Melasma Treatment

Your prescription includes a morning and night treatment with antioxidants and skin lightening agents to decrease the appearance to melasma or hyperpigmentation in the skin. Often it takes 3-6 months to see results. In the morning gently cleanse the skin and pat dry. Apply your AM medication to the area with the brown spots. In the evening use a gentle cleanser, pat dry and apply the PM medication in the area of the brown spots. Do not forget to apply moisturizer on top both AM and PM as these medications can cause dryness of the skin. Do not mix these medications with any additional toners, acids, exfoliants or retinols. If redness, dryness or irritation appears, drop down to using every other day. A daily SPF 50+ sunscreen is Recommended 365 days a year. Sunscreen is an essential part of the treatment of melasma.

Melasma can occur in any skin type. Often it is the result of age, sun exposure, hormones, and birth control pills. Medications that lighten melasma can cause redness, dryness or irritation if used in large amounts or used too much. Start by using these medications every other night, if irritation doesn't appear after 1-2 weeks then titrate up to using every night. Sun avoidance and sun protection are essential. If a sunscreen is not used with broad spectrum SPF 50+, the melasma may not improve. Apply sunscreen every two hours and wear a hat if you are in the sun. Recommended skin care includes a serum with Vitamin C in the morning, a gentle brightening cleanser and as always layer a moisturizer on top of your serums and medications for hydration.