What are you doing to treat Melasma?

Hi- I have some hyperpigmentation on the side of my cheek that bothers me too- I have been using a skin lightening product that has only 2 % hydroquinone and seems to work a bit- I have also had 3 microdermabrasion sessions to the area - although the last time, I got a small spider vein from the microderm- so, now, I will need to go get a laser treatment for that and I am not sure that I will go back for more microderm.
I have been told that Fraxel laser is the best treatment for hyperpigmentation.  It is amazing what it can do for freckles.  IPL will work too, I think if you just go to a derm and ask for such a small area to be done they would offer you a better price.
Keep us informed. I need to bite the bullet and get it done too.

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This message is to J...don't go see a dermatologist and have any facial peels, microderma, or lasers done...u will be wasting money!! I have had the same problem now for 2 years (ever since I turned 30)and have been at this now for over a year doing everything possible to fix this!! Nothing has worked!! It looks exactly the same!! I am still researching tryin other products but I just wanted to warn you not to waste your money doing these things...If I ever find a way to fix the problem I will let u know! tigerlady

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I have had melasma for 20 years and nothing works permanently unless you want to live in a cave. I prefer to play tennis and live my life in sunny Florida and try my best to not let it bother me. If you are just getting the "stache" above your lip, you are lucky. Use a good concealer and smile with confidence. Most of us long term melasma sufferers have it over our whole face and it gets worse the more we interfere with procedures. Best to you. Remember, you are your own worst critic. - s

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You need Tri-Luma Cream... if your Dr has Fraxel, that will also help.

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I had melasma and was very embarrassed about it and tried lots of treatments and creams and never really saw much improvement. I went to a very reputable dermatologist and they recommended the IPL followed by using a skin care system that uses a 4% hydroquinone along with glycolic and it has been amazing in the improvement of my skin. It also helped to decrease any of the little blood vessels around my nose and my cheeks. I am totally a fan of IPL and have recommended it to my family and friends who have brown spots and /or broken blood vessels. After 6 months of using this skin care system it is amazing how clear my skin is now. For the first time in my life I am proud of the way my skin glows and every where I go I get lots of compliments on how beautiful my skin is. Don't give up on treating your melasma. I think if you really go to a good dermatologist and get the proper advise then you can improve your melasma. It isn't cheap but well worth the money.

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I have suffered with melasma for more than a decade. It is a lifelong battle but believe me, you can get it under control. Sun, hormones, stress, heat, friction, many different things influence it. As soon as one area looks better, another splotch appears. HQ or other other lighteners and melanase inhibitors are essential, as is regular exfoliation. Some people respond well to laser and light, for others it is worse. For some microdermabrasion helps, for others it is worse. It is a process of trial and error to find out what works for you and what your triggers are. But no matter what works for you, here are three golden rules to melasma: 1. Always wear at least and SPF 30 no matter the weather. Micronized titanium and zinc oxides are physical barrier that work well without attracting free radicals (that can make matters worse). And certainly in the sun, wear a wide-brimmed hat (this will become a fashion statement for you). 2. Never use HQ or a retinoid if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or nursing. NEVER, not in any concentration. 3. Make certain you have a GREAT anti-oxidant that over time, will help --Prevage MD and Revale are the most popular physician-strength anti-oxidants you can get right now.

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J - I am the same as you. I have had these marks for a couple of years and I am 26. I have spend loads of money on lotions and potions, now after reading articles on this site, I dont feel to positive. I absolutely hate the pigmentation. I wish somebody would find a cure. I've yet to have kids, does this mean that it will get twice as bad when I get pregnant?

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I have the same problem. It seems that I am going through the same regiment as 'Glowing Skin' has written about above. Last week I had a glycolic peel and microdermabrasion. My dermalolgist prescirbed Tri-Luma. It's by prescription only and within a week, my skin is lighter. My skin was very splotchy. My cheeks were so dark and blotched that it looked as if I had on bronzer. also, I had dark splotches above my upper lip. The peel and Tri-Luma have been working amazingly well. Tri-Luma contains 4% hydroquinone which I use every night. it seems to be realy working. Watch out for those over the counter products. I have noticed that they only use around 2% hydroquinone which has never worked for me. I have been applying the cream every night for 6 days now and notice a great difference. I think that the glycolic peel definately helped also.

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I had mild melasma from when I was pregnant and I opted for BBL. The BBL cost a total of $300 and has made my skin so clear, people at work are now commenting how my skin is "glowing" (I am using using the mineral veil cosmetic as a foundation). I live in Hawaii and wear SPF without fail when I go out. I have become more conscientious about my skin, and although it has only been a month, my skin looks absolutely flawless. BBL is slightly different to IPL and is newer on the market, so you might want to look into it.

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Hi J -- I have the same problem and have tried HQ 4% which was very irritating to my skin making it look even worse and IPL. I am still looking for something that will work permanently. Check out rebeccafitzgeraldmd.com -- she has a product called Cosmelan depigmentation treatment. I haven't tried it, but it looks promising. I may also look into Diolite laser. You're not alone.

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