Get a prescription for a melasma treatment cream
Consultation price: $59
Response time: 1-2 working days
Request a prescription treatment for melasma with an online dermatologist and get access to medications that give results.
What is melasma?
Melasma is a prevalent skin condition marked by the emergence of brown or gray-brown patches, primarily on the face areas like the forehead, cheeks, nose, upper lip, and chin. These patches, often symmetrically distributed and irregularly shaped, result from an overproduction of melanin, the pigment that determines skin color.
Key factors contributing to melasma include exposure to UV sunlight and hormonal changes, such as those experienced during pregnancy or from using hormonal contraceptives. Genetics and family history are also significant contributors to its development.
Though melasma can affect individuals of any gender and age, it is commonly associated with pregnancy, earning it the nickname “the mask of pregnancy,” due to its frequent occurrence in pregnant women or those on birth control pills.
While melasma can be challenging to treat, prescription topical medications like hydroquinone, tretinoin and azelaic acid continue to be the primary approach to therapy. Sun protection is also crucial and forms a fundamental aspect of melasma treatment.1
Signs and symptoms of melasma
Dark patches on your skin
Melasma causes patches that are darker than your natural skin color.
Both sides of face
The dark patches are somehow symmetrical on both sides of your face.
Covers a large area
The melasma dark patches can cover a large area of your face.
Worsens in the sun
Melasma becomes more noticeable if you spend more time outdoors.
It is harmless
Melasma is harmless and it does not feel painful or itchy, it is just bothersome.
Related to hormones
Melasma may appear when you go through hormonal changes in your life.
Causes of melasma
Sun exposure
Hormonal changes
Genetic predisposition
Aging
How to get a melasma cream prescription?
Do I need a prescription for a melasma cream or ointment?
There are some over-the-counter melasma creams such as tranexamic acid, niacinamide and kojic acid among others, but they take longer to offer visible results. If you have tried these serums and did not get the results you had hoped for, you should try a prescription-strength melasma cream. For this, you need to have a consultation with an online dermatologist who will prescribe prescription medications such as hydroquinone, tretinoin and a topical corticosteroid.
How can I get an online prescription for a melasma cream?
You can have a photo-consultation through Miiskin. An experienced dermatologist will write you a prescription for a melasma treatment cream that you can pick up at the local pharmacy.
How long will it take to get a prescription for melasma treatment cream?
A photo- consultation via Miiskin takes less than two work days to be assessed and the price starts at $59. You need to pay for your melasma treatment cream separately.
What melasma prescription creams can I get?
A skilled dermatologist will collaborate closely with you to offer the best dermatology care. This can include prescribing melasma treatment creams that you’re interested in, if they are a safe and optimal fit for your condition.
See the most common melasma creams used in treatmens.
Tretinoin (Retin-A / Altreno)
Hydroquinone
Azelaic acid
Evidence-based melasma treatment creams
Studies show that 72% of patients with melasma who used hydroquinone for 4 months saw an overall improvement2.
Studies show that 77% of patients applying hydroquinone, tretinoin and fluocinolone acetonide a were almost clear of dark spots by week 83.
Studies show that patients using azelaic acid over a 24-week treatment period significantly reduced the intensity of pigmentation.4.
What else can you do to get rid of melasma?
Addressing melasma effectively can be a complex process, however, a multifaceted approach that includes a prescription-strength melasma cream together with sun protection and in-office treatments can significantly improve your outcome.
Sun Protection
Use a sunscreen with SPF 50 all year round and reapply often when outdoors.
Chemical peels
Chemical peels remove the outer layer of the skin and get rid of excessive pigmentation.
Laser therapy
Fractional lasers or intense pulsed light therapies target and reduce the melanin accumulation.
Frequently asked questions about melasma treatment
Does insurance cover melasma treatment?
Most likely not. To keep consultations affordable without relying on insurance coverage, providers on the Miiskin platform offer rates as low as $59 for new patients, with even lower charges for follow-up visits. Unfortunately, many states still do not have sufficient insurance coverage for online consultations. Paying the reasonable consultation cost upfront ensures a quicker and smoother experience, avoiding complex insurance paperwork and potential delays.
How do you get rid of melasma?
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.
How to cure melasma permanently?
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.
What is the 3 cream for melasma?
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.
Is vitamin C good for melasma?
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.
What makes melasma worse?
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.
Why am I getting melasma on my face?
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.
Why did my melasma go away?
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.
Does retinol help melasma?
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.
Why is my melasma getting darker?
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.
Can you go in the sun with melasma?
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.
How to reverse melasma?
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.
What is the difference between melasma and hyperpigmentation?
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.
Can lemon remove melasma?
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.
Does honey clear melasma?
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.
Can stress cause melasma?
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.
Is niacinamide good for melasma?
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.
At what age does melasma go away?
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.
Which hormone causes melasma?
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.
What is the fastest way to get rid of melasma?
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.
Request a prescription
EXPLORE ARTICLES
References:
1https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5724303/
2https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12709008/
3https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16901182/
4https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0149291898800763
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