Will DPL mask with LED lights or OTC radio frequency DermaWand make my melasma worse? (Photo)

Question

I have dermal melasma from hypothyroid disease. I have had some success with having QSwitch laser treatments in the past. I also use lightening products, Vitamin C , Vitamin A and tretinoin creams. I wanted to see if either one of OTC products (LED or DermaWand) would help with my at home treatment. This condition is causing me to feel very down. Any suggestions I would be very grateful. Thank you in advance for your help.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Dark pigmentation on the skin can be due to melasma, age spots, and sun damage. Melasma is a specific hormonally-influenced skin condition in which pigmentation is deposited by overactive pigment cells in your skin. 
  
In our office, we individualize treatments for melasma and skin discoloration based on skin type, skin complexion, hormonal influences, and ethnicity. 
  
Treatments for melasma begin with Melarase creams as follows: 
  
MelaClenz
  Melarase AM
  Melarase PM
  Melapads
  Replenish Retinoid Cream
  Additional therapies include fractional laser, fractional RF, Covalent peels, and LED microneedling with Replenish serum. The video demonstrates the clear and brilliant laser that is used alongside Melarase creams. 
  
Best, 
  
Dr. Karamanoukian
  
Realself100 Surgeon

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

There are many treatments for melasma, and in a combination they do best.I suggest you see an expert to evaluate your skin and determine thebest combination. Best, Dr. Emer.

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

Unlikely to worsen melasma, but home devices unlikely to improve it either. The science behind pigment reduction is solid with the Q switch lasers, hence why they work in over 90% of cases. Melasma can not be completely cured, however effective treatment are possible. This is because your skin is extremely sensitive to UV and even the smallest amount can stimulate your pigment cells to produce colour. The mainstay of treatment is strict UV protection- hats, sunglasses and SPF every 4 hours. 
  
I prefer to use a combination of creams and laser for melasma. Hydroquinone can be used (5-8%), along with vitamin A creams. I usually start my patients on laser (low dose Q switch or Picosure) a few weeks after they commence on creams. Another laser I use is the Clear and Brilliant in the Permea setting combined with creams. 
  
In some cases I combine glycolic AHA peels, and in other cases I use a tablet called Tranexamic acid to help. Melasma treatments should be tailored to each patient. 
  
All the best, Dr Davin Lim. Laser, surgical and aesthetic dermatologist. Brisbane, Australia

Will DPL mask with LED lights or OTC radio frequency DermaWand make my melasma worse? (Photo)

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Will DPL mask with LED lights or OTC radio frequency DermaWand make my melasma worse? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.