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Original poster

I think I've developed melasma

8 replies

Oshun124 · 29/07/2024 20:39

I've noticed over the past year that my facial skin is a different colour to my neck, arms etc. And I have a lot more patches that aren't freckles.

Is it melasma? I've been on HRT for a few years. I haven't been a sun worshipper in a long time, but last year I prob wasn't as religious about using high SPF protection as I have for the past 10 months. I use a very good 50SPF product every day, without fail. Yet I can still see a colour change recently.

Any thoughts on what I could do?

I think I've developed melasma
OP posts:
coldcallerbaiter · 29/07/2024 20:46

Patches on the face are melasma. Sun block helps.

I think on the body, all the freckles are the years of sun damage coming through.

Powderblue1 · 29/07/2024 23:55

Looks like it yes. Melasma has a butterfly effect so normally effects both sides of the face similarly. I have it on both sides of my forehead and under my ears and a little on my cheeks. It's god awful and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. Dermatica do a good treatment plan that works for most. It didn't work for me so had to cough up to go private but that did work and I have it under control now. During the sun or months I also double up spf, I apply altruist spf50 then top with tinted fuka eri zinc spf50. It's more of a sunblock and I apply with a makeup brush and use instead of base makeup. I also use this ok holiday and it's the most effective way I've found at keeping my patches from darkening (too much) over summer.

Original poster
Oshun124 · 30/07/2024 13:09

Powderblue1 · 29/07/2024 23:55

Looks like it yes. Melasma has a butterfly effect so normally effects both sides of the face similarly. I have it on both sides of my forehead and under my ears and a little on my cheeks. It's god awful and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. Dermatica do a good treatment plan that works for most. It didn't work for me so had to cough up to go private but that did work and I have it under control now. During the sun or months I also double up spf, I apply altruist spf50 then top with tinted fuka eri zinc spf50. It's more of a sunblock and I apply with a makeup brush and use instead of base makeup. I also use this ok holiday and it's the most effective way I've found at keeping my patches from darkening (too much) over summer.

Thanks. I use a very protective zinc based SPF so I think I'm good on that front. I'll see how it is after the summer, as to whether I go to a dermatologist.

But whilst it's really annoying, and high maintenance, 'god awful...wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy' makes it sound a tad more dramatic than it is. There are, for me, far worse things I could have

OP posts:
Enigma52 · 30/07/2024 23:34

I have melasma. It appeared 2 years ago, on my nose, upper lip, cheek and forehead. I use La Roche posay or Altruist 50 SPF religiously. I'm
light brown in skin colour, so it really stands out. I'm also trialling hydroquinone from Uncouth.

I have metastatic breast cancer and would take melasma over cancer anytime!

Powderblue1 · 31/07/2024 09:15

@Oshun124 bit disappointed with your response. Was trying to help and explain something I've lived with for almost a decade. Not being able to go out without makeup, not sitting with my sun in the face, avoiding being outside in the summer. There are varying degrees of melasma. Some are mild while others have definitive dark patches across their face and on their top lip which can be really distressing. As with anything, of course there are worst things in life! But still, I wouldn't wish it on anyone.

Original poster
Oshun124 · 31/07/2024 09:22

Powderblue1 · 31/07/2024 09:15

@Oshun124 bit disappointed with your response. Was trying to help and explain something I've lived with for almost a decade. Not being able to go out without makeup, not sitting with my sun in the face, avoiding being outside in the summer. There are varying degrees of melasma. Some are mild while others have definitive dark patches across their face and on their top lip which can be really distressing. As with anything, of course there are worst things in life! But still, I wouldn't wish it on anyone.

I'm sorry if you felt I trivialised your condition; I just felt it sounded a bit dramatic. Apologies.

OP posts:
Original poster
Oshun124 · 31/07/2024 09:23

Enigma52 · 30/07/2024 23:34

I have melasma. It appeared 2 years ago, on my nose, upper lip, cheek and forehead. I use La Roche posay or Altruist 50 SPF religiously. I'm
light brown in skin colour, so it really stands out. I'm also trialling hydroquinone from Uncouth.

I have metastatic breast cancer and would take melasma over cancer anytime!

I'm so, sorry about your cancer. That's awful. Sending hugs and positive vibes.

OP posts:
Enigma52 · 31/07/2024 11:04

@Oshun124 Thanks 🙂

Yes melasma can be a pain. If it worsens and you do end up finding it distressing, then Dermatica, Skin and Me or Uncouth are all fairly reputable online dermatologists, who may be able to help you. Keep up with the SPF though, that's crucial x

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