Cosmetic dermatologist for melasma? 78yo woman

[Levithecat]

Asking for my lovely mum, who is 78. She’s always had fantastic skin, but is very moley and is now getting a lot of dark patches on her face which are really bothering her. She does see her GP as needed for moles, and recently had something removed from her face.

The discolouration is getting her down. She uses quite a lot of different brands/types of skincare, so I suggested she pare it down and try quite a simple regime for a while. But I don’t really know what I’m talking about!

Would it be worth her seeing a dermatologist? If so, any to recommend in the S.West?

Thanks so much.

I should add that she uses sunblock every day (altruist) and wears make up.

At that age I’d be looking into deep peels or laser. I don’t see why a private dermatologist wouldn’t see her.

knowyourskin.britishskinfoundation.org.uk/condition/melasma/#:~:text=Melasma%2C%20also%20called%20'chloasma',from%20the%20word%20green%2Dish. THE most important thing is sunblock. All day, every day. Not a foundation or BB cream that claims to have SPF 15, a proper sunblock.

I don't know specific dermatologists, sorry.

Thank you both - I’ll look for someone locally to see her

Have you considered Dermatica- the online dermatology service? Quite a few people on Mumsnet. They treat melasma.

I’m in my 60s and have age spots. I use prescription tretinoin with niacinamide and find it’s really helped.

Thank you for the suggestion, RD15 - I’ll check that out for her. Online would be great at the moment.
And thanks also for those recommendations, timetest - I know Niacinamide was one of the things I’d read about, but not tretinoin, so will look it up.

Yes definitely a private dermatologist. She might have a range of options, I am only 45 but half way through my Obagi treatment and I am delighted with how it’s improved my age spots. Good luck to your mum.