Melasma Cream: Prescription Treatment for Dark Spots
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
(taking birth control, pregnancy, menopause)
Genetic predisposition
Aging
What melasma treatment creams can you 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 (Tri Luma)
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.
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