Melasma :(

ElvisShops · ‎03-09-2010

What is the most effective treatment you have used for melasma and how long did it take to see improvement? TIA

Shanus · ‎05-17-2010

@ElvisShops wrote:
What is the most effective treatment you have used for melasma and how long did it take to see improvement? TIA

@ElvisShops I've had success with the Obagi system. It was years ago and hydroquinone (4%) is now by prescription only. You mix a pea size amount with Retin A (by prescription) since over the counter Retinols are not strong enough. It's applied each night and after 6 wks., you should begin seeing some fading. Obagi is available from dermatologists and/or medi spas.

Obagi now makes a night time treatment that's free of hydroquinone and is available on some sites. It still needs to be used with Retin A. It is effective on my few dark sun spots that show up after the summer, but not sure it would be strong enough to fade melasma.

Shelbelle · ‎03-09-2010

4% Hydroquinone is stil lthe gold standrd in this country. Use it for 3 months intensely, and the spots should be faded for good. Worked for me .

Still Raining · ‎03-30-2014

I had a bad case from hormones used for peri menopause. The Derm tried several things, but it only went away when I went off them.

Katcat1 · ‎07-21-2011

@ElvisShops Here is a home remedy.

Lavender and tree tea oil – A mix of these oils applied at least four times a day will draw significant results within no time.

Mix the essential oils (Lavender & Tea Tree oil with a carrier oil such as Grapeseed oil or Almond oil, etc. iherb.com sells essential oils and carrier oils.

kindness is strength

SilleeMee · ‎05-22-2016

TRI-LUMA cream is specifically formulated for melasma. It's a Rx med but you can buy it w/o a Rx from AllDayChemist. If I had melasma that's what I would use.

Shelbelle · ‎03-09-2010

@SilleeMee wrote:
TRI-LUMA cream is specifically formulated for melasma. It's a Rx med but you can buy it w/o a Rx from AllDayChemist. If I had melasma that's what I would use.

This product is Hydroquinone based too. you can get OTC brands that are 2 to 3% Hydroquinone instead of 4%.

SilleeMee · ‎05-22-2016

@Shelbelle wrote:
@SilleeMee wrote:
TRI-LUMA cream is specifically formulated for melasma. It's a Rx med but you can buy it w/o a Rx from AllDayChemist. If I had melasma that's what I would use.
This product is Hydroquinone based too. you can get OTC brands that are 2 to 3% Hydroquinone instead of 4%.

It's the combination of the three constituents together which make that cream more effective than just HQ alone. The tretinoin can have some permanent effects by destroying the enzyme which leads to pigment formation. The other ingredient, a steroid, also inhibits melanin production.

Shelbelle · ‎03-09-2010

@SilleeMee wrote:
@Shelbelle wrote:
@SilleeMee wrote:
TRI-LUMA cream is specifically formulated for melasma. It's a Rx med but you can buy it w/o a Rx from AllDayChemist. If I had melasma that's what I would use.
This product is Hydroquinone based too. you can get OTC brands that are 2 to 3% Hydroquinone instead of 4%.

It's the combination of the three constituents together which make that cream more effective than just HQ alone. The tretinoin can have some permanent effects by destroying the enzyme which leads to pigment formation. The other ingredient, a steroid, also inhibits melanin production.

I would agree, there are benefits to getting an RX, just that some dont have a derm doc or dont want to go to one. But if it is available online, go for it.