I have moustache melasma and I have Latino skin. What can I do about it?

I would begin with the Melarase Brightening kit followed by Opti-masks at home, Melapeels, and Clear and Brilliant lasers. Best, Dr. KaramanoukianLos Angeles

I recommend getting a formal consultation with a cosmetic dermatologist for best treatment options. It requires a combination approach to treat melasma.  We currently use clear + brilliant with bleaching and microneedling/prp and getting amazing results. I suggest you see an expert. You will need lifelong treatment, sun protection, skin care. But these treatments can give you improvement and then help you maintain. Best , Dr. Emer

Latino skin is prone to hyperppigmentation. Try Melarase cream and avoid sun exposure, use sun block and avoid local injury.Best

Hair threading, removal, etc. in the upper lip area can cause post inflammatory hyperpigmentation in this area. We see this commonly in patients who get this area threaded. The pigmentation occurs from trauma to the skin. Often I tell my patients to stop the behavior causing the pigmentation and we treat the area with a combination of creams to assist in improvement. 

Melasma skin needs to be 100% out of the sun, so if you are outdoors, you have to wear sunscreen. The best sunscreen is one with zinc and/or titanium ONLY, no extra chemicals. One example would be Neutrogena Babies, but other higher end brands make good ones too like EltaMD and TiZO which are personal favorites. Next, for active recovery you need to be on a lightening cream, and Obagi Nuderm is one good example. It is also beneficial to take vitamin C daily. Finally, there are excellent procedures we do here in the office to help melasma. They include chemical peels and lasers. Best!

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