Can you use apple cider vinegar for Melasma Treatment? (photo)

Question

I've used hydroquinone up to 10%, Triluma and Obagi C Clarifying over the past 2 yrs with no luck treating upper lip melasma. I read apple cider vinegar can help and concerned to keep using hydroquinone due to the side effects with long term use. Can anyone tell me what I can do? Everything I've read says IPL makes melasma worse. The doctor I use for skin care/laser hair removal is concerned to make it worse if she treats it with anything other then topical creams. Makeup makes it look worse!

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Melasma is a common condition and in our office we utilize the Melarase AM and Melarase PM creams to address pigmentation issues on the face.  Raffy Karamanoukian MD FACSLos Angeles

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Greetings, see below.Melasma is a condition which requires multiple steps and treatments to effectively improve the condition consistently over time.  In our office, here are steps which are effective:
-Pico lasers- The best type of laser for improving the condition.  Please not it takes multiple steps to improve melasma safely
-Nd:YAG Nano lasers with toning- Here a laser is used for deeply resistant melasma to break up particles without generating excessive heat
-Melanage peels- A variety of peels can work and melanage is one of the best for melasma
-Skin topicals- A variety of products including use of lighteners (we prefer natural lighteners such as arubtase found in our product Luminoso) as well as sunscreens can help improve the condition
-Lifestyle choices-Avoiding the sun, hormonal changes (we have a hormone expert in Dr. Chughtai in our office) can all impact melasma.
While melasma is common, patients must understand a multi pronged approach is often the best strategy and controlling this condition.
Best, 
Anil Shah MD

Can you use apple cider vinegar for Melasma Treatment? (photo)

Answers (2)