Melasma developed post pregnancy - Which products should I use and avoid and what are my procedure options? (photo)

Question

I'm 14 months post-partum and my skin is a mess. Melasma has taken over my face. During my mat leave, I went on vacation 3 times - I protected my skin every 30 mins with Tizo Ultra Zinc, wore a hat and stayed out of the sun. I tried Clear + Brilliant 3 times with some results. In between treatments, I was using glycolic acid products. Did I do something wrong? I'm now using Erfa Hydroquinone 4% 2x / day. What serums and products should I use - and in what order? What other treatments should I try?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I encourage you to begin with a visit to an aesthetician at a board certified plastic surgeon's office for an evaluation.  You will have the best results with in office treatments combined with a proper skin care regime.  Your skin care specialist will advise on peels and products and how to use them for optimal results.

Julie Thomson, MD · Answer

Melasma is a challenging condition to treat. First, always start with daily tinted mineral sunscreen to prevent further triggering of the condition. Next, consider any hormonal culprits- besides pregnancy, oral birth control and hormonal IUDs . Third, treatment can include HQ, kojic acid or azelic acid in combination with a retinoid at bedtime. Vitamin C serum (apply first after cleansing) can help as an antioxidant to heal damage from sun. Microneedling, chemical peels and laser peels can help but the response is variable. Keep in mind these treatments take time to work and any significant UV exposure or florescent light exposure can cause melasma to return. Find a professional that has experience treating melasma to help with your condition.

Melasma developed post pregnancy - Which products should I use and avoid and what are my procedure options? (photo)

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Melasma developed post pregnancy - Which products should I use and avoid and what are my procedure options? (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.