It’s summer and melasma season!! Some things for everyone affected to read.

Hi Dr Irwan, I am a 28 year old, living Ireland with a tupically irish complexion. Pale in winter, but tend to get a freckled tan when overseas. IN recent months I've notices brown patches / melasma on my forehead and cheeks where freckles used to occur - i am desperate to ruduce theor appearance! I use SPF 30 on my face, but did have considerable sun exposure when I was younger. Additionally, I am on Dianette OCP as treatment for polycystic ovaries which suits me well. However, I've recently learnt is can cuase melasma! I've purchased a 2% hydroquinone cream (Paula's Choice brand) but have yet to start using it. My main questions are... Should I stop taking Dianette? Should I use anything in conjunction with the Hydroquinone cream? (I have read that vitamin C and topical retinoids are good) If so what products do you recommend? The more I read, the more confused I am!

My heart goes out to all of you ……..this is such a tough problem and there is, at present, no true “cure” for it.   But…….there is lots of help and here’s a start!  Please read these related posts.  I have it too but it’s finally gone after a long battle –  my youngest children (twins) just turned 18!

………..On great products for helping with melasma

………..On lots of issues with melasma in general

…………On treatments and lasers for pigment problems.

Dr. I

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

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Hi, I’m Dr. Irwin. I believe that consumers deserve a medically trained and unbiased skin care advocate.

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