Can Finacea Foam (azelaic acid 15%) help lighten melasma?

Question

Approx. 1-1/2 yrs ago, I noticed melasma on my face. Tried Rodan & Fields reverse regimen which helped with my freckles, however, did not help much with my melasma. Treating my melasma with tri-luma which helped. Since tri-luma can only be used short term, my doctor prescribed Finacea Foam (FF) to help maintain the results. Have anyone used the FF for melasma and what were your results? Will be turning 50, can peri-menopause also cause melasma? I read that melasma can fade after menopause.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Melasma and age spots can be due to hormones, aging, sun exposure, thyroid dysfunction, and genetics. Treatments range from IPL to laser therapy; but pigmentation may recur if not complemented with topical creams to stabilize the pigment cells. 
I would suggest starting with Melarase Brightening Kit with Melaclenz, Melapads, Melarase AM, and Melarase PM to help stabilize pigmentation and reduce recurrence. Once started, an active protocol that includes Covalent peels, IPL, fractional laser, and microneedling can further remove pigmentation.
Best, Dr. KaramanoukianRealself100 Surgeon

Jeff Angobaldo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.   I would have your physician prescribe you an ointment called Triluma and start applying a thin layer 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.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend seeing a cosmetic dermatologist for a formal evaluation. 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 (Cosmelan), Microneedling/PRP, Aerolase, and sometimes Erbium laser (cool laser) to get the best results. I suggest seeing an expert for a formal evaluation. Best, Dr. Emer

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear vjew,I would have to examine you but Melasma can be treated with a comprehensive approach.  Stopping or changing the birth control medication, avoidance of UV and direct light, and also retinol and hydroquinone treatment. You should always use sunscreen.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

David E. Berman, MD (retired) · Answer

You should plan at least 3 picosure laser treatments for your face, each spaced one month apart. you should also use a HQ cream and an excellent sunblock. There is no downtime with the Picosure laser.david berman md

Can Finacea Foam (azelaic acid 15%) help lighten melasma?

Answers (6)

Answer: Melasma

Answer: Melasma

Answer: You may get faster and better results with the picosure laser for melasma

Answer: You may get faster and better results with the picosure laser for melasma

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Can Finacea Foam (azelaic acid 15%) help lighten melasma?

Answers (6)

Answer: Melasma

Answer: Melasma

Answer: You may get faster and better results with the picosure laser for melasma

Answer: You may get faster and better results with the picosure laser for melasma

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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.