia (low white cells). The 500mg B3 lifts their white cell count - we certaily have had amazing success with this. Well there are medical observations that it is the raised level of neutraphils that attacks the skin lesions/ sunspots. The trial my husband is on is also trialling this as well as positive impacts on memory/reduced dementia risk, decline in speed of aging. Some in the industry refer to this a SUPER Vitamin, it also increases the bodies ability to metabolise fats and carbohydrates. No wonder the amount of nicotinamide in B Group tablets has doubled in recent years. I have just lifted my B3 to 1,000mg/day. I shall let you know how my melasma fares over coming months. Be careful not to use B3 in the form of nicotinic acid as skin flushing can occur. Please google some amazing research out there on B3 before using.

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hi ive been using the obagi nu derm system now for about 4 weeks and there is major improvement it hasnt completly gone and it does make my face red and light peeling but i prefer this to the hyper pigmentation so i recommend it to anyone it has changed my life i am more confident..on my forehead is still there but it is easier to hide with make up now.. before no matter how much make up i had on you could till see it clearly...look on youtube for reviews on the obagi system it is abit expensive but you cann get deal on ebay thats where i got mine xx
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I have had melasma for years. It started with my first pregnancy and only continued to get worse. I have used bleaching creams only to have 0% improvement.I am scheduled to have an IPL treatment next week. Although, after reading these posts I am scared to do anything, but I am so sick of feeling so insecure about my face. I long for the days I did not have to hide behind gallons of make up.... Help?
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PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE think about it before you venture down the road of having laser treatment. I have NEVER heard from anyone who has a success story following laser treatment. Heat really makes melasma worse, if I were you I would get a second opinion from a reputable dermatologist even if this means you have to pay. It is your face after all. Please look at the pictures I have posted, it really isn't worth it.

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I totally agree with you. I have olive skin and had 4 treatment with ZERO results, I do notice not when I do go in the sun, my skin tend to hyperpigment much faster. Please yes consult a board certified derm. first
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had IPL a year ago, six treatments, spent the money and had O% improvement. I did not mean to discourage you. I am currently using cosmelan and has some result, but the melasma is lightened a bit, the only thing other than not completely get rid of the dark pigment, it is very drying. I am constantly feeling very dry and peeling on my face. So far it is the only thing that gives me so result. Cost of $1000 US. Good luck with your treatment and I do feel for you
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Hi there. I've been suffering from melasma nineteen years. I had all the treatments that you mentioned and used supplements including MSM. I thought I join this forum. I am thinking about buying ReAura fraxel laser to use at home. First start with Hydroquinon and Retin A for six weeks before my treatments. Use only very low settings and go slow. I will report back when I am done. The whole treatment with laser takes eight weeks. My melasma is all over my face, I have post inflammatory hyperpigmentation on sides of my face (it looks sort of like Mickey Mouse loll!) I use Misha BB cream to camouflage and Shisheido sheer foundation . It does an ok job. Take care and I feel your pain. Off now to look for block@white soap. Haven't tried that one yet lol! There is always hope. Never, ever lose it :-)
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thanks carman i have bought all the obagi nu derm system and im going to start that in a few weeks when the sun dies down as ive heard the ret A makes your skin sensitive to the sun also i didnt o back for the limelight laser bcos it didnt do much and for £150 a session it will have to wait i have a family to feed...anyways let me know how that white soap and how you got hold of it ;0)) x good luck with the fraxal hope it works for you x

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Do u mean block and white soap?

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