Melasma cream prescription by dermatologist

You may need a customized formula for melasma if your pigmentation is persistent, recurrent, or uneven, or if standard medication hasn’t worked. A dermatologist can evaluate the type and depth of your melasma, your skin tone, and any triggers, then tailor a prescription with the right combination and strengths of ingredients to improve results while minimizing irritation and recurrence.

Important Disclaimer: Compounded medications are not reviewed by the FDA for safety or efficacy.

According to Dr. Eric Howell, dermatologist, removing melasma from the face involves a combination of treatments including topical medications, chemical peels, and laser therapy. Topical treatments often include hydroquinone, tretinoin, and corticosteroids, either individually or in combination. Chemical peels with glycolic acid or salicylic acid can help exfoliate the skin and reduce pigmentation. Laser treatments, such as fractional lasers, can also be effective but should be approached with caution to avoid worsening the condition. In addition to that, consistent sun protection is very important to manage and prevent melasma.

Dr. Howell says that unfortunately melasma cannot be cured permanently, however with adequate treatment you can reduce its appearance significantly and keep it under control. However, factors such as sun exposure, hormonal changes, and certain medications can trigger its return. The long-term management of this harmless skin condition involves the ongoing use of sunscreen, topical treatments, and procedures done in a dermatology clinic.

Dr. Howell says one of the most effective treatments for melasma is a combination cream which includes hydroquinone, tretinoin, and a corticosteroid. This prescription cream is sold under the brand name Tri-Luma or can be purchased through a compounding pharmacy.

Dr. Howell says that vitamin C is useful for the management of melasma as it is a potent antioxidant that helps brighten the skin and reduce pigmentation. It works by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase, which is involved in melanin production. Regular use of vitamin C can improve skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots associated with melasma.

Dr. Howell says that melasma can be worsened by sun or UV exposure to ultraviolet, hormonal fluctuations, certain medications (like oral contraceptives), and skin irritation from inadequate skincare products.

Melasma on the face is often triggered by sun exposure, hormonal changes (such as pregnancy or use of oral contraceptives), a genetic predisposition and other contributing factors can include thyroid disorders and certain medications that increase skin sensitivity to the sun.

Dr. Howell says that  melasma can fade when the triggering factors, such as hormonal fluctuations or sun exposure, are removed or reduced. For example, if you stop taking your birth control pills, you give birth, or during the winter season (as you are less exposed to the sun). Unfortunately, simply stopping birth control does not usually resolve the problem entirely once it has started, so to ensure your symptoms are kept at bay, you should use sunscreen consistently.

Dr. Howell says that retinol can help melasma to some extent, however there are many superior melasma treatments such as hydroquinone, tretinoin, azelaic acid, and tranexamic acid to name a few.

Dr. Howell says that melasma may get darker due to increased sun exposure or hormonal changes. It is essential to use gentle, non-irritating products and protect the skin from sun with a sunscreen with SPF 50 to prevent darkening.

Dr. Howell says people with melasma should minimize sun exposure and always use broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF 50 to protect their skin. Wearing hats and seeking shade are also important measures. UV light can exacerbate melasma, so diligent sun protection is crucial to manage and prevent worsening.

Dr. Howell says that to reverse signs of melasma, he usually recommends a combination of treatments like topical creams (hydroquinone, tretinoin), chemical peels, laser therapy, the consistent use of sunscreen with SPF 50 and antioxidants like topical vitamin C.

Dr. Howell says that melasma is a specific type of hyperpigmentation characterized by symmetrical, brownish patches, often due to hormonal changes and sun exposure. General hyperpigmentation can result from various factors such as inflammation, acne scars, or injury. Both conditions involve excess melanin production, but melasma is typically more persistent and challenging to treat.

Dr. Howell says that you should not use lemon juice to remove melasma as it can cause skin irritation or worsen pigmentation. While lemon juice has natural bleaching properties, it should not be applied directly to the skin.

Dr. Howell says that honey is not an effective treatment against melasma. While honey has anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties, it does not have the ability to reduce pigmentation. Effective treatments include prescription creams, chemical peels, and laser therapy under a dermatologist’s supervision.

Dr. Howell says that it may be possible for stress to affect your hormonal balance, which can in turn worsen the condition. However, melasma is not directly related to stress.

Dr. Howell says that niacinamide is effective for melasma as it has anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce pigmentation. It works by inhibiting the transfer of melanin to skin cells, leading to a more even skin tone. Regular use of niacinamide can improve skin texture and lighten dark spots associated with melasma.

Dr. Howell  says that melasma is not related to a specific age and it can be a lifelong condition. It often fades after the removal of triggers like pregnancy or discontinuation of oral contraceptives, but ongoing management with sun protection and treatments is usually required.

Dr. Howell  says that estrogen and progesterone are the hormones most commonly associated with melasma. Hormonal changes during pregnancy (known as chloasma or “the mask of pregnancy”), the use of oral contraceptives, and hormone replacement therapy can all trigger or exacerbate melasma by stimulating melanocyte activity.

Dr. Howell  says the fastest way to get rid of melasma involves a combination of treatments including prescription topical creams (such as hydroquinone, tretinoin), chemical peels, and laser therapy, along with strict sun protection. Consulting a dermatologist for an individualized, aggressive treatment plan can help achieve the quickest and most effective results.