Blog with Dr. IrwinTag >> Melasma Melasma and Asian skinPosted in Melasma, Asian skin, 2012 on Jan 08, 2012 | Permalink Dr. Irwin, I'm Asian with skin type 4 and also suffering from melasma. What cream/moisturizer that you can recommend for my skin that can help with my melasma? My skin is also sensitive. I've been using the sunscreen you recommended and love it. Thanks!!
Melasma is one of the most difficult problems that Dermatologists face today because, at this point in time, as you all know, there is no true cure for it. There is just good... more Is IPL an effective treatment for melasma? How does it compare to fractional laser or microdermabrasions? I've read conflicting information regarding IPL for melasma.
Please, please avoid this one. IPL in most patients with melasma is more likely to worsen it than improve it. In very rare instances, if you have very light skin (like a redhead), and... more
All of the doctors you've recommended are too far from me and after doing a search I found a cosmetic dermotologist in Lubbock that offers Thermage Treatment. Is this as safe as IPL? Will it improve melasma? I'm 37 and starting to get fine lines but I have an issue with melasma even with sunscreen everyday and a 2% hydroquinone cream at night.
Please read this article on melasma before you do anything! And no, Thermage will not improve melasma. Dr.... more
What is the most effective interval between Fraxel laser treatment?Posted in Melasma, Lasers, Fraxel laser, 2011 on Nov 13, 2011 | Permalink What's the most effective intervals between fraxel laser treatments?? tnx
The answer to this really depends on your goals and your timeline. If you have a wedding in 3 months it might change your planning. In general though, 4-8 weeks is optimal. You'll see... more Does the new Elure Skin Lightening cream with 'Melanozyme' work for melasma?Posted in Melasma, Brown Spots, 2011 on Oct 19, 2011 | Permalink --------------------------------------------------------------
Hi Dr. Irwin-
I am a woman in my early thirties that experienced melasma from my pregnancies. I am no longer on any birth control and I VERY careful about sunscreen and sun exposure. I have Asian skin and have tried tri-luma. I recently read an article stating that a new product called Elure Advanced Skin Lightening actually "dissolves hyper pigmentation using melanozyme to destroy melanin accumulation on the surface of skin." Have you heard of this line or tried this product. Thank you.
So far, I think this is another triumph of marketing over substance/science - but time will tell. Elure's patented 'Melanozyme' is the enzyme lignin peroxidase which is an enzyme... more Is there a good over the counter hydroquinone cream for hyperpigmentation?Posted in Pigment problems, Melasma, Brown Spots, 2011 on Sep 24, 2011 | Permalink Can you please recommend some over the counter hydroquinone cream brands? I have hyper-pigmentation and would like to try and over the counter bleach cream. Thank you.
All of the over the counter "bleaching" products that contain hydroquinone are limited to a 2.0% concentration in the United States. Prescription creams are usually 4% and dermatologists... more Can Thermage make melasma worse?Posted in Thermage and Radiofrequency Devices, Thermage, Radiofrequency systems, Melasma, 2011 on Sep 07, 2011 | Permalink I am a 43-year-old female with melasma. I have minimal sagging (cheeks, jowls) for which I am considering Thermage. Will the heat generated by the Thermage procedure aggravate my melasma? My melasma is under control with daily application of a hydroquinone mixture which also includes Vitamin A, Vit C and kojic acid prescribed by my dermatologist. I have read that lasers can worsen melasma so I want to be well-informed before I decide on the procedure. Thank you!
I never say never because we are all individuals but ....... in over 10 years of working with Thermage and several thousand treatments, we've not had a patient who's melasma became worse. ... more
What didn't the UV camera show sun damage?Posted in Melasma, Brown Spots, 2011 on Aug 07, 2011 | Permalink Hi Dr. Iwin, My derm's assistance took a polarized picture of me. The picture showed that I did not have any sun damage. How it that possible when I have brown spots on my face? What's the best topicals to get rid of the brown spots? I know for sure I got these brown spots from staying out in the sun and not melasma.
You bring up a good point which is that lab tests, cameras, computer imaging, etc can all be in error sometimes or just not functioning well that day. Since almost everyone has at least... more
Dear Dr. Irwin,
I switched from Yaz to the Nuvaring about a year ago. I noticed after last summer that I was getting melasma on my upper lip (I assume from the new birth conrol hormones). Will the damage be permanent if I don't switch? I have just been very careful to cover my lip with sunscreen at all times, because I love the Nuvaring otherwise. Also, why would a supposedly lower-dose birth control cause this when Nuvaring did not and I was on it for 3 years?
Thanks for your help!
Please see your gynecologist (or whoever prescribed these)!! In general, if the melasma is being caused by hormones, whether it's from pregnancy or from oral contraceptives, it will... more
Is there a difference between prescription "bleaching" creams?Posted in Melasma, Hair Removal, Hair, Brown Spots, 2011 on Mar 31, 2011 | Permalink Dr I,
What do you think about Epiquin micro. I try Tri_luma was thinking aobut switching. I use Renova at night, but does it help what brown spots that well?...I also like to try Vaniqa cream for unwanted facial hair, Your thought. ty
The Triluma is very hard to find right now. We are having the equivalent specially compounded for our patients when we need it. The Epiquin micro is excellent. It doesn't have the mild... more Is it ok to use the dual fraxel laser for melasma and brown spotsPosted in Melasma, Fraxel laser, Brown Spots, 2011 on Mar 12, 2011 | Permalink Is it ok to use the dual fraxel laser for melasma and brown spots
Okay - so this is a much more complicated question than you think which is why you need a good dermatologist to work with you. Here are the things I would want to know.
Hellooo doctor,
i just want to know more about melasma after reading your post. i have been on some estrogenic herbs, which caused me to develop melasma around my mouth and jaw.. i have completely stopped taking the product and the melasma has reduced.. but now i am on high dose of spironolactone alone.. will it cause the same problem?
No, it doesn't because it's an androgen inhibitor not an estrogenic compound. I'm glad you wrote because many women don't remember that estrogenic herbs can have the same bad effects on... more
Is the Lumixyl skin lightening product a good one?Posted in Pigment problems, Melasma, 2011 on Feb 13, 2011 | Permalink Hello:
What are your thoughts on Lumixyl? I've been hearing buzz about it, and interested in skin lightning/brightening. I am fair skinned naturally (light hair/blue eyes), but would like to even out and get my skin as pale porcelain perfect as possible :)
As you know, it contains multiple plant based "lightening" agents. Like the prescription hydroquinones these products don't really "lighten" or "bleach" anything. They work mostly by... more What is the best high quality sunscreen for someone who has melasma?Posted in Sunscreen, Melasma, 2011 on Jan 28, 2011 | Permalink what is the best high quality sunscreen for someone who has melasma?
Use the highest percentage zinc you can find and tolerate. I often use the Dermaquest Zinclear SPF 30 with 18.6 zinc. It also comes in a tinted form and the tint is a more medium... more
Multiple issues with melasma.Posted in Rosacea, Melasma, 2011 on Jan 28, 2011 | Permalink What is the best way to treat melasma and rosacea without worsening them? Bleaching creams irritate me. I am one of the lucky ones to have both conditions. I've heard the IPL can make melasma worse, and peels can make rosacea worse. What do I do? Would Renova .025 help with the brown? Should I try IPL? Thanks so much!
I hate to say this but your issues are too complicated for this format. I know what you mean about the options being limited if the usual hydroquinone based "bleaching" creams irritate... more
Problems with hair removal and brown spots with light olive skin.Posted in Sun Protection, Pigment problems, Melasma, Hair Removal, Hair, Brown Spots, 2010 on Oct 22, 2010 | Permalink Dr Irwin, Thanks for sharing your expertise! My qs is about hair removal and lentigoes.
Which specific laser do you recommend for facial hair removal for type 2/type 3 skin? (light olive with dark hair)? What is your opinion on LightSheer v/s Alexandrite v/s ELOS (by Syneron)? I have had 7 treatments of ELOS but the hair still comes back (though not any more within the 6 week interval, more like 12 weeks). Is it true a traditional laser will get faster results than ELOS?
The clinic also used ELOS on another setting on my lentigoes but after 2 x crusting and improvement, it didnt reduce the pigment any further. Of course i use sunblock daily (la roche posay meroxyl sx 50+ and clinique spf 15 powder on top of that - based on your recommendation for layering- thank you!), but despite this, this summer the spots all came back, with vengeance- there is now more general melasma under the eye area on both cheeks which looks like it will become one giant patch. I'm 42, and don't take any medication or hormones.
In my opinion, the Elos Syneron system is not the best for hair removal. Best choices for you with light olive skin would be the LightSheer or any of the Nd:Yag based systems. If the hair... more Chloasma/melasma - are lasers safe especially on darker skin types?Posted in Peels, Melasma, IPL, Fraxel laser, Carbon Dioxide Lasers, Brown Spots, 2010 on Oct 11, 2010 | Permalink Hello Dr Irwin,
I have very lage dark brown spots on each cheek which appeared in 1999. They have been diagnosed as chloasma. I consulted three dermatologists between 2000 and 2005, two of whom advised me that laser or peeling techniques were not recommended for Asian skin types , I have Indo-European origins. Therefore I have only used depigmenting creams which had no effect and in fact the spots have increased in size in recent years.
My question is: have laser techniques advanced since 2005 and are there any now which would provide a good result on my skin type?
Thank you So first, I'm assuming you've had these spots looked at in the past year by a dermatologist to make sure they are not skin cancer! Then, this is a tough question and not all dermatologists... more What can I do about melasma?Posted in Pigment problems, Melasma, Brown Spots, Blotchiness, 2010 on Oct 03, 2010 | Permalink | View Comments (1) Dr. Irwin,
I was diagnosed by a dermatologist a few years ago with melasma. I have also had slight acne and with my pregnancy 2 years ago my melasma was really dark. I am 35 years old and the melasma and acne started in my late late 20's. I have had numerous laser treatments (ip-Fraxel) and they helped some and broke up some spots but I still have really dark spots all over my face. It is uneven all over and very oily. I'm searching for a good glycolic peel but have not decided on anything. Do you have any recommendations on what to try now or what type of peel to use.
I used the Obagi for months and still use some of the products but the hydroquinone didn't seem to make a difference.
Help
DWebb
I still think that melasma is the toughest problem to treat because there is no cure for it - just good control. You will absolutely need the help of a dermatologist who's interested in... more What can I do about melasma? It just doesn't go away with products.Posted in Skin Care Products, Skin Care, Melasma, Brown Spots, 2010 on Sep 06, 2010 | Permalink Hi Dr. Irwin:
I have medium color skin (latin), with some melasma spots on forehead. A Dermatologist and a Cosmetic surgeon had recommended to stay away from deep laser. I used many products, hydroquinone, BHA, AHA. Renova, and plenty of sun block with 17% zinc oxide. I don't see any changes. What else can I do?
Thanks for your help.
Myrna
If I could have one dermatology wish granted by a good fairy, I would wish for a true cure for melasma!!! It is such a painful problem for many women (and some men)! And, in some... more Will self-tanner make my melasma worse?Posted in Skin Care Products, Self Tanning, Melasma, 2010 on May 28, 2010 | Permalink I am 32 and suffered from melasma from my pregnancies. Now I am so fanatical about sunscreen that I want to use a self-tanner to compensate for being so pale. Can I use self-tanner on my face, or will that make the melasma flare up? Thanks.
The good news is no! All the self tanners so far contain the same active ingredient (DHA) and they do not affect the pigment making cells (melanocytes) one way or the other. They just... more
I have brown spots and am hispanic. Is this advice good?Posted in Pigment problems, Melasma, Lasers, Brown Spots, Blotchiness on Mar 27, 2010 | Permalink Hi Dr. I
I had a consultation today regarding the brown spots/sun damage on my face and I wanted to ask for your opinion. I am a 37 years old, on birth control pills,hispanic(olive skin) and work outdoors (10 hour days).I have done the IPL 3 times and see results but not completly satisfied. I started the IPL after I had a baby. I was told that a peel would be better than a laser treatment and that I should use certain products(cosmelan).
I am using the sunscreen you recommended Zinclear but this doctor told me that I don't need Zinc in my sunscreen at my age???????? What do you suggest? I do plan to get a different opinion but I was wondering what you thought of this and what direction/questions may be more helpful in my next consultation. I know for sure that that advice about your sunscreen was not good!!! You are YOUNG - only 37 - and if you have brown spots, are hispanic, on birth control and work outside, you need a... more What To Do When Melasma is Difficult to Treat?Posted in Pigment problems, Peels, Melasma on Nov 05, 2009 | Permalink Hi Dr. Irwin I'm a 45 years old spanic suffering with melasma for the last 4 years I tried different products in the past including triluma nothing helped. At the end of August of this year I ordered a product on line called BLEMISH FREE comes on spray can. I sprayed this on all the brown spots on my face and 2 weeks later I was left with eve darker spots (dark brown) this product burn my face so bad I did some research about it and found out was liquid nitrogen, immediately I went to see a dermatology who performed 2 photorejuvenation treatments 2 weeks apart. Is exactly 4 weeks from my last laser tratment and don't look any better. Should I leave it alone and let time heal my skin or is this a permanent damage? I really, really, really recommend that you try to find a good dermatologist experienced with hispanic skin in your area. You didn't tell what area you live in. It makes me sad to think... more Does the Fraxel laser help melasma?Posted in Melasma, Fraxel laser, Brown Spots, Blotchiness on Oct 29, 2009 | Permalink
my face don't have much melasma but after I try fraxel lazer my face show more melasma. I want to ask if fraxel lazer do make melasma worse thank you This is a good question! Despite prior small studies indicating that the Fraxel laser might improve melasma, that has not always been true. Unfortunately, the Fraxel laser like all other... more
I have been using tri-luma for melasma, and just started using a retinol and replenix serum recommended by this site. I am happy with the results so far, but I have started to notice what looks like a few clogged pores on my upper cheeks, near my eyes. Is this related to one of these products, or just another issue to tackle? Thank you. Usually the retinol will help unclog pores and usually the Replenix is a neutral for pores so I'm thinking it's probably more a coincidence. The Triluma is a bit thicker and can... more
hi,
i have melasma in my face(6 years)i'm gonna try the 25%tca peel home kit.how is the best way to prepare my skin before and after the peel.
i'm a latino olive skin tipe....im uk resident but on holydays now in mallorca spain ..so i'm pretty brown can i do this peel immediately?
thanks giulia Hi Guilia - I hope this reaches you in time because I'm really concerned that you're trying to do this peel at home. You have olive skin too which makes peels like this more likely to... more
i have had a malsma from the last 5 to 6 year and i have been treated with all kind off creams recommneded by dermatoligist.and i realy don't know what to do it doesn't get batter by time ............i don't know what to do......... I sympathize because melasma can be incredibly hard to treat - especially this time of year at the summer solstice when the UVA rays are at their maximum for the year. Without knowing... more Lasers for Brown Spots and Melasma?Posted in Melasma, Brown Spots, Blotchiness on Jun 11, 2009 | Permalink Brown spots on the face and melasma I'm Hispanic and have hormonal brown spots it looks like I have a mask on my face. Will laser treaments work for me? I'm so glad you asked about this now since this is the worst time of year for everyone for these hormonal brown blotches (melasma). A Fraxel laser (the original one, not the carbon... more |
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