Is there an effective lasting treatment or remedy for melasma?

Melasma or excessive pigmentation is a common problem that can be difficult to treat. There may be several treatments for melasma, but nothing is more important than prevention of melasma with daily use of a chemical-free sunblock with an SPF of 50 or higher. Ideally, sunblock will be applied to exposed skin multiple times each day. In addtion to sunblock, mineral makeup can help to protect the skin from damaging UV rays. But, mineral makeup is absolutely not a substitute for sunblock.

Medical treatments to improve melasma include IPL and the Gentlelase Alexandrite laser. Deep chemical peels carry a high risk of post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. We feel the results of IPL treatments or the Alexandrite laser are much safer and more predictable than the results of deep chemical peels.Even light treatments like microdermabrasion or Lactic acid peels require extra sunblock maintenence in order to protect the skin from further damage.

A medical spa owned and operated by a physician should have muiltiple lasers and both non-invasive and minimally invasive treatments to correct melasma. Physician owned medical spas should also have medical grade skin care to protect the skin from future damage and to aid in anti-aging.

Melasma is known for recurrence. Chemical peel, SilkPeel and Fraxel Restore are the best options for correction, but the maintenaince program AFTER treatment is very important. Anthelios XL for sunscreen must be done daily, rain or shine, January or June. I also recommend topical vitamin C and Heliocare, which is an oral sun protectant. If possible, avoid estrogen (such as in oral contraceptives). Pregnancy is a known trigger as well. Lastly, Triluma is a topical product that is one of the best for preventing repigmentation.