Melasma Peel: What Works Best?

Question

Which chemical peel would you recommend for melasma? Will melange peel help? How long do chemical peel results last for this problem?

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

I provide IPL PhotoFacial treatments for brown discoloration of the skin. I have stopped trying to treat melasma, since my StarLux IPL treatments have not been satisfactory, and sometimes problematic.
You should consult a certified dermatologist that has favorable photos of melasma treatments. I don't think there is one specific "best treatment". I have read about erbium laser treatments as working well, but I think the experience and preference of your physician is of utmost importance.
I hope this is helpful, and best regards.

Jeff Angobaldo, MD · Answer

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Thank you for your question.   I would recommend to start using triluma morning and night six weeks prior to laser treatment. Fractional treatment is very effective for suppressing discoloration and evening out skintone.  Skinpen which is a microneedling device that would also be beneficial for getting rid of melasma.  The microneedling treatment helps to wake up your natural growth factors, shrink your pores, fade discoloration and acne scars, and help increase collagen and elastin production. You would do a treatment every 4 weeks and stay out of the sun as much as possible and always wear spf 50 broad sprectrum.  Always consult with your physician first before starting a treatment.

Burke Robinson, MD, FACS · Answer

There are many chemical peels on the market today.  Medical-grade peels are going to be the best when it comes to treating Melasma.  Topical home care is very important too. If you can’t use hydroquinone, other options are Kojic acid, Vitamin C, Licorice Extract, Arbuti, or a blend of them).  And of course most importantly is being religious about sun protection i.e. hat, sunglasses, etc.. and a good sunblock repeatedly applied every hour!

In our experience, we have found the Perfect Derma Peel for Melasma works very well. The active ingredients are: TCA, Retinoic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Kojic Acids, Phenol, Glutathione and Vitamin C.  So with the cell turnover you also have antioxidants that inhibit melanin production and brighten the skin.

Hope you found this answer helpful.  All the best!

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Melasma can be difficult to treat.  There are a variety of peels which target pigmentation but in our office there are a variety of peels used to target hyperpigmentation including Melanage, PCA Peel with hydroquinone, and others.  Many peels come with post treatment kits and may recommend a series of peels.  For some patients, if peels are insufficient, laser therapy can be used.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Melasma is a common disorder that is often
difficult to treat.  It isn't unusual for a patient to become frustrated
after trying  a variety of treatments in an attempt to  obtain
satisfactory results.  Like most other complicated skin conditions, a
combination of treatments paired with the proper skin regimen works best!
Topical de-pigmenting agents  such as hydroquinone or other melanin
inhibitors along with a topical tretinoic acid to increase skin cell turnover,
 hastens the fading of uneven patches.  This commitment along with
specific medical-grade chemical peels, appropriate  laser treatments and
diligent protection , can enhance the likelihood of reducing or resolving
melasma !

#melasma
 #chemicalpeels # unevenskincolor

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Melasma is a common disorder that is often
difficult to treat.  It isn't unusual for a patient to become frustrated
after trying  a variety of treatments in an attempt to  obtain
satisfactory results.  Like most other complicated skin conditions, a
combination of treatments paired with the proper skin regimen works best!
Topical de-pigmenting agents  such as hydroquinone or other melanin
inhibitors along with a topical tretinoic acid to increase skin cell turnover,
 hastens the fading of uneven patches.  This commitment along with
specific medical-grade chemical peels, appropriate  laser treatments and
diligent protection , can enhance the likelihood of reducing or resolving
melasma !

#melasma
 #chemicalpeels # unevenskincolor

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

I use a MelaPeel for melasma and skin pigmentation.  I recommend at least two weeks of Melarase AM and Melarase PM before the peel.Surgery90210

David Hansen, MD · Answer

Melasma usually takes 3-5 light chemical peels such as Jessner's solution ($175 each), a good prescription bleaching cream($75-100) nightly and a daily sunscreen. I used to be more aggressive in treating melasma with higher strenght chem peels or IPL treatments or laser treatments but the results were so unpredictable and could make it worse so i do more gentle treatments and have great success. Peels should be done yearly and bleaching creams at least once a week forever to prevent the darkening from returning.

Richard D. Freier, MD · Answer

An ND:YAG laser works well for Melasma and has less down time than a chemical peel, however it may take several sessions in order to obtain the desired results.

Hope this helps.

Glenn Messina, MD · Answer

Melasma is very difficult to treat and if yo do get a resolution its imperative to use a daily sunblock ( physical with zinc and or titanium) all the time, including indoors and in the car!
Melasma  isn't cured and rarely disappears 100%, it can be reduced and controlled but even that is difficult. I like the Vi precision peel about 4 weeks apart but you will need at least 3 ad up to 6 over the course of a year but even that is only partially helpful.
Q switched lasers also may help as well as some fractional lasers that bore holes i the pigment.
However all of this is moot unless you adhere to a strict constant application of the sunblock. Any exposure to the UV light will cause the melasma  to return quickly.
Im sorry to be so negative but I don't want you to see ads on the internet etc, and be let down.

Melasma Peel: What Works Best?

Answers (20)

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