Is there any treatment or cream that will let me tan my face again without my melasma raging out of control?

Question

I have melasma from years of being in the sun. It improves when 50spf sunscreen is worn but I tan very easily so the rest of my body is much darker than my face and I just really enjoy being in the sun. Is there any way or any thing I can do to tan my face but keep the melasma at bay? I thought about a deeper acid peel but read that the new ,fresh skin will just result in recurring dark spots once exposed to the sun.

Jeff Angobaldo, MD · Answer

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.

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Greetings,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

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Skin discoloration is a very prevalent problem in women over the age of twenty.  It is also increasingly common in men with increased sun exposure.  
Risk factors include thyroid disease, sun exposure, hormones, pregnancy, family history, PIH, and birth control. Melarase AM and Melarase PM have been extremely effective in reducing pigmentation associated with skin discoloration and hyperstimulation of melanocytes. 
In my practice, patients with hyperpigmentation benefit from twice daily application of the creams. Melarase AM in the morning, followed by Melarase PM in the evening. Melarase AM contains four active sunblocks, so sunscreen is not needed unless your sun exposure is very high or you had a recent procedure/laser. SPF of 30. Melarase PM contains active skin lighteners to even out skin pigmentation. If you are concerned about the development of pigmentation, contact our office to discuss details and to obtain a regimen for Melarase. 
Recommendations:  5-step Daily Brightening Kit has everything you need to improve dark spots, skin discoloration, melasma, and hyperpigmentation caused by sun exposure, hormones, scarring, and the environment. It’s a powerful daily brightening kit that can help bring out your skin’s natural, healthy glow. Ideal for use on the face, neck, and hands. 
Includes: Melaclenz, Melapads, Melarase AM, Melarase PM, Elevase, and Spectrase
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Los Angeles

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

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

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Melasma needs long term control and avoidance of sun exposure and use of wide spectrum UV protection and sunblock SPF 30+. Best H Karamanoukian MD FACS

Is there any treatment or cream that will let me tan my face again without my melasma raging out of control?

Answers (6)

Answer: Melasma Treatment--Best Treatment Is Clear + Brilliant / Fraxel / Aerolase w Microneedling/prp

Answer: Melasma Treatment--Best Treatment Is Clear + Brilliant / Fraxel / Aerolase w Microneedling/prp

Answer: Melasma needs long term control

Answer: Melasma needs long term control

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Is there any treatment or cream that will let me tan my face again without my melasma raging out of control?

Answers (6)

Answer: Melasma Treatment--Best Treatment Is Clear + Brilliant / Fraxel / Aerolase w Microneedling/prp

Answer: Melasma Treatment--Best Treatment Is Clear + Brilliant / Fraxel / Aerolase w Microneedling/prp

Answer: Melasma needs long term control

Answer: Melasma needs long term control

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

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