How can I treat melasma or post inflammatory hyperpigmentation on the upper lip?
Hello, I now have melasma above my upper lip after several treatments for facial hair removal. I know this is not uncommon and hydroquinone is often unsuccessful for treatment. My question is will the products I am using for post inflammatory hyperpigmentation help? These include: licorice, Arbutin,azelaic acid, Gallic acid,l-ascorbic acid, and Skinceuticals Phyto +. Thanks, Faviola
Okay ……..so the single most important product in the treatment of post inflammatory hyperpigmentation or melasma is sunscreen – two to three layers of it every single morning and, if you are outside a lot or sweating, reapply in the middle of the day.
A good regimen might look like this:
- gentle cleanser
- a three in one antioxidant that also lightens like the SkinCeuticals Phoretin CF
- 3 layers of sunscreen – for example the tinted SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion, over that a tinted moisturizer or foundation with sunscreen like the Laura Mercier SPF 20 (comes in regular or oil-free), with a mineral powder sunscreen over that like the Colorscience lightly tinted or Jane Iredale Mineral Compact with SPF 20.
- a hat if you are outside
At night, just cleanse again and us the APC or Lytera plant based lighteners or a prescription hydroquinne and little moisturizer if needed. Most people will start to see the post inflammatory hyperpigmentation or melasma start to fade in 2-3 weeks.
Please see your dermatologist if you aren’t seeing results within a month!
Dr. I –
