POSTED UNDER Laser Resurfacing REVIEWS
"my melasma obsession" Monterey, CA
ORIGINAL POST
So, this obsession started about 4 years ago when...
jmscottJanuary 18, 2015
So, this obsession started about 4 years ago when my boyfriend made a comment about the spots on my face. I didn't even equate it with melasma. I figured it was sun spots --- just put some creme on it and it fades away- NOT!
So I did the required "background" check on many, many, products and decided on Obagi Nuderm with .25 retain a. What a mess my face was in. BUT.... It worked. I followed every step. All the spots disappeared and as an added bonus even the blackheads and whiteheads disappeared. And that was that. I didn't think about it for 2 years. I loved my skin. I didn't do any maintenance-just continued with the retin a every night with a moisturizer. Then I moved and have a swimming pool. I'm in the pool every morning and evening because its heated. My face was perfect, until 1 1/2 yeats later, Jan 2014 to be exact- I looked in the mirror and it was there! Overnight-it was there! So I did the research again and bought another round of Obagi Nuderm. This time really understanding that I had Melasma, but still thinking it would go away like the first time. NOT! The first time I probably had epidermal melasma. The second time I didn't realize that I had a deeper dermal melasdma. So I did the same routine as before, but added .05 retain a. My face was a big mess again, but like Obagi says - by the end of 4 months you will see changes- and I did. Beautiful again. But in the 4 months I became obsessed with melasma and different remedys and also the bad effects of hydroquioine. So I had to find an alternative. I also realized that the closer to menopause you are-all these things happen to you. So I read up on menopause and started on progesterone. I also read up on supplements and took those. MSM, GSE, Pycnogenol, Zinc, Vit C. The supplements - no change, but the progesterone may be helping. Well then I had to find an alternative to hydroquione. That was hard because you do get the best results. Its like trying to quit smoking- you know its bad for you but it makes you feel better so you keep doing it. This is when I realized the true meaning of melasma. Within 1 week of stopping Obagi and moving on to my new melasma obsession Lumixyl the melasma came back 100% + 10% and that means more melasma. I did the Lumixyl Silkpeel the first week after stopping the Obagi then again on the second month. To be honest, both times the Silkpeel really agitated the melasma making it very dark.
They say maybe 4 sessions help, but I didn't want to take any chances. So I am sticking with just the products. I have used Lumixol since July 2014. My melasma has lightened up by about 80%. I use all the products religiously including the sunscreen. To me, it is the most important step. Don't waste your money on expensive products if you forget to use sunscreen. It defeats any products purpose. In the morning I wash with the cleanser- Then the Brightening Creme-Then Glycopeel 20- Then Sunscreen (this is what comes in kit). I did this from July - October. In November I ran out of the Brightening Creme so I purchased the Glycopeel 10 (with Lumixyl peptide) instead of the Brightening Creme. At night I cleanse- Then Glycopeel 10- Then Glycopeel 20 - Then .05 retain a. This is the external remedy to keep my melasma at bay. It has not spread and has gotten lighter and has slowly broken up. But has not by any means disappeared and is definately more managable. My melasma is about 2 1/2 wide in middle of my forehead- left cheek about 2 inches towards bottom- right cheek ( I got lucky here ) a dime size towards bottom. I aso have a liite on upper lip as well as on the left side of my chin. All places have lightened at least 80%. I aso make sure to use my Color Science powder 50 sunscreen throughout the day. Important step!!! Carry it around in your purse.... I have been to Hawaii with sun and 86 everyday- no added melasma and no darkening! That's the progress I've made so far. I still wake up every morning thinking that I'll wake up with melasma free skin, but I realize that I've learned to live with it too. We can try all these external remedys we become obsessed with but sometimes forget that healthy on the inside reflects on the outside. An added thought.... Last 2 weeks of 2014 I went to Colorado Springs and got altitude sickness. I started on ChlorOxygen (chlorophyll concentrate) 3 times a day. Didn't think anything of it -seems my melasma has broken up a bit more and gotten a little lighter. So I'm back home still taking it-- hopefully it keeps helping. And I just found out I am very anemic and have been for the last year - when melasma started. Just started on iron pills- will be curious to find out if this help melasma. Everyone reading this please let me know about your melasma and what's working for you.
So I did the required "background" check on many, many, products and decided on Obagi Nuderm with .25 retain a. What a mess my face was in. BUT.... It worked. I followed every step. All the spots disappeared and as an added bonus even the blackheads and whiteheads disappeared. And that was that. I didn't think about it for 2 years. I loved my skin. I didn't do any maintenance-just continued with the retin a every night with a moisturizer. Then I moved and have a swimming pool. I'm in the pool every morning and evening because its heated. My face was perfect, until 1 1/2 yeats later, Jan 2014 to be exact- I looked in the mirror and it was there! Overnight-it was there! So I did the research again and bought another round of Obagi Nuderm. This time really understanding that I had Melasma, but still thinking it would go away like the first time. NOT! The first time I probably had epidermal melasma. The second time I didn't realize that I had a deeper dermal melasdma. So I did the same routine as before, but added .05 retain a. My face was a big mess again, but like Obagi says - by the end of 4 months you will see changes- and I did. Beautiful again. But in the 4 months I became obsessed with melasma and different remedys and also the bad effects of hydroquioine. So I had to find an alternative. I also realized that the closer to menopause you are-all these things happen to you. So I read up on menopause and started on progesterone. I also read up on supplements and took those. MSM, GSE, Pycnogenol, Zinc, Vit C. The supplements - no change, but the progesterone may be helping. Well then I had to find an alternative to hydroquione. That was hard because you do get the best results. Its like trying to quit smoking- you know its bad for you but it makes you feel better so you keep doing it. This is when I realized the true meaning of melasma. Within 1 week of stopping Obagi and moving on to my new melasma obsession Lumixyl the melasma came back 100% + 10% and that means more melasma. I did the Lumixyl Silkpeel the first week after stopping the Obagi then again on the second month. To be honest, both times the Silkpeel really agitated the melasma making it very dark.
They say maybe 4 sessions help, but I didn't want to take any chances. So I am sticking with just the products. I have used Lumixol since July 2014. My melasma has lightened up by about 80%. I use all the products religiously including the sunscreen. To me, it is the most important step. Don't waste your money on expensive products if you forget to use sunscreen. It defeats any products purpose. In the morning I wash with the cleanser- Then the Brightening Creme-Then Glycopeel 20- Then Sunscreen (this is what comes in kit). I did this from July - October. In November I ran out of the Brightening Creme so I purchased the Glycopeel 10 (with Lumixyl peptide) instead of the Brightening Creme. At night I cleanse- Then Glycopeel 10- Then Glycopeel 20 - Then .05 retain a. This is the external remedy to keep my melasma at bay. It has not spread and has gotten lighter and has slowly broken up. But has not by any means disappeared and is definately more managable. My melasma is about 2 1/2 wide in middle of my forehead- left cheek about 2 inches towards bottom- right cheek ( I got lucky here ) a dime size towards bottom. I aso have a liite on upper lip as well as on the left side of my chin. All places have lightened at least 80%. I aso make sure to use my Color Science powder 50 sunscreen throughout the day. Important step!!! Carry it around in your purse.... I have been to Hawaii with sun and 86 everyday- no added melasma and no darkening! That's the progress I've made so far. I still wake up every morning thinking that I'll wake up with melasma free skin, but I realize that I've learned to live with it too. We can try all these external remedys we become obsessed with but sometimes forget that healthy on the inside reflects on the outside. An added thought.... Last 2 weeks of 2014 I went to Colorado Springs and got altitude sickness. I started on ChlorOxygen (chlorophyll concentrate) 3 times a day. Didn't think anything of it -seems my melasma has broken up a bit more and gotten a little lighter. So I'm back home still taking it-- hopefully it keeps helping. And I just found out I am very anemic and have been for the last year - when melasma started. Just started on iron pills- will be curious to find out if this help melasma. Everyone reading this please let me know about your melasma and what's working for you.
Replies (21)
January 20, 2015
Hi jmscott,
I really appreciate your post as it helps to read details about others suffering from this dreaded condition. You mention that you are using Lumixyl. Would you recommend that over other products you have tried? Also, do you think there may be a correlation between your melasma breaking up and taking ChlorOxygen?
My melasma started back in 2013 at which time my lovely dermatologists said, “oh honey, those spots are because you had babies (mind you, 23 years ago). She never told me I had melasma or to stay out of the sun. July 2014 I spent 4 sunny, hot days in the sun, no hat and minimal sunscreen. That is when all hell broke loose on my skin. What started as very small spots on both cheeks turned to melasma on my forehead, between brows, nose, chin, and the worse….upper lip! Over the past 7 months it has continued to spread. It changes daily, literally one day it is only noticeable to me and the next day it is very evident. I am at a loss.
I have seen 5 dermatologists, 2 estheticians, a plastic surgeon and a naturopathic doctor. I have found out that I am low on progesterone, high testosterone and slightly low on cortisol (probably due to prolonged periods of stress. Anyhow, I am mid forties so balancing hormones is a real struggle with perimenopause.
I have tried 12% hydroquinone, 4% hydroquinone, Procelain, Meladerm, azelaic acid, kojic acid, mandelic acid, Retin-A, ACV and in all honesty nothing has been consistent in managing my melasma. I have not done any peels but I am considering Colmelan Peel.
I would also love to hear from other sufferers and how they are managing their condition, what is working for them and what is not, what brand of topical sunscreens don’t leave your face an oily mess and what brand foundation, cover-up works well on melasma. As well I would love advice on how to cope with this condition.
Jmscott, thanks for starting a great post. I hope we hear from many others.
somehope
January 21, 2015
Hi Somehope, thanks for reading my review. Yes I would use Lumixol over other products I've used. Here's a good starting point - if possible read up on Parabens and Sulfates. Lumixyl doesn't contain these ingredients which is a big plus, especially for us older women with fluctuating hormones. I always like to start out a new product using all steps. So I also use the sunscreen too. That was hard to get used to because it gives off a whiteish hue. But, give it time to sink into your skin. What I do is apply sunscreen wait 1 minute then apply either your corrector or foundation. My sister taught me this. Its like using a tinted sunscreen. So, Lumixyl does what it says. i realize my melasma is attached to me like my arms - for the time being its not going anywhere- my reasoning is to control it. I think Lumixyl does its job there. I've been on it for 5 months. Results are great. Like you, now I'm concentrating on hormone imbalance and other internal problems. I use progesterone for the past 4 months so that may be helping too. I don't know about the correlation with the ChlorOxy. but honestly my melasma has somewhat broken up. It's only been 3 weeks I'll keep taking it and keep you posted.
February 5, 2015
I am currently on progesterone cream and use retinol, vit. c, a very light lactic acid peel I used once a week at home. And sunscreen. I use skinceutials sunscreen and colour science mineral spf. The bext concealer I have found, and I tried a lot (dermablend, cover fx, special stuff for burn victims..etc) is bobbi brown peach color correcting concealer. Use that first, then if you need more coverage add a layer of concealer in your skin tone.
February 6, 2015
I'm just curious- to know what progesterone cream and vit. C you use? I used Emertia progest for 4 months and I just started on a Doctor prescribed progesterone last week. I've gained about a pound a month with the store bought Emertia- was wondering if there's a difference. Also, I'm looking into adding a vit. C to my daily routine. Have you had any success with what you use? By the way I love color science spf. Best and easiest sunscreen to apply! I tried the peach corrector and it made my melasma look blue-gray. I've been usind a corrector called IT BYE BYE REDDNESS. Theres only one shade but it litterally blends in to any skintone. I mix it with my Lumixyl sunscreen then apply with a brush to my whole face. It minuses/corrects rednesss but almost hides the melasma! Love it too.
February 6, 2015
Hi. That is by it cosmetics? I have the bye bye undereye and that works over the peach corrector for me. I do not like foundation over the entire face so I color correct then conceal then dust with a color correction radiance powder (also by it cosmetics) the hormone was prescribed by a doctor and the label only reads progesterone 5mg/gtt. I place it on my wrist and rub into the alternate elbow crease. I only do this on days 14-26 of my cycle. I have not experienced any weight gain. The vit c I use is from lotion crafter. It is pure l-ascorbic acid powder. I mix it myself because of the cost of stabilized but vit c. If you have money to spare I would but the vit c serum because companies add other ingredients that help to absorb the acid into the skin. I used isomers in the past and only stopped because of the cost.
February 6, 2015
Thanks for all the info. I will look into the radiance powder by It cosmetics. I don't like the foundation all over my face either. I kinda feel like If I add it to my liquid suscreen its very light and not like TV make-up. What we women go through! I do the progest 8-28 of cycle but the dr. Says 14-26 like yours. Maybe that's why the weight gain? Also, will look into the vit c. Do you mix yours with moisturizer? How do you apply it? Has it helped with your melasma?
February 7, 2015
Hi jmscott,
I have been reading the previous posts and I'm curious if you or kabb noticed any positive change since using the progesterone cream. As I mentioned I am hesitant to use it because it seems like there is still conflicting information on whether progesterone or estrogen affects melasma. On the other hand I have to wonder if it's not just the imbalance one way or the other.
I have still been struggling with keeping it at bay. It is a daily fight. Last week my derm put me on a low strength steroid. The first couple days of using it my skin looked amazing. It was the first time I actually felt like I could see myself like I was pre-melasma. That only lasted a couple days and then it started to darken again. I am just sticking with it for a month as my derm asked me to. She felt part of the darkness was due to inflammation. Hmm. Not so sure.
Currently I am using the vit c in the am along with physician's formula bb cream. It makes me a bit oily though. I will have to use a stronger SPF in summer. At night I have been using the steroid then a little amount of kojic acid and meladerm. My skin is still so sensitive I really wish I could find something more gentle. I also stopped using the Obagi face wash as I just realized it has parabens in it. Odd since it it made for melasma treatment. Do you have a recommendation on face soap? I am also looking into Eminence products as they are organic. I am curious if anyone has used their line.
I too keep praying that one day I will look in the mirror and be melasma free. Until then I will pray I can find out what has triggered it.
Please keep us updated on your progress :)
February 9, 2015
Hi, yes I do see positive results with progest. I just think it takes time. My melasma hasn't spread thank God for that. But I honestly think it correlates with our skin. Our skin tells us how healthy/balanced we are. My mom is 72 and looks 15 younger. She told me about progesterone when she was in her early 50's. Shes been using it ever since until today. Her skin is beautiful. No melasma. So the only time my melasma darkens is the first 2-3 days of period. I kniw that my body gets very hot during those days. Then the rest of the month its just there and managable. I made the mistake of being too aggressive in the beginning. So now I just kinda treat my face like I did when I didn't have melasma. No scrubbing no harsh chemicals etc... I loved the Obagi face wash but stopped to because of the parabens. I would ask my derm or just scour the internet for an alternative. My Lumixyl products have no parabens. What does the steroids do? I don't kniw about the product Eminence? I may try the Meladerm if it is chemical free.
February 9, 2015
The progesterone has kept it from spreading, it seems. I spot conceal my melasma and diffuse with a luminating powder, rather than foundation on the entire face. I cleanse my skin with oil, no soaps. Next I mix a little vit c powder with distilled water and apply with a cotton swab (sometimes I add it into my facial lotion) I then apply argan oil as a moisturizer. Next I apply sunscreen. (sometimes I use josie maran- spf 45 argan oil in one step) Then I apply a primer, spot conceal melasma with a peach corrector apply blush and luminizing powder then touch up with a concealer if need be. I use witch hazel as a setting spray. I find the possible anemia correlation interesting as I am on an iron supplement for anemia. I also take an astaxanthin antioxidant supplement. Also remember that not only sun exposure but also excessive heat aggravates melasma. I have a consultation today with a a derm for a facial peel. All the information on this site has me re-thinking a peel. Any thoughts? Also, I just ordered the colorescience concealer/corrector palette, which is a not a cream based concealer, if anyone is interested in this product I will post my reviews.
February 13, 2015
I think the progesterone has kept mine from spreading too. And maybe the iron supp may help- ive only been taking it for 3 weeks. Did you get anything done at derms office? For myself I don't want to get to aggressive anymore. I feel like I am okay with covering it with very little make-up right now. If it gets dark again it would be like starting over. Please let me know if you find out or do anything that helps- also about the colorsci palette I love their products.
January 21, 2015
great article from livestrong. com DOES CHLOROPHYLL CLEANSE THE BLOOD? Article also has a snippet of how it cleanses the liver- which may help to clear our melasma.
February 3, 2015
Mine have started at 35 as a few spots in the nose and upper lip and after dermabration and strong TCA peels 30% got much worst.Now I have it in both cheeks and I stop visiting dermatologists as I understand that is a hormonal thing and not an epidermal.Retinol works well for me every night routin ,in the morning Vit C and always put on sun screen which is for actinic keratosis very high spf 365 days a year.Its seems to get better every day.
February 3, 2015
I made those mistakes too-with strong peels and creams Thinking that my melasma was right below the surface. I am taking a much less aggressive approach. I am slowly going to Dr.s for blood tests etc. I found out that I'm anemic which started same time as melasma. So for 3 weeks I've been on meds for that, also went to OBGYN. She prescribed 40g of progesterone daily. BTW what kind of vit c do you use and does it help your melasma- any other creams besides retinol?
February 3, 2015
Hi jmscott,
Are you still taking the ChlorOxygen? How is the Lumixyl working out for you? In addition please keep us updated on the effect of the progesterone. My dr also prescribed progesterone cream but I have decided to wait on using it because I have read conflicting info on the effects of it with melasma.
February 3, 2015
Hi, yes still taking C.Oxy. my melasma is not worse- or spreading and not getting darker. I do credt the C.Oxy- but also may be just trying to get my body healthy. I definatey notice a big hormonal shift since using the progest. I was using emerta progest from heath food store- but just got some DR. Prescribed PROGEST. Cream. Started on that yesterday. Please tell me about your pros/cons of progest/on melasma. I really think that its helping-but I know its going to take time for hormone "balance". I still have at least a month supply of Lumixyl. I will use it all but may look into somethind different when spring/summer comes around.
February 3, 2015
Jmscott I am using version serum 35% C after 15 minutes sunscreen and a layer of liquid make up ,consealer and make up powder.I do this first thing in the morning as I hate watching my face in the mirror (I used to have a very nice skin)in a few days I will start a doctors prescription with higher dosage of Vit A -hydroquinone and Kojic acid for 20 days and then I will continue my retinol Roc pro correct intensif until summer.I live in Europe so I'm not sure if you know these products.The prescribed progesterone is it for Melasma ?
February 9, 2015
No the prescribed progesterone is not for melasma. Its helping to balance hormones out - which may be a cause of melasma.
UPDATED FROM jmscott
review: Hyaluronic + Kojic + Tretinoin
jmscottFebruary 26, 2015
Its been a month or so since I posted "my melasma obsession." In the meantime I met this wonderful compounding pharmacist who offered to compound a "melasma creme" for me if I could ok it with my doctor. It took a few weeks ..... I started using it about 2 weeks ago. Its 1% hyaluronic acid --2% kojic -- 0.1% tretinoin. So far -- I like it. It seems aggressive, but not like obagi nu derm. I'm mostly peeling, but not red and irritated. Even my forehead is peeling and that's where most of melasma is. I still use Lumixyl in the mornings and use new cream at night. Can't wait to pass 1 month-- I will keep everyone updated. Another update: I have a doctor prescribed progesterone. I like it better than store bought. I hear stories about weight gain versus it being a diuretic-- After about 2 weeks of 40grms a day I am not bloated. When I used the store bought progesterone I was 5 pounds bloated.
Replies (3)
February 27, 2015
Have you noticed any improvement with your melasma since you have been using the progesterone cream?
Thank you for the post on the hyaluronic/kojic/tretinoin cream. Please keep us updated on your progress.
March 1, 2015
I have! its lighter and not spreading. I think definitely balancing hormones. I pray one day melasma will go away, but if I can get it lighter and not spread I'm happy. The new cream is helping. Its pretty strong but after about 8 days my skin is not as sensitive feeling. I'm peeling- and it seems melasma is a bit lighter. Will keep you updated.
So glad you wrote a review- thanks for sharing your journey with treating melasma.