Melasma

Question: any food that reduce melasma which increased by contraceptive shots? i recently had a contraceptive shot and ended up having freckles and hyperpigmented spots. i know this is because of melasma, and i wonder if there's some food that can balance this out?

Answer: No foods that I'm aware of but I would recommend checking with your doctor as well to see what they say.

Question: Beauty experts and consumers-Do you know of any good concealers or foundations for covering melasma? I am using Tri-Luma to treat my Melasma (dark spots) on my face but in the mean time I would like to be able to cover them without looking like a clown. I have fair skin, any suggestions from anyone dealing with this problem? Thanks.

Answer: I use Make Up Forever Mat Velvet foundation and a very light liquid concealer (Physicians Formula makes a good one), followed by Bare Minerals. I've been getting glycolic peels to treat mine as well and it's made a huge improvement. Make sure you use a very high SPF (45 Aveeno) every single day.

Question: What is the most effective treatment for melasma? What is your opinion on various treatments for melasma? Costs? How long until visable results?

Answer: Azelaic acid is sometimes used...

Question: Did anyone have melasma after they gave birth? How did you get rid of it? I never really had it during my pregnancy, but 3 months post-partum I got it really bad on my forehead. I already use Tri-luma cream from the dermatologist. Does anyone have any advice on clearing it up? I have frekles and like them, all I want is the melasma gone!

Answer: I got it while i was pregnant for my last child (she'll be 3 in Feb.). I still have mine, on my upper lip (to me, it looks like a moustache!). I found this list of treatments on Wikipedia. I think I'll ask my doctor about them myself. Treatments to hasten the fading of the discolored patches include: Topical depigmenting agents, such as hydroquinone (HQ) either in over-the-counter (2%) or prescription (4%) strength. HQ is a chemical that inhibits tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in the production of melanin. Tretinoin, an acid that increases skin cell (keratinocyte) turnover. This treatment cannot be used during pregnancy. Azelaic acid (20%), thought to decrease the activity of melanocytes. Facial peel with alpha hydroxyacids or chemical peels with glycolic acid. Laser treatment. A Wood's lamp test should be used to determine whether the melasma is epidermal or dermal. If the melasma is dermal, laser (or "IPL") will acually DARKEN and worsen the appearance of the spots. Dermal melasma is generally unresponsive to most treaments, and has only been found to lighten with products containing mandelic acid. In all of these treatments the effects are gradual and a strict avoidance of sunlight is required. The use of broad-spectrum sunscreens with physical blockers, such as titanium dioxide and zinc dioxide is preferred over that with only chemical blockers. This is because UV-A, UV-B and visible lights are all capable of stimulating pigment production. Cosmetic cover-ups can also be used to reduce the appearance of melasma.

Question: What Arbonne product is good for skin lightening/melasma? I have melasma and have tried everything. These brown spots drive me crazy and I don't have the money for laser surgery. One of my friends said she heard Arbonne sold something that was pretty effective but not sure what. I don't want to call a rep., anyone here know? I will purchase from ebay once I know.

Answer: I would say the Re9 Face Serum, or else the Re9 Papaya Enzyme Peel. They're both excellent. If you can afford the entire Re9 line, that's the best, but if not, one of these products is key. Also... if you know someone who sells it, you can probably get a discount or just sign up for the discount. That's what I do and its so much cheaper. HTH!

Question: Does anyone know a treatment for melasma that actually works? It appeared on my face about 4 years ago. I've seen many doctors, tried all sorts of creams, always using sunblock and trying to stay away from the sun. It's not only not going away, but actually spreading further. Cannot identify the cause - the usual culprits - pregnancy, pills, etc. - are not the reason in my case. Does anyone know any effective treatment? Don't know if this is related, but have also been suffering from hair loss since about the same time as melasma appeared. Any clue? Thanks.

Answer: FIRST OFF, AN ADD: if you can, see a doctor specializing in Endocrinology or Endocrinologist, IF YOU CAN'T, ask that your doctors TEST these GLANDULAR levels, because SOMETHING IS WRONG SOMEWHERE. Or this wouldn't be going on. hmm, perhaps below for the hair loss, but it could also be caused be excess male hormones, have u increased in male symptoms, like an Adams Apple, or greasy face, or perhaps a small "mustache." If not, what about "female changes." Or, even if NONE of these, the hair alone could be the sign. . . , or perhaps its its just alopecia . . . http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alopecia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alopecia_areata However, for the Melasma (or Mask of Pregnancy) I'd go to a department store like Dillards, Sears, or a High End one (or even Walgreens drug store) and look for a CREAM with 4% HYDROQUININE in it. This will lighten your skin, hopefully removing the blemish. However, if it isn't enough, you can see a dermatologist to get an 8% Hydroquinine cream, or Retin-a that will remove the dermise. Also, it sounds like an overproduction of "melanin" and your dermatologist may need to "paint" you to remove the offending skin color permanently (much like Michael Jackson) but this is usually done ONLY to the collar line and not in such a DRASTIC manner. I have a condition called Vitiligo where I have "white" patches appear (the opposite problem as you) and I decided simply to "stay out of the sun" instead of getting "painted." It has now been 10 years out of the sun and I'm as pale as can be, but you can't see any white spots either! Woot! So good luck!

Question: How do you get rid of Melasma? My sister has Melasma. She wears sunblock and even got some kind of cream from the doctor but neither of these things seem to have made a dent!! Any suggestions?

Answer: Is your sister pregnant or on birth control? If so, tell her not to fear as melasma usually goes away on its own several months after delivery or after stopping birth control. Otherwise, she can see a dermatologist to try a different cream, a facial peel or laser treatment. If she chooses not to have a procedure done, she can opt to cover the pigmentation. Tell her to buy dermablend. It is a makeup that was created to cover birthmarks so it is very effective. It even comes in a waterproof version. She can find it at higher end department stores and at many drug stores. Please warn her that is on the pricey side. It is essential that she avoids sunlight or, if she is in it, that her sunblock contains titanium dioxide or zinc dioxide so tell her to read the ingredients.

Question: If you stop birth control pills, will the skin condition melasma go away? I have a skin condition, melasma, which makes these dark splotches appear on my forehead. I'm pretty sure they're from my birth control pills. If I stop birth control, will the melasma go away?

Answer: You are right that the pill tends to bring out melasma. Stopping the pill will stop the pill's aggravation of the problem and there may even be some slight fading. However, the pigment will not fully disappear on its own. You will probably need some treatment with topical bleaches, peels, or even laser like devices, if it bothers you enough.

Question: How can I treat melasma or brown spots during pregnancy?? I was teating my melasma with 4% Hydroquinone cream for about 4 weeks. I am now 5 weeks pregnant and is already getting worse! Is there any safe treatment to at least keept under control while I have the baby? Help!

Answer: a boiled egg no joke it works do it right after you have the baby you could also try it be for you have the baby

Question: Who Has Or Had Melasma And Cured It Or At Least Made It Look? lighter? Can this skin condition really be be cured? If not, what home remedies or OTC remedies have you used with success. Also would certain vitamins and/or facial masks work to help get rid of Melasma or at least lighten it.? Which face makeup is a good cover up for this condition. I was thinking about makeup which would cover and hide a tattoo on a person with a tan or dark brown skin color. Thanks guys.

Answer: You can try Chiqui Beaute's Mud to Go Lightening Mud mask. It helps with melasma and also reduces old acne scars and dark pigmentation. I use this for my acne scars and it works wonders! It contains plant-derived Alpha-Arbutin which promotes skin lightening by blocking epidermal melanin biosynthesis and minimizes skin depigmentation to an even skin tone in more effective and safer approach than any other lightening agents. It also contains multi-vitamins and anti-aging elements that repair skin. Their website is chiquibeaute.com and I have a promo code for it: "J10DOLLAROFF" Hope this helps! :)

Question: What is the best solution for melasma? In the past several years I've developed dark patches on both of my cheeks. Doctors say melasma can develop after giving birth or using oral contraceptives of which I've done neither. Is there a cream, cure, procedure, home remedy, etc, that can possibly get rid of it or at least make it lighter? Thanks

Answer: Well, I had the same problem, I know what it's like. (For me it came because of the pill) . Well, the only true solution is laser treatment. I tried the bleaching creams (I think ALL of them) with no significant results. I recommend laser.

Question: How to get rid to melasma?Problem is with my mom...Help pls? My mom's age is 36years old and she is suffering with melasma for more that two years ago.She is worried about it even though melasma is same...Its not increasing as well as not decreasing.What should my mom use to get rid quickly.Pls prefer home remedies as well as chemical cosmetics.

Answer: Mandelic acid is the best thing to use for melasma / hyperpigmentation skin, and Nucelle's mandelic acid skincare formulations are the best mandelic acid treatments on the market (and quite reasonably priced, too). Mandelic acid is a type of alpha hydroxy acid, and unlike glycolic acid, it is really gentle on the skin, due to its anti-bacterial properties. The mandelic acid serum is the main product that your mom needs to be using, however NuCelle also compliment the treatment with specially formulated mandelic acid face wash, toner, moisturizer and protective sunscreen lotions, which are highly recommended when using any alpha hydroxy acid treatment. You'll get some great information on mandelic acid and how to treat melasma here: http://www.mandelicacid.net.

Question: What are the best concealors and foundations for melasma and acne. I can't seem to find any that cover good. ? Also what are the best moisturizers and face washs that won't over dry or to oily.

Answer: i use bareminerals concealer and foundation to cover my psoriasis scars and its wkd. best facewash has to be clean and clear its really good. good luck hun

Question: Do you know an OTC treatment for melasma? I've got a dime-sized spot of melasma on my left cheek from taking bcp. I've been putting fade cream with 2% quinone on it for about 2 weeks and I think it's getting darker. Is this possible? The bottle says it is for melasma and doesn't mention the possibility of spots getting darker. Does anyone know any good ways to fade brown marks like this?

Answer: Try facial peels with alpha hydroxyacids or chemical peels with glycolic acid.

Question: What is an effective sun screen for melasma? I have light dark patches on my face after having 2 kids and now using Micronor Birth control. I know I will have to be in the sun some this summer as I have two little boys who love to swim. What can I use that would help prevent these spots from getting any worse?

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Question: How can I get rid of my pigmentation(melasma) in my face? It's been a year now since I've been using melasma kit remover although it lightens but it is still there, Is there something I can do or use

Answer: How I got rid of mine is by doing a couple of things. I used a retinol cream, and also weekly chemical peels (glycolic acid). The peels can be purchased online at www.makeupartistschoice.com. My melasma totally went away by using those things.

Question: I want to try the Luminess Air system to cover up melasma areas on my cheeks, Will this work? I have tried EVERYTHING known to man to cover up a few spots on my face from melasma I saw an infomercial about this Luminess Air and wondered if it would work? Has anyone tried it and if so did it make a huge difference? Thanks

Answer: I purchased the Luminess Air system. I wasn't impressed with it. The foundation is Water based so it goes on really well and even but it doesn't last long. I think it must evaporate! It does cover mostly everything but for really dark spots you will still need concealer. It does feel very light, almost like you wearing nothing at all. But by the end of the day it looks like you are wearing nothing at all. I use it every now and then for a natural look but for good coverage that stays all day I still use a primer underneath liquid foundation.

Question: is ths sun cream ok to be used if i have melasma? does neutrogena ultra sheer dry-touch sunblock spf 55, is it ok to be used daily for a long time if i have melasma. does it have any chemical to contribute to the worsening of melasma.

Answer: With melasma, you should always use a product with sunblock on your face. So, it's okay to use it.

Question: Anyone know how to help clear up Melasma? I have had these nasty brown spots on my face for awhile now. They seem to be getting worse not better. Anyone else have this and have tips?

Answer: Sunblock, bleaching, and time. There are creams and treatment but nothing is over night. Good Luckk

Question: Anyone out there sucsesfully treated their melasma? I was told after my pregnancy it would go away but it seems to be getting worse, any advice would be great.

Answer: dark skin pigmentations?.. this might help - http://www.skin-whitening-product.com/