The Best Treatments and Creams for Melasma to Get Rid of Hyperpigmentation: Because I’ve dealt with this very stubborn type of hyperpigmentation on and off for the past five years, I can confidently assert that it is arguably the most irritating skin “issue” in the world. Melasma is a clinger and can be triggered by a variety of factors (more on that in a moment). This means that even if you use a lot of brightening agents on it, it doesn’t just disappear on its own once you get it. Melasma is also temperamental, so if you try to fade it with harsh products or the wrong treatments, you could make it worse. I do, indeed.
Best Treatments and Creams for Melasma to Get Rid of Hyperpigmentation
Home remedies for melasma:
After many years of experimenting (read: After trying a lot of products that either did nothing or completely burned my skin, I’ve found that the best home treatment for melasma is to use a melasma serum or cream with brightening ingredients in the morning, a thick layer of mineral SPF, a retinoid at night, and the occasional chemical exfoliant. However, beware: According to Dr. Okereke, you shouldn’t overdo it because inflammation can cause melanocytes to come out and make your melasma worse. This means that instead of using derma rollers, microneedles, or scrubs, stick with these tried-and-true products listed below.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen Without SPF, you can use all brightening products. Since UV exposure is essentially a one-way ticket to melasma town, it is pointless. Make sure the sunscreen you use has a minimum SPF of 30 and contains mineral or physical blockers like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
According to dermatologist Saya Obayan, MD, “Zinc sunscreens block all types of light, making them more effective at preventing melasma.” Chemical sunscreens only block UV light. Furthermore, if you need to kick the insurance up a score, pick a sunscreen that likewise contains iron oxides. ” She adds, “They also give you extra UVA protection and help block blue light from your phone and computer.”
Before going out the door in the morning, apply a nickel-sized dollop to your face, and then reapply every two hours thereafter. A powder sunscreen should be kept in your bag for a hassle-free and simple reapplication.
The finest melasma prescription medicine includes:
If the over-the-counter remedies are having little effect on your obstinate melasma, schedule a consultation with your doctor to discuss the numerous prescription possibilities. Your dermatologist might prescribe you a compound custom cream with a variety of various Rx-strength chemicals, such as arbutin and azelaic acid, to help you get rid of your melasma. Some specialists could suggest a cream with hydroquinone, a contentious but potent chemical for skin lightening, such as Tri Luma cream, which combines hydrocortisone, hydroquinone, and tretinoin (commonly known as Rx-strength retinol). In essence, your doctor will be able to choose which course of action is best for you.
There is also oral tranexamic acid, which, when used briefly and in modest quantities, can help fade melasma and reduce pigmentation. Oral tranexamic may merit bringing up to your primary care physician if you have exhausted all of your options with no success because it is typically considered a last-resort medication.
Retinol
Melasma patients must use retinoids. According to Dr. Maiman, they help push damaged, pigmented skin cells to the surface and then slough them off to make room for fresh, new, and undamaged skin cells. This means that they speed up your cell turnover rate. The outcome? Skin that is not so much messy but rather more even-conditioned skin. According to Dr. Maiman, there have even been recent studies that demonstrate that retinoids can reduce the skin’s capacity to produce pigment, which can also aid in the treatment of melasma.
However, there is a catch: We know that retinol can irritate skin and worsen melasma, so start with a gentle formulation and use it slowly at first: One night per week for the first week, two nights per week for the second week, three nights per week for the third week, and then every other night indefinitely. However, if your skin becomes red or flaky, stop using the product together until it has had time to adjust.
