Melasma Treatments

My dermatologist prescribed Tri-Luma Cream which contains 4 % hydroquinone, tretinoin .05% and fluocinolone acetonide .01 %. About 23 % of the population doesn't respond to it and I am part of that population! A girlfriend used it and her skin looks wonderful; she has absolutely no dark blotches. Because it's prescription grade, it might be a better route -- better quality, more reliable source -- if you're gonna gamble with an ingredient that makes you nervous. Although insurance won't pay for it, presumably your doctor will be on top of any side effects!

The gold standared for treating melasma is still 4% hydroquinone which is what any dermatologist should tell you. Hydroquinone can be in many forms like the obagi system which uses other topicals to get a result, cosmelan, triluma or plain 4% hydroquinone which you can buy much cheaper through a pharmacy. I would not recommend any type of photofacial because it produces heat which can make melasma much worse. There are a couple of lasers on the market that have recently been fda approved to treat melasma but are quite expensive and should be done by the most skilled technician. You can get great results from obagi but you must be prepared to look worse (severly dry, chapped, red and peeling for months) before you feel like you look better. Or you can go the slower route (you will still see results in about 3 months, much less skin irritation than obagi) and use a 4% hydroquinone (prescription strengh) from any professional skin care line (Image skin care). Any topical should be given a 3-6 month chance to work before you label it no good. Hope this helps and good luck!

I have used the Obagi system and loved the results!
I will say though that your skin peels and gets red and uncomfortable for a few weeks.
So if you are a SAHM, like me, its not too bad...but I don't know about having to go to work like that.

With that said I would do it again...and think I will after this summer! I get so many freckles!
And that reminds me...you have to keep your face out of the sun or it hurts and burns easy!

Hope that helps!

You should try M2 20% skin refinish lotion. You can get it from skinstore.com. It is the most amazing product I have ever used. I swear by it.