Melasma Consult - San Ramon, CA

Went for a consultation on my assumed melasma (dark spots and hyper-pigmentation on my face) - doctor did a full body cancer screen and confirmed mild melasma (he said I was a 4 on a scale of 1-10 and we could get it down to a 1, or zero). Started a treatment of serums, vitamins, retinol and hydroquinone - the combination is WORKING! One month in, my spots are at least 1/2 as dark. I'm excited to see the end results!

I begin by washing my face with a green-tea gentle wash in the AM- it's a proprietary formula that the dermatologist sells.Then I use a Vitamin C exfoliating pad all over followed by a Vitamin C, E and Ferulic acid serum (also both proprietary). I put a few drops all over my face. Once all of that dries, I put on SFP 50 (they recommend a brand called Elta but I've been using up another hypoallergenic SPF first).

In the evenings, I wash off my make up with the green-tea foaming face wash again, moisturize with a very light, sensitive moisturizer (called Moisture Dew - another proprietary product of the Dermatologist) and then wait 30 minutes for the cream to dry.

At this point, I rotate treatments every other night. Once night I use a .25% retinol all over my face and on the other nights I use Tri-Luma - a 4% hydrquinone, 0.5% retinol and hydrocortizone blend. This is the real bullet in the arsenal. The hydroquinone is a bleaching agent and the retinol sloughs away skin cells allowing the hydroquinone to penetrate. The cortizone is a cortico-steroid to help with any inflammation or irritation that can be caused by the entire regiment.

Though I notice slight stinging and it took a few days to get used to the routine, it's a comfortable regiment overall and not difficult.