POSTED UNDER Laser Resurfacing REVIEWS
43 Year Old Latina and Hating Melasma - Florida
ORIGINAL POST
Since moving to Florida I have several blotches of...
sunrunMay 29, 2015
$407
Since moving to Florida I have several blotches of Melasma that don't seem to go away. I have decided to try Obagi Nu Derm ( with .1% tetrinol) at the recommendation of a dermatologist. The Melasma is concentrated on my cheekbones and upper lip. At first, they looked like freckles...but it soon turned into larger areas, not typical of freckles. I plan to upload and review each week during this 3 month process. I will also not wear any make-up during this time....(oh lord am I brave)! Im really hoping for positive results.
Replies (19)
June 5, 2015
Hi, I've suffered from Melasma for years--mostly on my checks. I have tried bleaching, which works temporarily for me. The spots seem to come back with a vengeance whenever I go out in the sun though (even with sunscreen w/zinc.) Wishing you much luck with your treatment, and am looking forward to hearing/seeing how it goes!
June 30, 2016
I now use "Butt Paste" on my melasma when out in the sun. I was actually told to use it by a dermatologist. It's normally used to prevent baby diaper rash which makes it difficult for the sun to penetrate. I've gone to the beach and the pool with the butt paste on the melasma spots and the areas didn't get darker at all. It comes in a red tube which you can find in any store in the baby aisle.
June 12, 2015
I have the same problem and they literally covered both cheeks with darker on the upper cheek bones. I've tried many different products ordered from hsn and different places and nothing worked until recently. Surprisingly I just bought ambi fade cream from cvs for $7 and they have faded significantly already and it hasn't even been 2 weeks yet. I found out about this cream from Oprah Winfrey's blog. It contains 2% Hydroquinone which is a bleaching agent made specifically for this problem. I would try this before spending 100's of dollars on other treatments that may not even work.
June 28, 2015
I too have tried everything. What I find is that even if a product works, the results dont usually last and it can get very expensive trying to stay on top of the problem. Plus, I hate how the meds make my skin look raw/pink in the treated areas. What has helped me more than any product ive tried is, believe it or not...apple cider vinegar. Two weeks in and my severe melasma is almost completely gone. Your suppose to use the real thing which is Braggs acv with the mother and dilute it with water. Mine was really bad so i used it undiluted and it works very well. I put it in one of those little squeeze travel bottles and use a cotton ball to apply it. Please everyone, give it a try. I even went outside without my hat yesterday by accident. I just knew i would pay by having my melasma darken up again, but it didnt! Try it. 5$ for a bottle that will last you for months. It also works for acne. Just be sure to only wear it at home and wash off before leaving, it smells! Hope this helps someone.
June 29, 2015
I have also tried the vinegar solution....did not do one thing for me...glad it works for you.
June 26, 2015
Hi. I'm 43 and have melasma on both cheeks and forehead (forehead worse). I've been using Obagi Nu Derm for 4 months now with .05 tretinion. The melasma on my cheeks have broken up very little but the forehead hasn't improved at all. I'm considering the Lutronic Spectra laser but it has mixed reviews. I'm so frustrated with the whole thing! Good luck to you. I hope Obagi gives you much better results!
June 27, 2015
I hear your pain. I was really hoping for more progress at this point.....I even wish my face was peeling just to give me the impression that my skin is renewing! I don't know about the laser, I've just heard it can make melasma worse....Good luck!
October 16, 2015
I know this is a few months old but I wanted to tell you that I did the Spectra laser (at considerable cost and trouble) and it did nothing more than the hydroquinone treatments. Even my doc was honest when he said they'd had mixed results with that laser. Melasma is such a difficult problem to treat. It requires persistence and patience. If anyone tries to sell you a quick fix don't buy it!
June 28, 2016
Did you ever consider a laser with picosecond pulse? Picosure or enlighten? I have heard 2 people saying it got worse with picosure, but i also asume it is that you all live in very sunny places and sun is not allowed like until after 8 weeks. That might be the major problem of hawai, texas or florida. I ask myself, that if in germany they only do it during the winter how can it work in sunny places like Florida?
June 28, 2016
I have used the Pico sure, but only on age spots on my hands. I would be very hesitant to use it on my melasma and would only try it if I could do a small spot and monitor it for a few months. Sun is definitely a no-no, and I protect my skin religiously.
June 30, 2016
Never heard of picosure but I'm very reluctant to use any kind of laser after being burned by a laser in the past. It actually made my melasma worse. I'm simply using a product called "White Lightning Serum" by Innovative Skincare in addition to Obagi Blend (Step 5) and occasionally Retin A. The melasma on my cheeks has broken up and lightened a bit but not on my forehead.
Replies (1)
June 1, 2015
Whoops looks like your pic didn't load- here is a help guide in case you are having trouble:
Replies (7)
June 2, 2015
This pic is from last Thursday, before Obagi. Melasma is on cheeks and upper lip.
June 12, 2015
Yes, my Dr. and esthetician both said I could as long as I take preventative measures...sunblock/hat and not worshipping the sun!
June 2, 2015
Thanks for trying again- glad it loaded this time! I'm looking forward to following how the Obagi goes for you. I'm about to start a different line (just waiting for it to ship) and will be doing a review soon on it. I was torn between Obagi and Nucelle (what I ordered) so it will be interesting to see how we both do!
June 5, 2015
I'd love to know the results from both! These were the same two lines I'm considering as I've had melasma for a few years now and while it seemed to be "still" for a bit it seems to be growing now :(
Good luck to both of you and I hope the results are amazing!
June 8, 2015
I started a review for the Nucelle- just waiting for it to ship. There are a few other reviews about it in the Melasma community that you can check out, as well as some Obagi reviews. Happy hunting!
Looking forward to your weekly updates!