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POSTED UNDER Laser Resurfacing REVIEWS

Hydroquinone 10% + Kojic Acid 4% + Retinol 1% + Hydrocortisone Cream for Dermal Melasma - London, UK

Name: Hydroquinone 10% + Kojic Acid 4% + Retinol 1% + Hydrocortisone Cream for Dermal Melasma - London, UK
Item: Dr Sunil Chopra
Author: mandybains

ORIGINAL POST

I have started this high strength cream for dermal...

mandybainsDecember 11, 2015

$200

I have started this high strength cream for dermal melasma on both cheeks and upper lip.
So far, nothing has worked for this pigmentation.
My dermatologist is of the opinion that high strenth cream should work!!
I don't know how hopeful I should be...
If anyone had luck with treating dermal melasma with similar high strength cream, please add comments I would really appreciate.
Since, this is my day 1, I would be going slow on this. Any irritation, I would stop using and then start using again. I will be moisturizing with dermol 500 lotion and would also wear vitamin c 20% serum with high spf in the mornings.
I realise that this is my last hope!! So, ladies, I need both your prayers and best wishes.
I will try and put updates as and when I start to see changes. I have plenty of before pictures which I will add later on along with after pictures.
Can I have a success story? I really wish I do...

mandybains's provider

Dr Sunil Chopra

Replies (35)

souzaana

December 12, 2015

Good luck for you! I tried everything to get rid of Melasma so far I only menage to get them lighter, I can cover them up with make up. From my experience, applying apple cider vineger mixed with water really helps for the redness that those acids treatments leave on the skin. Please post pics. We would love to see your results. Thanks for the post

cubanese

December 13, 2015

I also was told I have melasma, on cheeks and upper lid mine appeared after having laser, to make a long story short I tried everything to get rid of it and would not go away. I am now dermaplaning and it works wonders, discoloration has improved by 70-80%. Best thing I have found that actually works and much more affordable than anything else I tried. Been doing it for a few months I'm in love with dermaplaning, best thing that happened to my skin overall. Treats melasma effectively, tightens pores, firms skin, stimulates collagen. Good luck I know how frustrating discoloration is.

mandybains

December 20, 2015

hi, are your results long lasting though?

cubanese

December 21, 2015

Well I have only been doing this for a couple months my discoloration was pretty severe, it keeps improving and I am very hopeful that it will be completely gone soon, I will keep you updated. I noticed it does not seem to get darker after being outside which it previously did with everything else I tried nor has the did coloration returned just continous improvement, the overall appearance of my skin has dramatically improved. I tried creams, which temporarily helped and we're expensive. I derma rolled which helped but much slower than tried derma pen also helpful but not as effective as the current treatment. Also I dermaplane more often than recommended but, it is working for me. Hope this is helpful.

cubanese

June 7, 2017

UPDATE, STILL shaving/dermaplaning, continues to improve with no return of melasma I will post how summer sun effects it. Good luck !

Dayne Dayne

May 20, 2018

I strongly believe that dermaplaning does work, however most likely you have epidermal melasma. Anyone with dermal(like myself) will have no improvement from it. I tried it for a year plus with 0 results. But again, if it’s epidermal then you will have results from it!!

Estygirl5

May 24, 2018

I’m curious how Dermaplaning has helped your Melasma. It doesn’t suppress melanin. I’m an Esthetician and just wanted your input.

cubanese

August 31, 2018

I think it has helped because it gets rid of surface layer, stimulates rejuvenation, allows products to penetrate deeper, so although it doesnt suppress melanin it helps reverse the skin damage. Although i see improvement I still have significant melasma, i have not given up hope as it continues to improvebut is aslow process.maybe I reached as good as it's goingto get but I'm going to continue as it has made a difference. I only use natural products no hydroquinone. kijoic or any other harsh lighteners.

shilly

January 28, 2016

Don't do it! It works at first then severely damages your skin! Look up exogenous ochronosis

mandybains

January 29, 2016

I am working with a board certified dermatologist. hydroquinone is both effective and safe when used correctly. thanks

Redliana

April 9, 2016

Exogenous ochronosis is very uncommon, occuring in Fitzpatrick skin types IV-V after long term use (defined as longer than 6 months). This can be caught early if the patient is regularly seeing a dermatologist, although treatment is discontinuation of hydroquinone and little else.

Dayne Dayne

May 20, 2018

This is a VERY rare occurance and 9.99999 times out of 10 it would be due to someone using a lightening cream for way longer than they should be. Your skin does need a break. Usually you are to be on creams such as hydroquinone for three months then stop and maintain.

Lita quinto

January 29, 2016

Hi i Also have problem with my melasma like yours.
Like yours. At my age 55 and being an asian this is just an ordinary

Lita quinto

January 29, 2016

But you know what my sister and her friends were using obagi nuderm and after 4 months of using these set of creams their melasma is almost gone. I've tried a lot of cream also but doesnt work . My sister advised me to try this one and i google it , the price is almost 1 thousand but you csn use it gor 4 mos.

mandybains

January 29, 2016

hi
this cream is stronger than obagi which is 4% hydroquinone. I am starting with a stronger cream to give myself a best chance, afterwards I can use obagi clear maybe.
everyone is different because some people have superficial pigment only. also internal issues may be at play that contribute to melasma.

cj75

April 6, 2016

I've had melasma for about 8 years now a I have tried topicals, natural remedies, pycnogenol, IPL and spent a fortune on Fraxels and numerous cream. Lately I found than my melasma flared up and stayed that way. The Fraxels seem to have made it worse. It was like having a permanent brown mask all over my face! I spend a lot of time researching and come across a product line called Obagi about one week ago. It's by RX so I went on their website and found the nearest distributor to me. I made an appt, saw the doc and bought the kit. What has happened has been nothing short of a miracle. I can't believe my eyes! My melasma has been disappearing right before my eyes! Basically it's what I was already using, Retin-A and Hydoquinone. Except the product is actually penetrating the skin thus showing results. This company has developed the magic potion. From one melasma sufferer to another, try Obagi you won't be sorry!!! This stuff is pricy about $300 for the kit but well worth it. In my case it's actually a bargain compared to all the creams and treatments I have tried!! Www.obagi .com the product is called Nu Derm. It's only been about 10 days and my skin looks better that it ever has. Obagi works!

zaviles

June 6, 2017

I'm glad it worked for you. It worked great for me. Stopped it and less than a month later my brown patches are coming back and the one on my upper lip. So sad.

Dayne Dayne

May 20, 2018

It will always come back if you don’t maintain it. You treat it and then you do have to maintain for the rest of your life. There is no cure. You would have to go on it again, and then do maintenance therapy from then on. I learned the hard way. I used it, had amazing skin again for months and then it all came back times 10!! What I did not know is if you don’t maintain the melanin production it will always come back. It’s a permanent condition that can only be treated and maintained. Lasers (90% use heat based therapy) trigger melanocytes and make them produce even more melanin and you will have worse melasma. The one laser done by a VERY educated laser tech that will work is the erbium laser used in the cold setting so it’s not giving out heat. However in my experience next to none know how to properly preform this treatment. In Canada I know of one laser tech out of Calgary who has an AMAZING track record... I will plan to go see her this summer for my treatment. After one treatment 90% of patients are almost melasma free and you will need to go every 6-12 months for maintenance but to me it’s well worth it.

UPDATED FROM mandybains

1 day post

day 1

mandybainsDecember 12, 2015

it was really strong. i applied overnight. application areas are red and peeling. upper lip skin looks a bit darker. i will re-apply after redness goes away. planning to do 3 times a week, then more. bit scared that since its so strong, I shouldn't suffer side-effects. hopefully, redness will go away.

Replies (5)

Fat2fabulous

January 11, 2016

What is Melesma?

mandybains

January 11, 2016

lol!! you are lucky that you haven't been introduced to this disease!!

Fat2fabulous

January 11, 2016

I have horrible keloid problems instead

mandybains

January 11, 2016

I am very sorry to hear that. Please look after yourself. God bless.

Mommy Update

October 6, 2017

Hydroquinone strength shouldn't be stronger then 2%. It can cause liver failure. You should see another doctor. It can also bleach your skin beyond repair & permanently damage your skin. Check with another doctor for another opinion.

UPDATED FROM mandybains

1 day post

My plans if this treatment fails..

mandybainsDecember 12, 2015

I have decided that this treatment will be my last at correcting the stubborn melasma. After this, I will be using vitamin c + retin a combo along with dermamelan maintenance cream only. I will fully focus on my diet, stress management, work and social life.
I know I can learn to cover up all my melasma nicely with makeup including the upper lip pigmentation.

I have been depressed over this since august. Left my job, cut off from the social circle and stopped dating as I was hopeful that I can find a right treatment.

But, all these harsh creams are very bad for my skin. I have decided that if this treatment failed, I will simply accept my condition as part of me and use makeup to look good.

Listen ladies, I know how hard it is to live with this condition, but I am sure when family and friends meet us they only notice our behaviour and happiness. At work, people associate with us for our capabilities mainly. Our partners will only love and support as long as we can give the same in return.

And, to avoid embarrassment, we can use makeup tricks!!

I would still stay hopeful that with going natural, maybe trying homeopathy, stress management, I will one day be all free to melasma.
But, I wouldn't see a derm again or ever again touch my face with any chemical/laser etc. I was a simple girl once upon a time, only used to get some facials done at a spa. Now my life is about chemical peels, and harsh chemicals. This can't be the right way to fix skin issues. I am sure it has to come from within.
Ladies, please comment if you find yourself at the same place. We can give strength to each other!!

Replies (15)

J at RS

December 12, 2015

I'm so interested to hear if this works for you. Please keep us updated.

lhia

December 22, 2015

I don't speak too much english but have to say that almost a year ago I noticed this spots on my forehead and upper lip, my dermatologist said me that is hormonal melasma. I use the cream expensive she gives to me (hidroquinona 4%, hydrocortisone, vitamin c and tretinoin) this make the spot a little light but they are still there. I hate them, I have to use makeup all the time, and my social live is over because of them. I live in an island, the sun don't stop here... I can't go to the beach with my friends, all I see in the mirror are the ugly spots. I went to sephora and buy 2 "full coverage" foundations and even with makeup I can see them.

mobilehair

June 2, 2017

No amount of makeup covers mine either. Makes it look worse

Dyneece

December 24, 2015

I am a mixed African American with Melasma, mainly on my cheeks and some spots on my forehead. I have tried so many different thing. Creams, turmeric mask. You name it, I've tried it. I had a $300 VI Peel. I was sooooo disappointed. I did not get the results that I was looking for. But.... Now I have been reading about LED Light therapy. See here http://www.amazon.com/Carer-Rejuvenation-Therapy-Photodynamics-Machine/dp/B0146A8CJ0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1450975523&sr=8-1&keywords=Carer+LED+mask . I have been using the green light consistently for Melasma, hyperpigmentation, dark spots, etc. I can honestly say that this is something that working. My husband says that he can honestly see some changes. Good lucky on your journey to having nice skin again.

cassanova33

January 25, 2016

I'm happy to hear the green light is improving your skin. Can you tell me if your melasma is considered dermal? I'm curious about your treatment of it was successful treating dermal melasma which I have. Thank you!

mandybains

January 25, 2016

my derm who has prescribed me a strong fade cream with hydroquinone 10% + kojic acid 4% treats dermal melasma with this strong cream. why do you think that this cream won't work for dermal pigmentation? it's similar to skin lightening!! dark complexioned individual use hydroquinone to lighten their skin. their pigmentation must also be skin deep. I think you should try some strong fade cream too. I am on week 5 and have some improvement but yet to see significant clearance. take a look at my review.

maria7870

January 24, 2016

i feel the same way..thank you

joye697

March 6, 2016

I had a full face laser resurfacing Erbium laser 17 years ago, it did help with brown spots. I discontinued any sunbathing and have been extremely cautious about protecting my face from sun. But I now have melanoma along the sides of my face (cheekbone) upper lip and under side of chin. I had a fractional c02 laser treatment and initially the melasma was gone but returned within a few weeks. I am now using hydroquinone 4% and retina 1%, for about 3-4 weeks with slight improvement. I am going to move on to Tri Luma which has hydro plus retina plus corticoid steroid. My dermatologist said he has had luck performing the laser resurfacing at which time he rubs the tri luma into the skin because the discoloration is deep in the derma.

Shannon1820

March 7, 2016

Do you have any idea what caused the melasma to appear even tough you were protective of your skin?

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