Can home IPL devices like the remington iLight pro be used to lighten melasma?

Question

I am mixed Caucasian and Filipino. I have facial melasma and was wondering if home IPL devices like the remington iLight pro can lighten the melasma.

Janet Turkle, MD · Answer

Hi,That's an excellent question. In general home devices are not effective because they do not have the strength of a medical device. For safety reasons, consumers cannot purchase or use the best devices. Secondly, you need a consultation to determine what is the best procedure to treat your melasma. You could do more damage than good. Please beware. Good luck.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

No, I don't recommend trying to treat Melasma yourself. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist. Melasma needs a combination approach to get the best improvement and will need a series of treatments. In our practice, we combine Clear + brilliant, peels, microneedling/PRP, aerolase, Cosmelan, and sometimes erbium laser (coollaser) to get the best results. Melasma will need life-long maintenance. Best, Dr. Emer

Narin (Joe) Apisarnthanarax, MD · Answer

At home treatments are not going to be a strong as your medical devices. Melasma is a hormonal type of pigmentation that can be more stubborn to treat. I would recommend having a consultation with your Dermatologist for treatment options. An IPL treatment with your skin type could actually make the condition worse. For sure limit your sun exposure which can flare the melasma and make sure wear sunscreen daily.

Laura Riehm, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Home treatment is rarely a good idea.  First, based on your ethnic background, any IPL treatment may very likely make your condition worse.  You really need a consultation in a physician's office to determine which treatments would be best for your skin type.  Look for an office with several different treatment options and good reviews.All home devices are dumbed down so anyone can use them unsupervised.  Since there is nothing stopping you from using it everyday, the manufacturer will make it so you can't be hurt/burned.  If it was actually powerful enough to do anything, you would have to wear eye protection.  If you are blindfolded, how would you aim it?Best of luck, but leave it to the experts...

Katherine Dee, MD · Answer

IPL is not good at treating melasma, especially in darker skinned people. Home IPL devices are dangerous, and I would not recommend them. Even in experienced hands, IPL can burn the skin. Melasma is best treated with a combination of topicals, fractional non-ablative laser, and/or certain peels such as the VI peel.

Can home IPL devices like the remington iLight pro be used to lighten melasma?

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