Q:
Dermatologist, I have been diagnosed with
Melasma on my arms, shoulders, and neck. The
discoloration is worse on my arms and shoulders.
Most products are for Melasma on your face.
Would your products treat Melasma on arms,
shoulders, and neck? Which products do you
recommend? I live in Florida and enjoy an active
lifestyle. When I am outdoors, I always use a
sunscreen. Would you also recommend a good
sunscreen?
A:
This is a large affected area. Consider Glytone
Fading Lotion twice daily followed in the
mornings and often when outdoors by
Blue Lizard Sunscreen.
Q:
I have some pigmentation or discoloration on my
face. What will work to clear this up?
A:
Bionic Skin Lightening Cream SPF 15 by
NeoStrata that combines PHA, hydroquinone and
sunscreen so that one application twice daily is
all that is required.
Q:
I had a baby 3 years ago and since her birth, I
suffer from heavy pigmentation above my upper
lip. I was told the condition would resolve in a
"few months" following delivery. What do you
suggest?
A:
Consider Exuviance
Intense Lightening Complex, M.D. Forté
Skin Bleaching Gel or Glytone
Fading Lotion twice daily. Broad spectrum
sunscreen such as M.D. Forté
Environmental Protection Cream SPF 30 is
also important. Optimal results will take four
to six months and are dependent upon careful sun
avoidance as well as treatment.
Q:
I am currently using Retin-A and Obagi skin
lighteners to control and correct melasma on my
face. My skin is oily and my biggest problem
seems to be finding sun protection that is not
greasy and does not cause breakouts. Would you
consider the SPF 20 in the
Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup to be sufficient
protection for a normal workday going back and
forth to the office? Thanks for your help.
A:
Yes, this proposal for work day sun protection
is appropriate.
Q:
I have hyper pigmentation spots around lips and
in the chin. I am Asian & dark complexioned. Can
you please advise a product suitable to me.
A:
Consider M.D. Forté
Skin Bleaching Gel or Glytone
Fading Lotion twice daily. Optimal results
will take four to six months and are dependent
upon careful sun avoidance as well as treatment.
A broad spectrum sunscreen such as
Solbar 50 (better for darker skin types) is
necessary as well.
Q:
Question about Pigment Relief: I have been using
a product for about six weeks, and I haven't
noticed any signs of improvement. I have some
light pigment spots after pregnancy (I am 31
years old) and they don't seem disappearing at
all. My skin care regimen is: Cleansing, toning,
Pigment Relief (twice a day) and a moisturizer.
I wait several minutes before applying Pigment
Relief. I bought this product from Dermstore.com
about two months ago. Can you please tell me
what might be wrong with using this product?
A:
With melasma, results vary even when products
are used properly. Generally speaking, however,
results are best with products that contain
hydroquinone. If you are considering trying
something stronger, have a look at Exuviance
Intense Lightening Complex, M.D. Forté
Skin Bleaching Gel or Glytone
Fading Lotion twice daily. Don’t forget a
broad spectrum sunscreen as well.
Q:
I have melasma on my upper lip. What would be
the best treatment for me?
A:
Kinerase may be applied once or twice daily
after hydroquinone products and before
sunscreen. Optimal results will take four to six
months and are dependent upon careful sun
avoidance as well as treatment.
Q:
I'm wondering if hydroquinone or benzoyl
peroxide can cause cancer? What product do you
recommend for lightening previous brown spots
due to blemishes? If hydroquinone causes acne
can you please suggest me a product without
hydroquinone?
A:
There is no data to suggest that these
substances cause cancer in humans. Hydroquinone
is not a common cause of acne. Have a look at
this article that I wrote on melasma. M.D. Forté
Skin Bleaching Gel or Glytone
Fading Lotion twice daily. Broad spectrum
sunscreen is also essential. A prescription
retinoid such as Differin or Tazorac might also
help. Optimal results will take four to six
months and are dependent upon careful sun
avoidance as well as treatment.
Q:
Is there a permanent cure for melasma (chloasma)?
If it is then what product can be used or what
can be done to cure this condition. Please could
you help me here because I am 35 of age and
suffering from this condition and the result to
this is upsetting me and causing stress. Thank
you for the help.
A:
There is no perfect cure for melasma. Both OTC
and prescription products are available to help
treat the condition.
Q:
I'm 25 and have been in the sun my entire life
and have damaged my skin. My skin is sensitive
and gets red easily. I also have some acne
scars. I would like to restore my complexion.
What is the best product? Kinerase,
Skinceuticals, etc.
A:
For melasma, consider Exuviance
Intense Lightening Complex, M.D. Forté
Skin Bleaching Gel or Glytone
Fading Lotion twice daily. Broad spectrum
sunscreen such as M.D. Forté
Environmental Protection Cream SPF 30 every
morning is also important.
Kinerase may be applied once or twice daily
if desired after hydroquinone products and
before sunscreen. Optimal results will take four
to six months and are dependent upon careful sun
avoidance as well as treatment. NeoStrata offers
another approach to treatment,
Bionic Skin Lightening Cream SPF 15. This
product combines poly-hydroxy-acid, hydroquinone
and sunscreen in one product so that only one
application twice daily is required. As a face
wash, consider M.D. Forté
Facial Cleanser II twice daily. For local
breakouts, consider M.D. Forté
Glycare Perfection Gel as a spot treatment
once or twice daily as needed. For the dilated
blood vessels, consider consultation with a
dermatologist.
Results vary with these products even when
factoring out compliance issues.
