Melasma is a common skin condition that causes hyperpigmented patches and spots usually on the face. It is mostly seen in women due to hormonal changes, such as pregnancy or starting a new birth control, or sun exposure. If you are here because you are struggling with melasma, you are probably looking for ways to get rid of it. Here are a few of the most effective melasma treatments to consider.
Microneedling
Microneedling treatments are one of the best ways to improve hyperpigmentation. Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that uses tiny needles to make microchannels in the skin to stimulate collagen production. This will help lighten the dark patches on your face. While your melasma will not disappear overnight, you will start to notice new healthy skin coming in with significantly less pigmentation. I usually recommend between 4-6 treatments spaced 6-8 weeks apart to see the biggest improvement.
Book your first microneedling appointment!
Topical Vitamin C
If you are dealing with melasma dark patches on your face, a simple step you should consider is adding a topical vitamin C serum into your skincare routine. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from damage and also brightens the skin. Applied daily, it can help fade existing dark spots while also preventing new ones from forming.Â
My recommendation: Revision C+ Correcting Complex
ISDIN Advanced Melaclear
A product new to Lemmon Avenue Atlanta that we are so excited to introduce to our melasma patients is ISDIN Advanced Melaclear. Melaclear is a powerful brightening serum that contains tranexamic acid, niacinamide, and Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract. Together, these ingredients brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots. After seeing great results from this serum, we knew we had to offer it to you!Â
You can shop the new ISDIN Advanced Melaclear serum here.
Prescription Options
If you are looking for something stronger, prescription-strength hydroquinone or tretinoin may be a good option for you. Hydroquinone is a bleaching agent that has proven to lighten dark spots on the face. Tretinoin is a vitamin A derivative that helps exfoliate the skin and promote cell turnover. Both of these medications must be prescribed in the office, so you will need to schedule a skincare consult visit to discuss whether they are right for you.
Schedule your skincare in-office consultation.
Prevention
As we have discussed above, many melasma treatments can help eliminate those annoying dark spots and get you back on the route to healthy skin. However, by being conscious of what causes melasma, you may be able to avoid it altogether. We are all bound to go through hormonal changes during different stages in life, but one thing we can control is protecting our skin from the sun. Yes, even in the winter! Trust me when I say if you get in the habit of applying a daily SPF year-round, your skin will thank you. Not only will you keep your skin from aging as fast, but you will be less prone to developing melasma from the sun.
My favorite daily SPFs – Revision Truphysical (tinted) & Elta MD Clear (non-tinted)
Though melasma is frustrating, there are many ways to keep it at bay and allow you to feel confident in your skin. Just remember, the best way to treat melasma is to prevent it in the first place so always be diligent about protecting your skin from the sun. If you have any questions or want help getting started with a treatment plan that’s right for you, please don’t hesitate to book a skin consultation at our office. We’d be more than happy to chat with you about your concerns and help you find the best solution for clear skin.