The most successful approaches tend to rely on the combination of sunscreen, lightening topical products (hydroquinone
Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone is used to lighten the dark patches of skin caused by pregnancy, birth control pills, hormone medicine, or injury to the skin.
Kojic acid
Kojic acid is a chelation agent produced by several species of fungi, especially Aspergillus oryzae, which has the Japanese common name koji. Kojic acid is a by-product in the fermentation process of malting rice, for use in the manufacturing of sake, the Japanese rice wine. It is a mild inhibitor of th…
Full Answer
Can laser be the first line of treatment for melasma?
It is clear that laser cannot be the first line treatment for melasma. However, it can be used as an adjuvant therapy in resistant cases, provided the selection of patient and counselling has been done properly. Keywords: Lasers, melasma, expert opinion, consensus What was known?
How long does it take for melasma to clear?
Melasma can be stubborn, though. It may take a few months of treatment to see improvement. It is important to follow your dermatologist’s advice. This ensures that you get the most benefit from treatment. It also can help avoid skin irritation and other side effects. After your melasma clears, you may need to keep treating your skin.
How can I remove my melasma after my trip to Mexico?
To remove my melasma after this recent trip to mexico, I did not use any laser or hydroquinone.The first thing to do is to read up on the effects of Silymarin (Milk Thistle extract) and how beautifully it has cured melasma in double blind studies.
How do I get rid of melasma on my face?
There are certain home remedies for melasma like: 1 applying aloe vera to your skin 2 ingesting glutathione 3 using high SPF sunscreen
How do I prepare my skin for a laser treatment?
How should I prepare for laser skin resurfacing?Avoid tanning or heavy sun exposure and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily for four weeks before to treatment.Avoid deep facial peel procedures for four weeks before treatment (for example, strong chemical peels, laser resurfacing, dermabrasion).More items...•
What should I do before laser treatment on my face?
Before laser hair removal You must avoid plucking, waxing or bleaching the hair for six weeks prior to treatment. Preserving the root and the pigment of the hair is imperative for the success of the laser treatment. It is important to shave the area to be treated the day or night before your appointment.
What should I do before laser resurfacing?
Too much sun up to two months before the procedure can cause permanent irregular pigmentation in treated areas. Discuss sun protection and acceptable sun exposure with your doctor....Before you have laser resurfacing, your doctor will likely:Ask about your medical history. ... Do a physical exam. ... Discuss your expectations.
How many laser treatments are needed for melasma?
You should see some improvement after the first session, but three to four sessions spaced about 30 days apart will yield the greatest results. You should see full results in 3 to 6 months. You may need follow-up treatments because sometimes melasma clears days after laser therapy, but returns in about 3 months.
What should I avoid before laser treatment?
Skin must be clean and free of makeup, lotions, oils, deodorant, sunless tanning products, numbing cream, etc. Products on the skin can increase the likelihood of adverse responses to the laser. Avoid activities that increase body temperature for at least 2 hours before and after treatments.
What happens if you shower after laser?
As a rule of thumb, the colder your shower after LHR, the better. Hot water causes your blood to rise to the skin's surface which can cause swelling and irritation and reduce the efficacy of LHR. Keeping your first few showers after the procedure to a cool temperature will help your skin.
What should I put on my face after laser treatment?
The immediate post laser treatment consists of covering the lasered skin with Vaseline (Aquaphor or whatever the specific product you are instructed to use) and using cold packs for discomfort and swelling. The best treatment to be comfortable is to apply cold compresses to the treated areas of the face.
How long does pigmentation take to fade after laser?
1-3 weeksWhat Happens After the Treatment? Laser treatments are the fastest way to remove hyperpigmentation, but it still takes time to see results. Pigment will darken for 1-3 weeks following the treatment, then will begin to fade.
How can I heal faster after laser resurfacing?
Keeping your face well hydrated after receiving laser skin resurfacing can help alleviate this with the use of doctor-approved moisturizing creams or lotions. Hydrating your skin will not only allow your skin to be more elastic and heal faster but also offers a degree of comfort as you contract facial muscles.
Can lasers make melasma worse?
The key to clearing melasma, Dr. Kauvar maintains, is avoiding high-energy laser treatment such as non-ablative or ablative fractional lasers, IPL or high-energy, Q-switched laser treatment. “Those can actually exacerbate melasma and cause hypopigmentation in darker phototype skin,” Dr. Kauvar cautions.
Which laser is best for melasma?
Low-fluence Q-switched (LFQS) Nd-YAG laser seems to be the best option for refractory cases of melasma, especially in individuals with darker skin tones.
How do you prevent hyperpigmentation after laser?
What can be done to reduce the occurrence and severity of post-laser PIH include:Pre-treating the skin with skin lightening creams several weeks before the laser treatment and continuing treatment after laser treatment.Avoiding laser treatment if you have a tanned skin as a tanned skin is more prone to developing PIH.More items...
Q. How would I know if the brown patches on my face were melasma or sun spots? What is the difference?
A. Melasma is usually caused by hormonal shifts and is often referred to as the “mask of pregnancy”. The starting of birth control pills can also...
Q. Can this laser treat the red pigmentation marks on my face that were caused by acne?
A. The red marks are actually inflammation left over from the acne not pigmentation. They are caused by vascularization that was left over from...
Q. I have melasma on both sides of my neck. I also have it on my left arm from my elbow to my wrist. It seems to be spreading. I’ve tried Tri Luma and chemical peels but neither has worked. Can this treatment help me?
A. Our laser melasma treatment protocols can more than likely help. First, we need to establish the likely cause of you melasma with a thorough ev...
Q. I’ve been told that the brown patches on my face are an unstable melasma. Will this treatment get rid of it? Can the melasma come back?
A. We are confident that we can provide you with treatments that will achieve successful results for your skin. However, before I respond specific...
Q. I’ve always heard that melasma has no cure. Is this true?
A. In some cases, this is correct. Let me explain. There are two basic types that melasma can be differentiated into, stable and unstable. In...
Q. Does this treatment work for fitzpatrick skin type 4?
A. Yes! We treat skin type 4 with pigmentation issues every day of the week. In fact, melasma is most common in that skin type… and patients wi...
Q. How much does this treatment cost?
A. We charge by time in our medical practice. So the larger and more complex you melasma is, the more time will be required to treat it and the mo...
Q. Is it possible for melasma to move around on your face?
A. It is not unusual for a melasma to travel around your face. It can suddenly disappear in one area and appear in another. No one knows exactly w...
Q. Is the PICO laser the best for treating melasma?
A. The PICO laser is the latest laser technology for treating pigmentation. The frequency of energy being emitted from the laser is also an import...
How to treat melasma?
Generally conventional doctors choose to treat the melasma with a laser that will target and vaporize the melanin. However, this delivers enough energy to the skin that also irritates the hypersensitive melanocytes, which is likely to make the melasma worse.
Why does melasma have extra pigmentation?
In a stable melasma, the extra pigmentation is usually associated with some kind of event that instigated the hyper-pigmentation. The event could be the hormonal fluctuations associated with pregnancy, or it could also be some kind of skin irritation or trauma that produced the hyper-pigmentation.
What is the cause of melanin?
Melasma is caused by the overproduction of melanin. Melasma is a dark skin discoloration caused by excessive melanin found predominantly in women on sun-exposed areas of the face. It’s a very common skin disorder that can be effectively treated with AMA Regenerative Medicine & Skincare’s advanced laser treatments.
Does laser melanin vaporize?
We use specific lasers modulated in precise ways, to deliver energy that will change the molecular structure of the melanin but not vaporize or remove it. As a matter of fact, all the melanin that was there before the melasma treatment is still there after the treatment.
Can melasma be wacked out?
Its only in a few melasma spots on your face that are “wacked” out. Thus, rather than interfering with or circumventing your physiology we want to engage it, and remind it to do to the skin of your melasma what it is doing successfully everywhere else on your body.
Can you remove melanin from your face?
The answer shocks most people: By not trying to remove the melanin…. Rather, by getting your body to remove the melanin. Let me explain: Everywhere on your body, the physiology of your skin is maintaining the proper balance of melanin in your skin. Its only in a few melasma spots on your face that are “wacked” out.
Does melasma go away?
For some, the melasma will simply fade away once their hormones return to their normal state. For instance, after giving birth or stopping the use of birth control pills. For others, treatment of the melasma may be the only solution to make it go away. Melasma is also made worse with excessive exposure to the sun.
What is the best treatment for melasma?
Hydroquinone: This medicine is a common first treatment for melasma. It is applied to the skin and works by lightening the skin. You will find hydroquinone in medicine that comes as a cream, lotion, gel, or liquid. You can get some of these without a prescription.
What is the procedure for melasma?
Procedures for melasma include a chemical peel, microdermabrasion, dermabrasion, laser treatment, or a light-based procedure. Only a dermatologist should perform these procedures. New skin problems can occur when the person who gives the treatment does not tailor it to the patient’s skin type.
What is the best medicine for skin lightening?
These products contain less hydroquinone than a product that your dermatologist can prescribe. Tretinoin and corticosteroids: To enhance skin lightening, your dermatologist may prescribe a second medicine. This medicine may be tretinoin or a corticosteroid.
How to diagnose melasma?
Dermatologists can diagnose most patients by looking at their skin. To see how deeply the melasma penetrates the skin, your dermatologist may look at your skin under a device called a Wood’s light. Sometimes melasma can look like another skin condition.
How to prevent melasma from returning?
Maintenance therapy can prevent melasma from returning. You can help prevent your melasma from returning by wearing sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat every day.
What is the procedure called when you remove a small bit of skin?
To rule out another skin condition, your dermatologist may need to remove a small bit of skin. This procedure is called a skin biopsy. A dermatologist can safely and quickly perform a skin biopsy during an office visit.
Can melasma fade?
Melasma can fade on its own. This usually happens when a trigger, such as a pregnancy or birth control pills, causes the melasma . When a woman delivers her baby or stops taking the birth control pills, melasma can fade. However, some people have melasma for years, or even a lifetime.
What is the best treatment for melasma?
Fractional laser technology , known by such brand names as Fraxel or Clear and Brilliant, is another treatment option for melasma. The technology seeks to expel cells responsible for over-pigmentation and also causes a reaction that stimulates collagen production, resulting in healthier and younger-looking skin.
What type of laser is used for melasma?
If this is the case, there are several different lasers for melasma. These include intense pulsed light (IPL), Q-switched lasers, picosecond or pico lasers, and fractionated resurfacing lasers. Broadly speaking, they are differentiated according to the laser’s medium. Beyond these four categories, there are several different popular proprietary ...
What are the side effects of laser treatments?
Side Effects Of Laser Treatments 1 IPL, fractionated, and picosecond lasers are relatively well-tolerated and carry few risks of side effects. Some of these include burning, redness, and symptoms similar to that of a sunburn. 2 Q-switched lasers produce thermal energy associated with occasional inflammation and burns.
What are the side effects of a Q-switched laser?
IPL, fractionated, and picosecond lasers are relatively well-tolerated and carry few risks of side effects. Some of these include burning, redness, and symptoms similar to that of a sunburn. Q-switched lasers produce thermal energy associated with occasional inflammation and burns.
Can IPL be used for melasma?
IPL lasers for melasma are able to target the melanin in your skin and remove excess pigment. Your dermatologist might opt for IPL over other forms of therapy if your melasma is deep in the skin. Some people are lucky in that their melasma is superficial, while others need to deal with melasma that lies in the dermis.
Can Q switch lasers be used for melasma?
Several studies have concluded that Q-switched lasers are not optimal because melasma patients have seen rebound hyperpigmentation after treatment (Trivedi).
Is laser therapy a tertiary treatment?
Laser therapy is a sought-after treatment for the removal of melasma. However, it is tertiary treatment behind more traditional topical treatments because it does not affect the underlying causes of melasma (Trivedi). Hydroquinone, for example, disrupts melasma genesis through the inhibition of its constituent cells.
What is melasma skin?
Melasma is a commonly acquired disorder of hyperpigmentation that affects women at a higher percentage compared to men. 1 It is a multifactorial skin condition triggered by sun exposure, hormonal changes, systemic illnesses, medications and genetic susceptibility. Treatment of melasma has been traditionally centered on the use ...
What lasers target melanin?
Q-switched lasers provide a short pulse duration with a higher energy intensity. QS lasers that target melanin include the Ruby, Alexandrite and Nd:YAG. Initial studies were somewhat disappointing as the majority of patients experienced significant post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and worsening melasma.
What is fractional laser?
Fractional lasers create microthermal zones of controlled skin damage that result in more rapid skin recovery as well as a reduced risk of serious complications such as scarring. Both NAFL and ABL technologies have been tested for the treatment of melasma.
Can lasers be used as a second line?
However, the decision of whether to laser is still up for argument - given the high recurrence rates and the lack of blinded studies - lasers should be used as second line therapy only after a rigid topical regimen has been tried.
How long does it take for melasma to fade?
Simply apply your personalized cream daily and enjoy the results as quickly as four weeks of the start of treatment.
How does pressure energy work on melasma?
The pressure energy penetrates the pigment, and the body flushes out the pigment. It safely transfers energy below the surface of your skin to treat the melasma at its source. The procedure is fast and straightforward and only causes a bit of minor discomfort.
What is skin penetration?
Skin penetration by lasers means that users can see results faster and often more predictably. It is an easy and fast process that results in rejuvenated, long-lasting skin health. PicoSure’s enhanced laser treatment targets the skin in increments of one-trillionth of a second. Due to the rapidity of the process, ...
What is Picosure laser?
The technology used in the PicoSure laser is designed to combat the damaging processes in other types of lasers. With rapid-fire lasers comes less time for heat damage within the skin. This can reduce the risk of painful or unpleasant side effects, like redness and prolonged downtime. That said, even though the PicoSure laser is specially designed ...
Does Picosure laser work?
PicoSure lasers quickly penetrate the skin and treat hyperpigmented areas to result in even-toned skin. This process targets below the surface of the skin.
Is Picosure safe for melasma removal?
Although these are promising results, it’s worth remembering that this is a very small study of only four people. So, in short, yes – PicoSure lasers for melasma removal can help remove unwanted pigmentation on ...
Is Picosure a good laser?
One of our world-class dermatologists will formulate a custom prescription cream suited for your unique skin. PicoSure is undoubtedly a great advancement in laser treatment for melasma, but it still isn’t right for some people.
Milk Thistle- actual products
I’ve been getting a lot of requests for the specific brands and type of milk thistle I use, so I deleted the old ones (examples that would work just fine) and have posted photos of the actual products I use. I take the 1000mg Milk Thistle on the left internally 3 times a day- 2 droppers 3x.
Melasma Almost Cured in One Week- No Laser, No Hydroquinone!
I cannot believe I am posting the before photo because it is the most unflattering and horrifying photo I've ever seen of myself but since I understand the desperation and tears that come with fighting melasma and how important it is to see before and afters for those who have tried everything imaginable like I have, I will put it all out there for all of you.
