My Derm started me on Tretinoin.025 9months ago. And has me using Glycolic acid from La Roche-Posay 3 times a week as tolerated, and Tinted spf 30 or more everyday.( which I already did) My Melasma has almost disappeared. He will be switching me to .05 Tretinoin in May. So happy with my results.
Dear Dr. Sam - thank you for this. I am happy to hear that you treat melasma with a medical management and not cosmetic approach. I got ripped off THOUSANDS of dollars from a dermatologist who wanted to do all kinds of cosmetic procedures and not enough medical care
I am literally the ONLY ONE in my family on both sides that has melasma. I got mine from stress, lack of sleep etc. I reduced stress, changed my job, removed people from my life and took dhea and pregnenalone and about 70% went away on its own. I then added regular tca peels, microdermabrssion and it went away for years. It recently started showing up this last year and i think its from developing crappy eating habits from covid. Fyi i dont or have not taken oral contraceptives. I hope this helps someone.
Same here. Both sides of my family have no melasma. I'm 80% sure my melasma is due to the cardiovascular component because it only appeared when I started doing too much cardio at the gym. I stopped that 3 years ago though and try to keep the heat off my face but the melasma persists. Bad sun protection habits in my youth probably didn't help either. I've had it now for 4 years and have done hyrdoqunoine twice, micrconeedling. I continue with daily vit c and prescription retinoids and aggressive sun protection, nothing helps. Have just purchased a red light therapy mask to see whether it makes a difference.
Oral tranexamic acid cleared up my melasma in 2 months! Game changer! I also use tretinoin and hydroquinone 8%. I cycle on and off the oral tranexamic acid and hydroquinone every 2 months for 2 months. I use lots of SPF 50 applied 3x a day, hats and even asun face mask, especially when doing outdoor activities. My face has really never looked better
@@paolavega1803 750mg per day for two months, then take a break for 2 months minimum. I use it again when I see the melasma come back again. I use Transino ii, a Japanese medication you can purchase over the counter from a pharmacist.
Are prescriptions needed for any of this? I’ve had melasma since I was 12 & I never knew what it was or why I couldn’t get rid of it. It’s literally the ONLY thing wrong with my skin, the dreaded stash🤦🏻♀️
@@Lostinspacepup In Japan, a prescription is not needed for this, but you need only a consultation with a Pharmacist. I've seen this sold overseas from different websites without a prescription.
Yes! I would LOVE to hear more about in office treatments for anti aging that are safe for melasma or that won’t make it worse. I want to do some treatments to help skin laxity or maybe even ultherapy, but I don’t know which ones are okay if I have melasma
Having suffered with melasma for 12 years since my first pregnancy I'm always researching best products, mineral sunscreens, etc. Found your video very informative, thank you!
I got melasma couple of years ago due to some temporary hormonal disbalance. Since then I am battling with it but nothing over the counter has managed to help me. It is under control - it does not get darker but it does not get lighter either. I am using on daily basis 15% Vit. C serum, 5% Tranexamic Acid serum, 20% Azelaic Acid cream, 1% Retinol. I see great effect from these product on my healthy skin but my melasma patches are not bothered at all by these treatments. I was about to visit a dermatologist for some further guidance this autimn but I got pregnant. Interestingly, my melasma has not change due to pregnancy. I have replaced the 1% Retinol with 10% Glycolic + 2% BHA and again the melasma pathes are just the same. After giving birth I still intend to visit a dermatologist...
Hi! Congrats on your pregnancy. I'm glad your melasma didn't get darker. A question, Do you use all those ingredients on your entire face or only the areas where the melasma is?
@@KristinaVasileva thank you for replying. I think I will start doing the same skincare routine as you. Hopefully I see improvements or at least the melasma not getting darker.
Urban skin rx had a new 5% cysteamine that I recently purchased. I used Cyspera 2 years ago and had great results but the price for 50ml is so much. When I found the Urban skin one which is 50ml for I think $48 I immediately bought it. It feels looks and smells just like Cyspera
I’m also using the urbanrx and certainly my melasma has improved, but I also started faded by topical and gentle home microneedling. Unfortunately both products smells really bad but I don’t really mind though
@@prabjot2832 I got Cured when taking Doctor Iyhere herbal medications For Black Patches on My Face, All Thanks to Doctor Iyhere On TH-cam, He has the herbal medicines for Other illnesses too.
Really useful discussion for those of us who have always suffered from melasma. For me when I was on birth control pill, my melasma came on like a beast. I looked like I had chocolate on parts of my face. But then I got off the pill and went on to HRT and for some reason my melasma cleared up. Maybe it's the combo of hormones or the dosage. Not sure. Ive been on HRT for over 15 years due to early ovarian failure and my melasma has not come back as it was when I was taking birth control pill.
Hii dear Dr.Sam Ellis am from India hyderabad am still deadly suffering from melasma I visited many doctors to get rid of this devil but I cannot got peace from this am having melasma,darkness,wrinkles.the blackheads are stubbornly inside of skin making skin lot problem's plz help to get rid of these all...i'll be very thankful to you dear...plz😢😢😢
THANK YOU for your post! Mine came up so dark on my face when I started birth control. My period is awful, so hormonal therapy may be just what I need. ❤
Thank you so much! I have been struggling with melasma for over a decade and have never tried oral tranexamic acid. I have made an appointment with my dermatologist to discuss, but would love to see a video from you on the topic.
Yes, have tried lots of things for my melasma! And SO agree--oral tranexamic acid at 650 mg once daily for 3 months at a time with 1 month breaks in between for the past 2-3 years has been the main thing that has worked for me too! Even the topical form did nothing for me. Thankfully, my derm keeps allowing me to stay on it for maintenance, even though I know the studies don't really go out far enough to show that we should be taking it this long since the drug was developed for a different purpose. So cost effective too--only $15 a month with my insurance after the tons of money I've spent trying to find results by other methods. I'm sold and find it to be my miracle drug!
@@srishtisharmxa no, I'm currently on an off-cycle. My derm doesn't allow me to stay on it for more than 90 days at a time. I was on/off it for a few years, and now I've been referred to a laser specialist for upkeep and am taking Rx strength azaleic acid topically. Didn't notice any change to my periods when I was on oral Tx. It helped me a lot to get melasma under control in the first few years though for sure.
Please make a video on Tranexamic acid. I have Melasma for years and have been treated by a Dermatologist with all the med you mentioned, and seen huge improvement on my skin. But concerned about taking oral Tranexamic Acid. I also recently going to heated yoga 5 times a week and love it. Now I heard you mentioned that heated yoga can trigger melasma.
I've read reviews from other melasma sufferers that hydroquinone did reduce their discoloration, but then the the hyperpigmentation came back even worse than before. 😬
Thank you Dr. Ellis. I have a discussion with my GYN coming up about starting HRT and had no idea about the increase risk of melasma due to the increase in estrogen. Something to keep in mind during my discussion. Very helpful.
Oral tranexamic acid was a game changer for me. But, now that I’m 50+ my derm won’t prescribe it for me because she’s worried about blood clots. Can you discuss this more?
Thank you for this video! I just wanted to share my experience with oral tranexamic acid. While it improved my melasma, it caused terrible hair fall. Nobody mentioned this side effect to me and it wasn’t even listed in my medication insert. After suffering this terrible symptom, I went online to find it’s quite common. I would rather have the melasma than the extreme hair loss.
Could you do a video on vitiligo. What can be used, what shouldn’t (such as the usual when it comes to common skincare people use, the Ordinary serums, for example, in what is most commonly used). Hanks
You and your videos have been so informative to me and I’m so grateful for your expertise.yes I have try laser treatments and pay for and beyond amounts of money and the PA that preform the treatment didn’t do anything but one little spot of melasma than she stop and I paid for the whole area of my cheek . Honestly I don’t think she knew what she was doing and the Dermatologist Doctor never came in the room to check I can say more but it really doesn’t matter I don’t go that office anymore a waste of thousands of dollars for period of a year and 9 months 😢 thank you for this video
I have been using mandelic acid at 13% every night for almost a month and I have been noticing some improvements on the melasma on my face. For the day care, I wash my face, hidrate and sub screen every 2 hours.
My derm JUST cautioned me about chemical sunscreens explaining that the heat reaction is also causing hyperpigmentation...she recommends mineral for me and I think I'll stick to those just to be safe.
I’ve had mild melasma on my forehead since my first pregnancy 5 years ago but got really serious about skin health in 2020 - have religiously used spf vit c and tretinoin daily/nightly, and just this fall I was prescribed hydroquinone to use for a couple months this fall. It always fades naturally in winter so I figure I’ll use the hydroquinone every fall to jumpstart it. But the oral pills is new to me!!
Thank you for sharing this video. I have had Melasma for years since my first child was born. I have tried chemical peels that didn’t work for me it always came back on my cheeks. I would like to hear more about your process.
I didn’t get melasma on my cheekbones until wearing mask became mandatory during Covid. It’s so hard to get rid of and I’m afraid to put anything on my face, it’s the main reason I’ve never tried foundation.
Thanks much for all the helpful info. I watched your video just now after having already purchased some products. One is Salicylic Acid 20% Serum, Fast-Acting Dark Spot Corrector by Laarex, and CROW Sebogel Salicylic Acid & Nicotinamide Gel. I have what seems to be Melasma on my lower legs and top of feet. Dermatologists have told me it is tiny broken blood vessels, but I've seen pictures of that and pictures of Melasma on legs and mine looks like Melasma, like a lot of combined freckles. I also bought Sun Bum 50spf for sun protection. I may have Hashimoto condition, since I seem to have all the symptoms. And from what I understand, Melasma can be caused by that condition. Most doctors do not test for Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPOAb) Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TgAb), so many can suffer with Hashimoto condition (thyroid is eating itself) for years and not know they have it. Thanks again for all your helpful into !
You are so amazing Dr. Sam! And you’ve helped me so much! I just truly wanted to show gratitude and I’m grateful you enjoy your profession so much! You give so much! Thank you!! God bless you in all you do! Jaymie
Heat treatments...my melasma started when I turned 50 in perimenopause, but I feel the trigger was having 'Caci' treatments and radio frequency procedures for skin tightening.
I took tranexamic acid for a few yrs for heavy periods. It didn't touch my forehead melasma though. The biggest side effect is that it can cause clotting of the blood, so stroke is a big risk.
@@convenienceandpracticality9032 did it help with your heavy periods? My OBGYN prescribed me 650 mg and was afraid of blood clotting since I have blood clotting during periods and I have high blood pressure.
Viyamin c , 4 percent hydroquine, red bay 4 perecent. The chemical peel works the b3est and fastest , turmeric root, gyclic acid, wash Gleamin. They all have played a part.
This was very informative. It would be great if you could dive into oral treatments further and in office procedure that would be safe for malasma patients and help with minimizing its appearance and yet address other concerns such as dulness, loss of volume/elasticity and wrinkles. Thank you.
Great informative video, really apperciate you and your profession who help people to cure disease their diseas and make their life better, love from india❤❤
I just accept that it gets strong in summer and I use tinted lotion to balance it out because I hate foundation. Then in fall winter it goes away with general skin care until next July
Thank you, I feel that at last I am receiving some sensible explanation and education. You do not mention menopause - I am 65 years old. Is it too late to start a treatment?. I have brown skin, both melasma and hyperpigmentation. I live in Brisbane, Australia where we have a lot of sun, heat and humidity. So is there any solution specific to my case? What about make up? Is mineral make up good or bad?
Glycolic acid peels work great,salicylic acid oil does too peels away melasma it has helped for me my melasma is gone. I used both treatments once to twice week.
please share ! hiw many months , years is your melasma and for how many months did you see the good results. Kindly share to us your experience with these mediactions? will be waiting for your reply to my queries ! Thanks !
So glad I stumbled upon this video. I knew my new birth control was causing this and it seems like it's a common theme within women: hormones! And thank you for being honest about medication vs topicals vs in-house treatments.
Hi Dr Ellis. Since Tranexamic acid is a Lysine derivative I wonder if supplementing with the recommended daily amount of Lysine, over an extended period of time, could be helpful for mild Melasma. I haven't been able to find any studies to support this but I would love to know your thoughts. Also, when treating melasma patients with oral Tranexamic Acid do you notice a reduction in the size or number of cherry angiomas? I've read that oral TXA slightly reduces blood vessel formation and this is why I ask. Thanks!
The worst thing is I love being tanned but now my face is so white and pale and I hate it but I can’t tan anymore. I have pale olive skin, Hispanic, and I just look better with a tan. The thing that bothers me the most is the upper lip looks like I have a stache. So hard to get rid of even with high spf, hydrocortisone, and retinol.
Really helpful. Thanks. I’m an MD myself and I’ve been struggling with melasma for a while. Do you think that red LED face masks can make melasma flare? There’s no heat but I think I’m noticing it
i would really appreciate if you could also cover the Oral treatment for melasma specially about tranexamic acid. i really love your videos and your honest opinion about every skin concerns
it's unfortunate, but had to adjust some lifestyle activities that I absolutely loved. Had to give up hot yoga, sauna, steam room and just going to the beach. RE: HRT, I started HRT about 2 months ago (hormone pellet) and so far it has not made my hyperpigmentation worse. I'm post menopausal. You mentioned this may worsen the condition, however, the levels will never be as high as pre menopause. We're just replacing what we had before. Is there such a thing once hormones are in balance that it helps reducing melasma rather than worsen it? If there's literature or studies that document HRT post menopause worsens hyperpgimention, please share. Thank you!
I've been treating my mild melasma pretty aggressively and it's been working! But I did notice that on one occasion when I got warm while exercising one area darkened a little again. Any tips for how to exercise and not trigger it?
@@orozcoaj69 thanks for the tip! Often if I felt myself getting warm I would spray my face with the Indeed Labs menopause cooling mist (not menopausal but it's a great product anyways) but this time didn't seem like it was good enough. Tackling it internally and externally seems like a good idea
@@DrSamEllis I have been considering one of those red light masks that are so trendy but I am afraid that they haven't been studied enough for people with melasma
I tried everything except oral treatments, I think that chemical peels helped a bit in the intensity of the pigmentation but provoked new spots of melasma. 😞
I'm sorry you didn't see good results with your peel!! I know I am late to respond, but I am curious if you used pigment inhibitors before your peel? I'm considering a low percentage mandelic peel and am scared it could make it worse. I would love your feedback!
New subscriber. What is your opinion of Environmental Working Group (EWG) Skin Deep? I don't want to use chemicals that cause cancer. I would love to see a video of more natural product recommendations.
Dr. Ellis, thank you for this video and all the info. The first time I had melasma was when my daughter was born and it was around my nipples. My doctor told me it was totally normal and it would probably go away on its own and it did. Now I’m 50 and I have melasma on my face. I am menopausal and not sure where to start to treat this. Any advice?
@@sonalisood1714Hello, I used the Obagi "RX" treatment the first time (prescribed by an aesthetican), it worked like magic and I had more dramatic peeling with the RX system, because it has stronger ingredients. Now, 20 yrs later, my melasma came back gradually because I did not use sunblock. I'm now trying the Obagi "FX" that I ordered from Amazon and it is already working and it's only been 2 weeks, I'm not having peeling...but, I am now having mild flaking and it is lessening my marks. The RX system has to be prescribed...the FX system can be directly purchased online. This time, I am adding two steps... 1.) Over the counter Retinol serum and ... 2.) Obagi 20% Vitamin C Serum (Vit C which was ordered from Amazon separate from the system) ... I am applying them twice per day with the system as the two last steps before sunscreen with Retinol being the last step before sunscreen. I fan my face to let each step dry b4 putting on the next step. If I need foundation, I gently dab it on with a brush "while my last step is still wet. At this stage though, I have been able to graduate to only using a thin layer of concealer over the worst areas and blending-in bronzer for even color. I like Obagi because it is gentle and quick and super easy to apply the steps...it, literally takes me about 2 minutes to do all the steps. I use a modest amount of product...I use the "pea size" amount for my face and a pea size amount of each product for my neck and upper chest. I have studied numerous videos on this system to see how different people use it and so I can maximize my results. I hope this info helped.
I used to love obaji vitamin c and gel cleanser. But the vitamin c formula feels different more recent purchase from OBaji website. It doesn’t have that slight sting I used to feel prior to recent purchase and my skin does not look good like before. My mom also noticed same thing. I wonder if formula changed or if stored longer time?
I used a prescription drug topical treatment formulated by a dermatologist with three medications combined, but I don't remember what it was called. My skin cleared up and was beautiful again for a brief time. After just 5-weeks of using the medication, the melasma came back with a vengeance darker than before. I was told to use medication for 6-weeks then stop, but before I got to week six my skin went from clear and beautiful again to worse than before. All over the counter products I tried didn't work and slightly darkened the melasma eventually, many of which you mentioned. I feel so ugly and self-conscious now! This condition has completely made me avoid dating for years now, because I don't want a man to see how I look without makeup. I am so depressed!
Try not to be too hard on yourself, although it's difficult. I don't have any advice personally but hopefully, this video helped. Don't give up. I'm sending you some encouragement right now with this comment!❤
I thought that maybe during the summer when I am working at home alone I could use that thick zinc sunscreen that surfers use. Do you think it's worth doing? And if so, can you recommend anything in particular?
What about if you have to take oestrogen for HRT? I tried to come off it but felt the peri menopause symptoms, I apply broad sunscreen everyday, it’s not going away have tried for many years
I got Cured when taking Doctor Iyhere herbal medications For Black Patches on My Face, All Thanks to Doctor Iyhere On TH-cam, He has the herbal medicines for Other illnesses too.
Are used to have melasma for years until I cured my H. pylori. So please anyone who has it get checked for H. pylori that way all the vitamins comes to you instead of those H. pylori.
My Derm started me on Tretinoin.025 9months ago. And has me using Glycolic acid from La Roche-Posay 3 times a week as tolerated, and Tinted spf 30 or more everyday.( which I already did) My Melasma has almost disappeared. He will be switching me to .05 Tretinoin in May. So happy with my results.
Did you use retinol before using Tretinoin ?
Dear Dr. Sam - thank you for this. I am happy to hear that you treat melasma with a medical management and not cosmetic approach. I got ripped off THOUSANDS of dollars from a dermatologist who wanted to do all kinds of cosmetic procedures and not enough medical care
Fallow
I am literally the ONLY ONE in my family on both sides that has melasma. I got mine from stress, lack of sleep etc. I reduced stress, changed my job, removed people from my life and took dhea and pregnenalone and about 70% went away on its own. I then added regular tca peels, microdermabrssion and it went away for years. It recently started showing up this last year and i think its from developing crappy eating habits from covid. Fyi i dont or have not taken oral contraceptives. I hope this helps someone.
What form of pegnenolone did u take? (Oral, topical?)
Same here. Both sides of my family have no melasma. I'm 80% sure my melasma is due to the cardiovascular component because it only appeared when I started doing too much cardio at the gym. I stopped that 3 years ago though and try to keep the heat off my face but the melasma persists. Bad sun protection habits in my youth probably didn't help either. I've had it now for 4 years and have done hyrdoqunoine twice, micrconeedling. I continue with daily vit c and prescription retinoids and aggressive sun protection, nothing helps. Have just purchased a red light therapy mask to see whether it makes a difference.
Talk too fast
Oral tranexamic acid cleared up my melasma in 2 months! Game changer! I also use tretinoin and hydroquinone 8%. I cycle on and off the oral tranexamic acid and hydroquinone every 2 months for 2 months. I use lots of SPF 50 applied 3x a day, hats and even asun face mask, especially when doing outdoor activities. My face has really never looked better
AT WHICH DOSAGE DID YOU USED OF TETRANEXAMIC ACID ORALLY?
@@paolavega1803 750mg per day for two months, then take a break for 2 months minimum. I use it again when I see the melasma come back again. I use Transino ii, a Japanese medication you can purchase over the counter from a pharmacist.
@@auggiewhite2356
Where did you buy this?
Are prescriptions needed for any of this? I’ve had melasma since I was 12 & I never knew what it was or why I couldn’t get rid of it. It’s literally the ONLY thing wrong with my skin, the dreaded stash🤦🏻♀️
@@Lostinspacepup In Japan, a prescription is not needed for this, but you need only a consultation with a Pharmacist. I've seen this sold overseas from different websites without a prescription.
Yes! I would LOVE to hear more about in office treatments for anti aging that are safe for melasma or that won’t make it worse. I want to do some treatments to help skin laxity or maybe even ultherapy, but I don’t know which ones are okay if I have melasma
Me too!
Just an FYI, I did ultherapy years ago and it was more painful than childbirth!!! 🫣Thank God the Dr. had gas… Not great results either.
Yes, please make a video talking about oral tranexemic acid. These videos are so helpful. Thank you!
Yes please talk about melasma in-office procedures, specially laser treatments. Thank you
This is one of the best and comprehensive talks regarding melasma !
Thank you !!!!
Having suffered with melasma for 12 years since my first pregnancy I'm always researching best products, mineral sunscreens, etc. Found your video very informative, thank you!
So happy to hear this!! Wishing you the best of luck on the melasma journey!
Same with me, since my first pregnancy. Its now 6 years. But I still have it though. Just seeing this video now
I got melasma couple of years ago due to some temporary hormonal disbalance. Since then I am battling with it but nothing over the counter has managed to help me. It is under control - it does not get darker but it does not get lighter either. I am using on daily basis 15% Vit. C serum, 5% Tranexamic Acid serum, 20% Azelaic Acid cream, 1% Retinol. I see great effect from these product on my healthy skin but my melasma patches are not bothered at all by these treatments. I was about to visit a dermatologist for some further guidance this autimn but I got pregnant. Interestingly, my melasma has not change due to pregnancy. I have replaced the 1% Retinol with 10% Glycolic + 2% BHA and again the melasma pathes are just the same. After giving birth I still intend to visit a dermatologist...
Hi! Congrats on your pregnancy. I'm glad your melasma didn't get darker. A question, Do you use all those ingredients on your entire face or only the areas where the melasma is?
@@gabrielacortez4893 Thanks, I am using them on my entire face.
@@KristinaVasileva thank you for replying. I think I will start doing the same skincare routine as you. Hopefully I see improvements or at least the melasma not getting darker.
Finally a video that doesn't say it's a disease; like it's contagious.
Urban skin rx had a new 5% cysteamine that I recently purchased. I used Cyspera 2 years ago and had great results but the price for 50ml is so much. When I found the Urban skin one which is 50ml for I think $48 I immediately bought it. It feels looks and smells just like Cyspera
I’m also using the urbanrx and certainly my melasma has improved, but I also started faded by topical and gentle home microneedling. Unfortunately both products smells really bad but I don’t really mind though
Where can I purchase the Urban Skin one?
@Williams do you mind sharing your routine and treatment you had to cure to melasma
@@prabjot2832 I got Cured when taking Doctor Iyhere herbal medications For Black Patches on My Face, All Thanks to Doctor Iyhere On TH-cam, He has the herbal medicines for Other illnesses too.
@@robertmark2097 did you have melasma or black patches? Thanks
Really useful discussion for those of us who have always suffered from melasma. For me when I was on birth control pill, my melasma came on like a beast. I looked like I had chocolate on parts of my face. But then I got off the pill and went on to HRT and for some reason my melasma cleared up. Maybe it's the combo of hormones or the dosage. Not sure. Ive been on HRT for over 15 years due to early ovarian failure and my melasma has not come back as it was when I was taking birth control pill.
What's HRT ?
@@elenapitic1074 hormone replacement therapy. This treatment is for menopausal women.
Hii dear Dr.Sam Ellis am from India hyderabad am still deadly suffering from melasma I visited many doctors to get rid of this devil but I cannot got peace from this am having melasma,darkness,wrinkles.the blackheads are stubbornly inside of skin making skin lot problem's plz help to get rid of these all...i'll be very thankful to you dear...plz😢😢😢
@@nithyasuja3644 me too😢
THANK YOU for your post! Mine came up so dark on my face when I started birth control. My period is awful, so hormonal therapy may be just what I need. ❤
Thank you so much! I have been struggling with melasma for over a decade and have never tried oral tranexamic acid. I have made an appointment with my dermatologist to discuss, but would love to see a video from you on the topic.
I really recommend the EVY sunscreen to athletes. It performs so much better than other sunscreens available in the EU.
Yes, have tried lots of things for my melasma! And SO agree--oral tranexamic acid at 650 mg once daily for 3 months at a time with 1 month breaks in between for the past 2-3 years has been the main thing that has worked for me too! Even the topical form did nothing for me. Thankfully, my derm keeps allowing me to stay on it for maintenance, even though I know the studies don't really go out far enough to show that we should be taking it this long since the drug was developed for a different purpose. So cost effective too--only $15 a month with my insurance after the tons of money I've spent trying to find results by other methods. I'm sold and find it to be my miracle drug!
Hi, do you still use oral tranexamic? Also, do you see any side effects with periods, etc
@@srishtisharmxa no, I'm currently on an off-cycle. My derm doesn't allow me to stay on it for more than 90 days at a time. I was on/off it for a few years, and now I've been referred to a laser specialist for upkeep and am taking Rx strength azaleic acid topically. Didn't notice any change to my periods when I was on oral Tx. It helped me a lot to get melasma under control in the first few years though for sure.
Please recommend a dr who could prescribe this for us
@@gtjoyjohansson3082 a board certified dermatologist in your town.
Thanks Dr. Ellis! I will share this with my mom. She had a really disappointing appointment yesterday with a dermatologist.
The absolute best melasma video ever!kudos🎉❤👍👍👍
Please make a video on Tranexamic acid. I have Melasma for years and have been treated by a Dermatologist with all the med you mentioned, and seen huge improvement on my skin. But concerned about taking oral Tranexamic Acid. I also recently going to heated yoga 5 times a week and love it. Now I heard you mentioned that heated yoga can trigger melasma.
Please expand on treatments safe for melasma patients to tackle other concerns such as wrinkles, etc.
I've read reviews from other melasma sufferers that hydroquinone did reduce their discoloration, but then the the hyperpigmentation came back even worse than before. 😬
They probably didn’t use sufficient or consistent SPF…
Thank you Dr. Ellis. I have a discussion with my GYN coming up about starting HRT and had no idea about the increase risk of melasma due to the increase in estrogen. Something to keep in mind during my discussion. Very helpful.
Oral tranexamic acid was a game changer for me. But, now that I’m 50+ my derm won’t prescribe it for me because she’s worried about blood clots. Can you discuss this more?
Thank you for this video! I just wanted to share my experience with oral tranexamic acid. While it improved my melasma, it caused terrible hair fall. Nobody mentioned this side effect to me and it wasn’t even listed in my medication insert. After suffering this terrible symptom, I went online to find it’s quite common. I would rather have the melasma than the extreme hair loss.
Keep all the education on all skin care treatments coming please.
Actually, Melasma is a very common skin disorder. 😪 Thanks for sharing the amazing topic.🙂
So much honesty ,thank you Dr...well explained.
Could you do a video on vitiligo. What can be used, what shouldn’t (such as the usual when it comes to common skincare people use, the Ordinary serums, for example, in what is most commonly used). Hanks
You and your videos have been so informative to me and I’m so grateful for your expertise.yes I have try laser treatments and pay for and beyond amounts of money and the PA that preform the treatment didn’t do anything but one little spot of melasma than she stop and I paid for the whole area of my cheek . Honestly I don’t think she knew what she was doing and the Dermatologist Doctor never came in the room to check I can say more but it really doesn’t matter I don’t go that office anymore a waste of thousands of dollars for period of a year and 9 months 😢 thank you for this video
I had a same experience. and now i have no clue what to do further.
I have been using mandelic acid at 13% every night for almost a month and I have been noticing some improvements on the melasma on my face. For the day care, I wash my face, hidrate and sub screen every 2 hours.
1) Your fiddle leaf figs are so happy!
2) Your necklace is classy and pretty! Looks like one I have from Gorjana.
3) Another great video 💚
This was one of the best videos that I personally needed to know thank you so much i wish you could be my DR
My derm JUST cautioned me about chemical sunscreens explaining that the heat reaction is also causing hyperpigmentation...she recommends mineral for me and I think I'll stick to those just to be safe.
Yes i would love to see a video that are safe or even good for melasma patients.
I’ve had mild melasma on my forehead since my first pregnancy 5 years ago but got really serious about skin health in 2020 - have religiously used spf vit c and tretinoin daily/nightly, and just this fall I was prescribed hydroquinone to use for a couple months this fall. It always fades naturally in winter so I figure I’ll use the hydroquinone every fall to jumpstart it. But the oral pills is new to me!!
Me to
I would love to hear more about the oral supplements especially since retinol or any of other products I have used hasn't really helped me. Thanks
Thank you for sharing this video. I have had Melasma for years since my first child was born. I have tried chemical peels that didn’t work for me it always came back on my cheeks. I would like to hear more about your process.
Very helpful! Can you go into more depth about skin conditions that mimic melasma. This isn’t something talked about enough
Like what
Vitiligo?
I didn’t get melasma on my cheekbones until wearing mask became mandatory during Covid. It’s so hard to get rid of and I’m afraid to put anything on my face, it’s the main reason I’ve never tried foundation.
Same here sis that is my problem too
Same thing happened to me
Me too. It was the heat from the mask
Thanks much for all the helpful info. I watched your video just now after having already purchased some products. One is Salicylic Acid 20% Serum, Fast-Acting Dark Spot Corrector by Laarex, and CROW Sebogel Salicylic Acid & Nicotinamide Gel. I have what seems to be Melasma on my lower legs and top of feet. Dermatologists have told me it is tiny broken blood vessels, but I've seen pictures of that and pictures of Melasma on legs and mine looks like Melasma, like a lot of combined freckles. I also bought Sun Bum 50spf for sun protection. I may have Hashimoto condition, since I seem to have all the symptoms. And from what I understand, Melasma can be caused by that condition. Most doctors do not test for Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPOAb) Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TgAb), so many can suffer with Hashimoto condition (thyroid is eating itself) for years and not know they have it. Thanks again for all your helpful into !
I find that your explanation is very informative and easy to digest. Thanks
You are so amazing Dr. Sam! And you’ve helped me so much! I just truly wanted to show gratitude and I’m grateful you enjoy your profession so much! You give so much! Thank you!! God bless you in all you do!
Jaymie
Aw Jaymie, that means so much! 💕 Thank you for the kind words!
Heat treatments...my melasma started when I turned 50 in perimenopause, but I feel the trigger was having 'Caci' treatments and radio frequency procedures for skin tightening.
Please please please make a video about Tranexamic Acid pills. I'd like to know if it would be worth seeing a dermatologist to get it prescribed.
Why
🎉Some people had a side effect of really severe hair loss on the tranexamic acid pills.
Can’t it cause clots too? Serious side effects
I took tranexamic acid for a few yrs for heavy periods. It didn't touch my forehead melasma though. The biggest side effect is that it can cause clotting of the blood, so stroke is a big risk.
@@convenienceandpracticality9032 did it help with your heavy periods? My OBGYN prescribed me 650 mg and was afraid of blood clotting since I have blood clotting during periods and I have high blood pressure.
Yes, deeper skintones should stay away from chemical sunscreens.
Viyamin c , 4 percent hydroquine, red bay 4 perecent. The chemical peel works the b3est and fastest , turmeric root, gyclic acid, wash Gleamin. They all have played a part.
Please do a video on Safe in office treatments core anti-aging it that won’t worsen melasma!
Hi Doc! Can I use glutathione instead to lighten and decrease the melasma? Thanks 😊
This was very informative. It would be great if you could dive into oral treatments further and in office procedure that would be safe for malasma patients and help with minimizing its appearance and yet address other concerns such as dulness, loss of volume/elasticity and wrinkles. Thank you.
Great informative video, really apperciate you and your profession who help people to cure disease their diseas and make their life better, love from india❤❤
I have melasma on my forearms. I knew it'd take a long time ⌛️.
Been 2 yrs, seen improvement, but still a way to go.
I just accept that it gets strong in summer and I use tinted lotion to balance it out because I hate foundation. Then in fall winter it goes away with general skin care until next July
Thank you, I feel that at last I am receiving some sensible explanation and education. You do not mention menopause - I am 65 years old. Is it too late to start a treatment?. I have brown skin, both melasma and hyperpigmentation. I live in Brisbane, Australia where we have a lot of sun, heat and humidity. So is there any solution specific to my case? What about make up? Is mineral make up good or bad?
Glycolic acid peels work great,salicylic acid oil does too peels away melasma it has helped for me my melasma is gone. I used both treatments once to twice week.
Can you share which brands/products you used and how often?
Thank you in advance for your time +help😊
please share ! hiw many months , years is your melasma and for how many months did you see the good results. Kindly share to us your experience with these mediactions? will be waiting for your reply to my queries ! Thanks !
Can you do a video please of what anti aging treatments are safe for those with melasma? Such as skin tightening and treatment for jowls. Thanks!
So glad I stumbled upon this video. I knew my new birth control was causing this and it seems like it's a common theme within women: hormones! And thank you for being honest about medication vs topicals vs in-house treatments.
Paeeevekn
😊7 lolo saaàa
My s
I wouldn't expect it to go away completely, i would just like it to fade a bit.
Hi Dr Ellis. Since Tranexamic acid is a Lysine derivative I wonder if supplementing with the recommended daily amount of Lysine, over an extended period of time, could be helpful for mild Melasma. I haven't been able to find any studies to support this but I would love to know your thoughts.
Also, when treating melasma patients with oral Tranexamic Acid do you notice a reduction in the size or number of cherry angiomas? I've read that oral TXA slightly reduces blood vessel formation and this is why I ask. Thanks!
Yes please, I’d love to learn more about oral treatment with tranexamic acid.
I would love to see a video on the pros and cons of oral Tranexamic acid.
The worst thing is I love being tanned but now my face is so white and pale and I hate it but I can’t tan anymore. I have pale olive skin, Hispanic, and I just look better with a tan. The thing that bothers me the most is the upper lip looks like I have a stache. So hard to get rid of even with high spf, hydrocortisone, and retinol.
This video was amazing! Thank you so much
This was so helpful, thank you. Do you recommend Spectra laser for Melasma?
Oh yes I try so many things I try Meladerm too I did six micro needling and visit so many dermatologists and can get help
I seen a dermatologists that does not recommended Hydroquinone, please do more research on this product before use.😢
Thank u dr.🇮🇳 🇮🇳🇮🇳 from India.❤
Dear Dr Sam, thanks for this wonderful video! Should any these recommendation/ingredients be avoided if I have rosacea?
Really helpful. Thanks. I’m an MD myself and I’ve been struggling with melasma for a while. Do you think that red LED face masks can make melasma flare? There’s no heat but I think I’m noticing it
I had the same experience!
Would love to hear about oral Tranexamic acid.
I like more info on oral treatment please. I tried all topical and laser; not effective
Hi doctor Ellis
Question ; is melasma treatments cover by insurance ? Thank you
i would really appreciate if you could also cover the Oral treatment for melasma specially about tranexamic acid. i really love your videos and your honest opinion about every skin concerns
it's unfortunate, but had to adjust some lifestyle activities that I absolutely loved. Had to give up hot yoga, sauna, steam room and just going to the beach. RE: HRT, I started HRT about 2 months ago (hormone pellet) and so far it has not made my hyperpigmentation worse. I'm post menopausal. You mentioned this may worsen the condition, however, the levels will never be as high as pre menopause. We're just replacing what we had before. Is there such a thing once hormones are in balance that it helps reducing melasma rather than worsen it? If there's literature or studies that document HRT post menopause worsens hyperpgimention, please share. Thank you!
Can I use vitamin c and Azelaic acid in the same routine? Thanks !! Love your Video
ZO Pigment Control + Blending Creme 2% hydroquinone and AZ clear 20% azelaic acid work better for me than prescription hydroquinone.
thank you for this extremely informative video
I've been treating my mild melasma pretty aggressively and it's been working! But I did notice that on one occasion when I got warm while exercising one area darkened a little again. Any tips for how to exercise and not trigger it?
Great comment, I have experienced the same. Another derm here in YT said to drink cold water to cool down the body
@@orozcoaj69 thanks for the tip! Often if I felt myself getting warm I would spray my face with the Indeed Labs menopause cooling mist (not menopausal but it's a great product anyways) but this time didn't seem like it was good enough. Tackling it internally and externally seems like a good idea
Apply Sun block with zinc
Topical vasoconstrictors may help for a while, such as those nasal sprays
Thank u for this video! Can heat based at-home skin devices exacerbate melasma? Yes, a video on oral supplements for melasma would be very helpful.
Really depends on the at-home device! And yes, the higher PA+ (UVA protection), the better protected you are from irregular pigment formation.
@@DrSamEllis do you do virtual consultations? I live in TX.
@@DrSamEllis I have been considering one of those red light masks that are so trendy but I am afraid that they haven't been studied enough for people with melasma
how about glycolic acid? does it work for melasma?
Great video, very informative.
The Meladerm link is incorrect - goes to a Drmtlgy product. Thank you for your content!
I’ve noticed mine is lighter in the morning and darker midday . Not sure if it’s from heat or irritation from products
I would like to try the pill.... how do I go about that?
Thank you for informative video. Yes, please I would appreciate if you talk in details about oral Tranexamic acid for melasma. Thanks again
Hi Dr Sam; I really like all of your video it’s very helpful. Can please have the name of oral tablets for melasma,would really appreciate it❤️❤️❤️❤️
I tried everything except oral treatments, I think that chemical peels helped a bit in the intensity of the pigmentation but provoked new spots of melasma. 😞
I'm sorry you didn't see good results with your peel!! I know I am late to respond, but I am curious if you used pigment inhibitors before your peel? I'm considering a low percentage mandelic peel and am scared it could make it worse. I would love your feedback!
Which Arbutin product would you recommend? Im seeing so many mixed reviews when researching.
New subscriber. What is your opinion of Environmental Working Group (EWG) Skin Deep? I don't want to use chemicals that cause cancer. I would love to see a video of more natural product recommendations.
Dr. Ellis, thank you for this video and all the info. The first time I had melasma was when my daughter was born and it was around my nipples. My doctor told me it was totally normal and it would probably go away on its own and it did. Now I’m 50 and I have melasma on my face. I am menopausal and not sure where to start to treat this. Any advice?
im here in jpan what is the best sunscreen for oily sensitive skin
The Obagi system worked great for my melasma.
Which obagi treatment exactly.. could you kindly share the exact details/ names of the products please.. thanks 🙏 from india 🇮🇳
@@sonalisood1714Hello, I used the Obagi "RX" treatment the first time (prescribed by an aesthetican), it worked like magic and I had more dramatic peeling with the RX system, because it has stronger ingredients.
Now, 20 yrs later, my melasma came back gradually because I did not use sunblock. I'm now trying the Obagi "FX" that I ordered from Amazon and it is already working and it's only been 2 weeks, I'm not having peeling...but, I am now having mild flaking and it is lessening my marks. The RX system has to be prescribed...the FX system can be directly purchased online. This time, I am adding two steps...
1.) Over the counter Retinol serum and ...
2.) Obagi 20% Vitamin C Serum (Vit C which was ordered from Amazon separate from the system) ... I am applying them twice per day with the system as the two last steps before sunscreen with Retinol being the last step before sunscreen. I fan my face to let each step dry b4 putting on the next step. If I need foundation, I gently dab it on with a brush "while my last step is still wet. At this stage though, I have been able to graduate to only using a thin layer of concealer over the worst areas and blending-in bronzer for even color. I like Obagi because it is gentle and quick and super easy to apply the steps...it, literally takes me about 2 minutes to do all the steps. I use a modest amount of product...I use the "pea size" amount for my face and a pea size amount of each product for my neck and upper chest. I have studied numerous videos on this system to see how different people use it and so I can maximize my results. I hope this info helped.
I used to love obaji vitamin c and gel cleanser. But the vitamin c formula feels different more recent purchase from OBaji website. It doesn’t have that slight sting I used to feel prior to recent purchase and my skin does not look good like before. My mom also noticed same thing. I wonder if formula changed or if stored longer time?
Great information.
I used a prescription drug topical treatment formulated by a dermatologist with three medications combined, but I don't remember what it was called. My skin cleared up and was beautiful again for a brief time. After just 5-weeks of using the medication, the melasma came back with a vengeance darker than before. I was told to use medication for 6-weeks then stop, but before I got to week six my skin went from clear and beautiful again to worse than before. All over the counter products I tried didn't work and slightly darkened the melasma eventually, many of which you mentioned. I feel so ugly and self-conscious now! This condition has completely made me avoid dating for years now, because I don't want a man to see how I look without makeup. I am so depressed!
Try not to be too hard on yourself, although it's difficult. I don't have any advice personally but hopefully, this video helped. Don't give up. I'm sending you some encouragement right now with this comment!❤
I thought that maybe during the summer when I am working at home alone I could use that thick zinc sunscreen that surfers use. Do you think it's worth doing? And if so, can you recommend anything in particular?
What about if you have to take oestrogen for HRT? I tried to come off it but felt the peri menopause symptoms, I apply broad sunscreen everyday, it’s not going away have tried for many years
Love to hear more about oral med.for melasma.
Would you recommend hydroquinone 8% for darker skin tones?!
Can vascular lasers help to decrease hyperpigmentation? Thanks for the great video!
I got Cured when taking Doctor Iyhere herbal medications For Black Patches on My Face, All Thanks to Doctor Iyhere On TH-cam, He has the herbal medicines for Other illnesses too.
Are used to have melasma for years until I cured my H. pylori.
So please anyone who has it get checked for H. pylori that way all the vitamins comes to you instead of those H. pylori.
I took oral tranexamic acid at its max dosage for a few years for heavy periods. It did absolutely nothing for my forehead melasma, unfortunately.
Ugh!ive had my Morena IUD for 5 years! I will work on having it removed this year but im also almost 42.... ugh!