Melasma - help

[BillStickersIsInnocent]

Over the past year I’ve developed melasma on my forehead. It’s really noticeable and is starting to get me down.

I wear factor 50 every day, use vitamin C serum at night, and have just bought a hat. Anything else I can do? Is it worth seeing a dermatologist?

Any experiences very welcome, thank you.

Sorry OP but can’t give you any valuable advice as I have the same issue.
Tried many things including SPF, vitamin C, niacinamide (The Ordinary) and nothing really works. I heard some good stories about retinol but I don’t want to use it because I’m afraid it’s going to damage my skin in the long term (this is my personal opinion).
I would consider laser treatment.

@BillStickersIsInnocent

Over the past year I’ve developed melasma on my forehead. It’s really noticeable and is starting to get me down.

I wear factor 50 every day, use vitamin C serum at night, and have just bought a hat. Anything else I can do? Is it worth seeing a dermatologist?

Any experiences very welcome, thank you.

I would recommend skin and me op. They are basically a dermatologist run skincare company that taylor the skincare to your specific needs . You have to send them a couple of pics of your face and discuss your priorities in regard to skincare and they will then create a skincare mix suitable for you. They use actives such as tretinoin, azelaic acid and niacinamide as well as clindamycin for acne etc. I have been using for about four months and it has really helped me . I had mild pigmentation and have been targeting texture and fine lines. I have a code that can give the first and fifth month free which is In the promo code area if you wish to use. You have to pay £3.50 post and pack Link is below if you are interested x www.mumsnet.com/Talk/promotional_codesbargains/4198470-Skin-and-me-first-and-fifth-month-free-p-and-p-3-99

Tretinoin and hydroquinone only thing that makes a difference ime. Needs to be prescribed by dermatologist though so either need to go private or use Skin & Me or Dermatica online.

I use skin and me and I have also seen a dermatologist- who tells me she has yet to see anyone's 'prescription' personalised from skin and me (they just give everyone the same thing regardless of how you answer the questions) but the active ingredients will work on re-surfacing the skin.
I notice slight peeling when I use mine so if your skin issues are in the top surface only it's worth trying.

You must be militant on using SPF though!

Are you on any kind of hormonal contraception? If so that may well be the cause and coming off it should help.

Thanks everyone - this sounds promising!

Minipie - I’m not but I looked up the medication I’m on for something else and melasma is listed as a side effect. I don’t want to come off these meds really but at least this might be an explanation for why it’s happened.

Saltychoc - that’s what I worry about with using resurfacing actives, getting SPF right. I wear factor 50 everyday but don’t top up regularly which I know you should. I don’t want to make it even worse.

Hi op, I don’t have melasma but I have hyperpigmentation under my eyes and am pregnant, so I’ve been researching melasma a lot lately.

They key thing is sun avoidance. I wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses when it’s sunny. I also became a lot more diligent about sunscreen use - I’ve been using sunscreen on my face/neck daily since I was in my teens but clearly didn’t do it properly for many years! You need to apply the right amount so that it forms a “film” over your skin, and not disrupt the film by rubbing anything on top. This means that any cream makeup eg blusher is out. With regards to how much to apply, we ned to see sunscreen as a medication (which it is), so if the dose is less then the recommended one it will not work as well. Most sources recommend 1/4 teaspoon for face, plus the same amount for the neck. This is way too much for me (I have a small face, low-ish forehead and hair that covers the back of my neck) so I use enough to “see” the sunscreen coating my skin and then leave it to absorb for a bit.

In the past month or so I also started using sunscreen at home during the day, because I work facing a window.

Many sunscreens are not wearable once you wear the proper amount, so it may take some trial and error to find one that you like. I am really liking NiveaUV face sensitive. They also have a shine control version that is supposed to be even better at leaving no shine or white cast.

With regards to treatments, tranexamic acid products have good evidence of effectiveness. I’m using the Inkey list tranexamic acid serum at night, only started 2 weeks ago so can’t judge the effects yet. Other lightening agents that may work are arbutin, glycolic or lactic acid and licorice extract. Skinceuticals have a serum with tranexamic acid and arbutin, I can’t use it at the moment as arbutin isn’t recommended in pregnancy, but it looks good - it’s often recommended to combine agents when treating hyperpigmentation.

If your melasma is really bothering you it’s worth seeing a dermatologist. They can prescribe tretinoin and other agents (I can’t remember if hydroquinone can be prescribed in the UK or not-I think it was banned by the EU?). Skin + me or Dermatica may be a good way to try these agents without shelling out for a private dermatology consultation.

Laser treatment removed mine, they went really dark for a few days and then disappeared. Need to keep up with the sunscreen after though to stop them coming back.