I have had dermal melasma since my first child was born. I've tried hydroquinone combined with Retin-A and glycolic peels with no success. Two clinicians have told me I am not a candidate for laser treatments (because of PIH risk), but today I met with a doctor who suggested I try the Clear and Brilliant Laser treatment. I have olive complexion and of Mediterranean decent. Is this superficial laser really a good choice? After doing some reading, I'm not so sure. What have other people found?
April 21, 2016
Answer: Try a test spot for Clear & Brilliant before treating your entire face. Hello there,In general, I caution the use of lasers for the treatment of melasma, but you can certainly ask your doctor to try a test spot before treating your whole face. Clear & Brilliant would be my choice for those with melasma - and I would treat conservatively.Melasma has many different causes, and must be approached this way. One common cause is hormonal imbalance or use of hormone medications such as oral contraceptives or supplements. Please be sure to check in with your internist to make sure everything is ok. If you are using any unnecessary supplements, stop those. Sun exposure is another important trigger of melasma. Be sure to wear a mineral sunblock every day, and re-apply throughout the day if possible. The ingredients you should look for include: zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and ferrous oxide. Powder sunblocks are a great addition to your daily routine. You can even take supplements such as Heliocare, which provides internal sunblock, or niacinamide, which can decrease the uneven pigmentation and any inflammation. Wear a hat and/or use umbrellas when you walk outside.Next, at-home prescription and physician-dispensed treatments can help. Medications like Triluma contains a lightener (hydroquinone), retinoid (tretinoin) and anti-inflammatory (fluocinolone). Usually my patients use a medication like this for 4-6 months until they achieve their aesthetic goals, and then we transition to a tretinoin-only product. Procedures such as chemical peels can also help. Please caution use of lasers, as this can cause worsening of melasma if done incorrectly. Of course, good skincare is very important. Use gentle cleansers and moisturizers, and avoid using acids at home, which can irritate the skin. Good luck!
Helpful 4 people found this helpful
April 21, 2016
Answer: Try a test spot for Clear & Brilliant before treating your entire face. Hello there,In general, I caution the use of lasers for the treatment of melasma, but you can certainly ask your doctor to try a test spot before treating your whole face. Clear & Brilliant would be my choice for those with melasma - and I would treat conservatively.Melasma has many different causes, and must be approached this way. One common cause is hormonal imbalance or use of hormone medications such as oral contraceptives or supplements. Please be sure to check in with your internist to make sure everything is ok. If you are using any unnecessary supplements, stop those. Sun exposure is another important trigger of melasma. Be sure to wear a mineral sunblock every day, and re-apply throughout the day if possible. The ingredients you should look for include: zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and ferrous oxide. Powder sunblocks are a great addition to your daily routine. You can even take supplements such as Heliocare, which provides internal sunblock, or niacinamide, which can decrease the uneven pigmentation and any inflammation. Wear a hat and/or use umbrellas when you walk outside.Next, at-home prescription and physician-dispensed treatments can help. Medications like Triluma contains a lightener (hydroquinone), retinoid (tretinoin) and anti-inflammatory (fluocinolone). Usually my patients use a medication like this for 4-6 months until they achieve their aesthetic goals, and then we transition to a tretinoin-only product. Procedures such as chemical peels can also help. Please caution use of lasers, as this can cause worsening of melasma if done incorrectly. Of course, good skincare is very important. Use gentle cleansers and moisturizers, and avoid using acids at home, which can irritate the skin. Good luck!
Helpful 4 people found this helpful
