The only positive aspect of my brown patches in life? I’m now a self-described expert on melasma and have tried almost every melasma cream, face serum, and treatment. So, please allow me and four reputable doctors to tell you everything you need to know about getting rid of melasma, including the best products, treatments, and prescriptions that you can try at home and in the dermatologist’s office. Last but not least, my skin issues serve a purpose.
Best Treatments and Creams for Melasma to Get Rid of Hyperpigmentation
Chemical exfoliants
According to plastic surgeon Melissa Doft, MD, chemical exfoliants are exfoliating acids like AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs. She previously stated to Cosmo that the key to brighter skin and less visible melasma is to dissolve the bonds or “glue” that holds together dead skin cells on the surface of your skin. Additionally, these exfoliating acids have significant benefits for smoothing the skin.
According to Dr. Doft, the most important thing to keep in mind when using chemical exfoliants is not to overdo it. Overuse of chemical exfoliants can weaken the skin’s barrier, causing things like inflammation, which is known to cause melasma. Use only one exfoliating product at a time and follow the instructions. If you’re using other strong actives, like vitamin C or retinoids, alternate using your chemical exfoliant on different days and nights to avoid irritation.
The best prescription medications for melasma:
Make an appointment with your doctor to go over the various prescription options if your stubborn melasma is not responding well to over-the-counter treatments. To help you get rid of your melasma, your dermatologist might give you a compound custom cream with any number of different Rx-strength ingredients, like arbutin and azelaic acid. Tri Luma cream is a potent topical that combines hydrocortisone, hydroquinone, and tretinoin (also known as Rx-strength retinol), and some dermatologists may recommend a cream containing hydroquinone—a controversial but highly effective ingredient for lightening the skin. In essence, your physician will know which option is most suitable for you.
There is also oral tranexamic acid, which can help clear up melasma and suppress pigment production when taken in low doses for a short time. It’s for the most part thought about a final retreat medicine, so in the event that you’ve depleted every one of your choices with zero achievements, oral tranexamic might merit raising to your primary care physician.
Melasma treatments that work best in-office:
First, the bad news: It takes time for skincare routines to work. Try not to hope to slather on a lot of items and unexpectedly be without melasma. The majority of routines take three to four months to show results, so be patient. The good news comes now: You can go to a dermis for one of the following treatments if you can’t wait and want your melasma gone right away (for example, for a wedding or other special event):
The conclusion:
“Curing” melasma is really impossible. According to Dr. Okereke, it can vanish on its own or, in some cases, persist for years. Even if you are fortunate enough to have your melasma cleared up, maintenance therapy should still continued to prevent its recurrence.” Using a serum or topical with brightening ingredients, avoiding irritating skin care products, and wearing a wide-brimmed hat or visor outdoors are all ways to achieve this. Trust me when I say that you will eventually get used to having melasma because you will probably have to deal with it in some way for the rest of your life. Positive aspects?
