Skin whitening for Melasma

Many of us may suffer from a skin condition called melasma due to the overexposure of sun. Here we will discuss how does it looks like and the usual pharmaceutical treatment for it. Below is the pictures of my customer having this problem of hyperpigmentation (melasma) due to sun exposure.

She allowed me to take her picture .Rx treatment (pls note that all these creams are only available in the pharmacy):

Hydroquinone 2%-4%
Action: Inhibit tyrosinase(enzymatic oxidation of tyrosine to 3,4-dihydroxyphenylamine , decreased production of melanin. Lighten both healthy and hyperpigmented skin.
Usage: Apply 2 times a day. Discontinue use if no effect after 2 months.

Tretenoin 0.1% cream
Action: Works by increasing keratinocyte turnover and limiting the transfer if melanosomes to keratinocytes.
Usage: Apply in the evening. Response to treatment can be slow, improvement may take 6 months or longer.
Adverse Reaction: Skin irritation, temporary photosensitivity and paradoxial hyperpigmentation can occur.

Azelaic acid 20%
Action: Reduce DNA synthesis, target only hyperactive melanocytes, No phototoxic or photoallergic.
Usage: 2 times daily

Soap
Soap containing salicylic acid 3% (keratolytic) may help to exfoliate the hyperpigmented skin.

Ask the pharmacist!

1)Regardless of the treatments used, all will fail if sunlight is not strictly avoided.
2)Avoid sunlight, use hats, use sunscreen at least with SPF 15 eg. titanium dioxide, zinc oxide.
3)Always check with your dermatologist.
4)Do not buy those products sold in pasar malam. Buy from your reputable pharmacy.
5) Test your skin sensitivity before using any product by applying to small area of unbroken skin- (minor redness is ok, but if itching, vesicle formation or excessive inflammatory response, not it is not ok).
6)Email me for more info.

7)Lastly do not simply use unknown and unregistered products.