Melasma products?

[nala]

I have a bad case of melasma above my upper lip! Ughhh. I’ve tried “musely” and brightening serums but to no avail. Have any of you been able to successfully get rid of your hyperpigmentation? If so, please share!

 

[acezarra]

I have a bad case of melasma above my upper lip! Ughhh. I’ve tried “musely” and brightening serums but to no avail. Have any of you been able to successfully get rid of your hyperpigmentation? If so, please share!

I used Obagi and now ZO which is Dr. Obagi but he created a new line of products under the name ZO by Obagi. It has 4% hydroquinone in it but I believe you have to get it from a dermatologist. PIGMENT CONTROL PROGRAM + HYDROQUINONE, and the pigment control blending creme which I use with a retinol.

 

[telephone89]

Microneedling!

 

[marymm]

hydroquinone at night after you wash your face, and brightening serum like CeraVe Vitamin C Serum during the day with very good sunscreen on top -- really try to completely avoid sun on your face -- sit in the shade -- wear a hat -- it will take months but will work -- good luck

 

[donnabrsd]

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light therapy) aka Photofacial. I've always had freckles but when melasma started blending in with the freckles, I did not care for the look of my skin. I had maybe 4 treatments in 2 years beginning in 2005 or 2006. Now I get them every 2-3 years. Last one was March 2020. I go to Erin at Dermfx in Sunset Beach. They do spot treatments.

I tried topical products but if I was not consistent the pigment returned.

First image is 2005, the other two are from this year. I'm not wearing face makeup or powder on any of the photos.

I've also had my neck & chest done a few times. My hands, arms, shoulders and back done once.

 

[Cheekygirl1977]

I have a bad case of melasma above my upper lip! Ughhh. I’ve tried “musely” and brightening serums but to no avail. Have any of you been able to successfully get rid of your hyperpigmentation? If so, please share!

I have it as well and let me tell you, it’s a PAIN!

I highly recommend following Dr shorten Idriss on Instagram and YouTube. She does an amazing job of breaking it down and offering multiple avenues in case the traditional methods don’t work. Ok at the point where I will do one more try at heavy duty laser and then serious chemical peel…. Best of luck

 

[SparklieBug]

I used Obagi and now ZO which is Dr. Obagi but he created a new line of products under the name ZO by Obagi. It has 4% hydroquinone in it but I believe you have to get it from a dermatologist. PIGMENT CONTROL PROGRAM + HYDROQUINONE, and the pigment control blending creme which I use with a retinol.

I did the above as well. The Obagi line was evidently sold, so Dr. Obagi started ZO line. When I did the Obagi products, I was also prescribed RetinA. The combination caused quite a slow-motion peel! It definitely rid my skin (mostly the left side of my outer face/cheek) of the melasma and also caused my skin to be incredibly sensitive to cold for well over a year.

Yes, to being careful in the sun; I always wear at least a 50 SPF on my face. I find that even just heat will make the discoloration blotches occur again, even if I'm in the shade or wear a hat, and have sunscreen on.

 

[chrono]

I tried Tri-Luma (0.05 tretinoin, 4% hydroquinone, 1% steroid) for 3 months and it worked but the melasma came back. So far, the only thing that works and keeps it off is oral Tranexamic Acid. It is very important to not cause cause heat, irritation or inflammation or it will return much worse than before. Sunscreen with iron oxide is of utmost importance, together with a UPF rated hat to keep melasma from getting worse.

I am not a good candidate for laser due to my skin type as it will only worsen melasma.

 

[SparklieBug]

I am not a good candidate for laser due to my skin type as it will only worsen melasma.

+1.

 

[SparklieBug]

Microneedling!

Did you do microneedling in-office, at home or a combination of both? Do you find you need to continue with the treatment or once treated, the melasma doesn't reappear?

 

[doberman]

I stay out of the sun, use 100 spf sunscreen and tretinoin. Otherwise I get melasma along my jawline.

 

[nala]

Thank you all! I promise I have been reading and thinking about your replies. Hope this thread helps others and people keep sharing their insights.

 

[sugarcloud]

Are you familiar with Dr Dray on Youtube? She is a very popular, but very matter of fact dermatologist and has done quite a few videos on melasma and hyperpigmentaion. From memory, hydorquinone seems to be gold standard but she also talks about other options too.

 

[doberman]

With regard to hydroquinone, I wouldn't rely on OTC products. The dermatologist can write you a script.

 

[wildcat03]

I'm planning to do a course of oral Lysteda once I'm done nursing. Melasma is notoriously stubborn! Supposedly the Cosmelan peel is good, but pricey.

 

[canuk-gal]

I tried Tri-Luma (0.05 tretinoin, 4% hydroquinone, 1% steroid) for 3 months and it worked but the melasma came back. So far, the only thing that works and keeps it off is oral Tranexamic Acid. It is very important to not cause cause heat, irritation or inflammation or it will return much worse than before. Sunscreen with iron oxide is of utmost importance, together with a UPF rated hat to keep melasma from getting worse.

I am not a good candidate for laser due to my skin type as it will only worsen melasma.

I had no idea this was prescribed for melasma!

 

[MMtwo]

I just had my first IPL to treat rosacea and redness and discoloration.

Day 2 from IPL in this picture, we'll see how it goes. I'm not sure why, but my face has changed and looks terrible in this past year. I only wonder if it is from my desk facing the window. I added UV film a few months ago but I guess the damage was done.

Also treating bright red cheeks with broken blood vessels.

 

[Mary Queen of Scotch]

Another vote for ZO! Brightalive is a great product — brightening peptides, non-hydroquinone tyrosinase inhibitors (can be used long term), and soothing/calming ingredients (pairs nicely with retinoids). I know ZO also has an Rx hydroquinone protocol for advanced melasma, but I don’t have any personal experience with those products.

I like Clear + Brilliant laser over microneedling — similar price point, no downtime, but quicker results. The laser targets water in your skin, so my aesthetician always does a HydraFacial right before (same day) with a ZO brightening serum that’s like 10x retail concentration.

And loads of SPF, of course!

 

[ForteKitty]

Do you sweat above your lips? If so your sunscreen might not be holding up as long. I’m an upper lip/nose/hairline sweater and I reapply spf 50 every 30 mins while outside and I wear a hat.

 

[Sparkles88]

I hope it’s ok to revive this thread, rather than start a new one.
Just wondering if anyone has tried LED face masks such as the Omnilux contour?
I’m interested to have feedback on whether it works for stimulating collagen and reducing hyperpigmentation? I’ve been also researching red light therapy for skin rejuvenation and I’m looking at purchasing a panel or a face mask to tackle my skin care concerns.
Would love to hear any opinions positive or negative!

 

[Gloria27]

I have a bad case of melasma above my upper lip! Ughhh. I’ve tried “musely” and brightening serums but to no avail. Have any of you been able to successfully get rid of your hyperpigmentation? If so, please share!

Any face cream with enough Zinc in it to leave a slightly white cast when applied, Zinc makes everything uniform and lighter. It will take a few months thou'.