How to get rid of melasma? (Photo)

Greetings, melasma can only be treated at this time. 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 note 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

I would start with Melarase creams followed by Clear and Brilliant laser to help reduce the pigmentation and maintain results. Pico lasers may hypo pigment. Best, Dr. KaramanoukianLos Angeles

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, and sometimes erbium laser (coollaser) to get the best results. See an expert for a formal evaluation. Best, Dr. Emer

Pictures suggest melasma. A multimodality approach to melasma is key to successful reduction in hyperpigmentation and ongoing maintenance. You would need an in person examination but Melasma can be treated with a comprehensive approach.  You should avoid sun exposure with wide spectrum high SPF sun block and Spectrase is a great product for this. Consideration should be given to stopping birth control pills. As well, topical creams that are non hydroquinone based. Sclerovase. Melarase AM and Melarase PM are hydroquinone based products that relieve melasma pigmentation. I have been shown to be very effective in our practice.

Hi allibakker814! For your melasma, there are different treatment options. Peels, lasers (such as Clear and Brilliant), and microneedling with platelet-rich plasma are some options available. I would also recommend going to a board-certified dermatologist who can discuss your condition and also prescribe you some other topical medication that can help. And with melasma, just remember that you must have sunscreen on at all times. Even the smallest amount of sun can flare this condition. Good luck!

the Picosure laser is breakthrough technology. it is new laser and is also an expensive laser so you may have to do a bit of searching to find one in your area. however, it is an incredible laser since it fires 1,000 faster than other lasers on the market. This means it will not cause the redness that the IPL, CO2 or Fraxel will cause. you should plan 3 treatments, a month apart.david berman md

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