Melasma - desperate

[Lilylo]

Hi all, I have been dealing with melasma for 10 years as a result of having to take birth control for medical reason. I am 29.

This years I went on sunny holidays twice and, in spite of my religious attention with sunscreen and sun hats, my melasma got to a point where I am ashamed to leave the house without heavy coverage.

Besides the horrid melasma, my skin is quite nice and it really doesn't need a thick layer of foundation. However my melasma is just too dark now!

I am starting to feel a bit disheartened about it. I don't know what to do, besides wearing sunscreen and staying out of the sun, which does not seem to be working anyway.

Please, if you have any advice for this desperate woman, share it here and I'll be grateful forever

Anyone?

The Ordinary's azelaic acid has really helped mine and it's only about £6

I haven't got great advice, but I am in a similar boat - I now don't feel I can go out without foundation.

Retinol is supposed to help. I have some, but and I was noticing a difference, but I'm not using it right now as it makes your skin more sun sensitive, and I definitely don't need that!

If you can afford a dermatologist consult, they would be able to tell you the retinol strengths that can help, as I am no pro - I think unfortunately a lot of over the counter stuff won't be strong enough for the likes of us. If you do try it though, start off with lower concentrations and let your skin build up tolerance to the ingredient. And, it goes without saying you need all the SPF in the daytime after using it. Plus I don't think you can use a lot of these products if you are preggers.

Whereabouts on your face is it mostly? Makeup-wise, I am using IT cosmetics CC cream which has SPF 50 (although I wouldn't rely on that solely) it gives a good coverage for a CC, but not too heavy. Then I top up the coverage for the affected areas with concealer.

Laser might help, as pp said if you can see a dermatologist do. Get an spf with the melanin inhibitor.

Sali Hughes has it and writes about it a lot

www.theguardian.com/fashion/2017/nov/11/sali-hughes-beauty-melasma