Lightening hyperpigmentation - 6 months on...my experience
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Fri Jul 20, 2007 2:28 pm

Hi Lucia. You are my first reply! Thanks for your response and the welcome. The ladies on this forum seem to have a great deal of information.

I am thinking about ordering the Meladerm cream. I have a 23% vitamin C serum I can use with it. I also have some Retin-a micro. I am thinking the mixture of the 3 products might work. Any other suggestions ladies?

free skin care · Fri Jul 20, 2007 7:18 pm

Welcome Clancybug! The brown shadow left behind sounds like a hint of hyperpigmentation caused by inflammation in the skin from the peel. This has happened to me. I control this now by taking arnica prior to the peel - great stuff! I also use a strong zinc based sunscreen so these so called shadows are gone in a day - so you should be alright. Meladerm, retin a and Vit c are a great combo -although I no longer use Meladerm. Sometime it can take several months to see results. At the moment I am seeing amazing change in my pigmentation - like way more than I did in summer and I think one of the main reasons for this is due to it being winter here and the sun is not having its damaging effects. HTH Dips

Sat Jul 21, 2007 10:12 am

Thanks so much dips18! That is great to hear you are seeing an improvement on your HP! You said it is winter where you are -- where is that? I am in Seattle...

Wow, i looked up the arnica and will certainly add that to my arsenal! Also, what is your opinion on copper peptides for peel healing? I have used that after and it seems to speed the healing/peeling. Also, have you heard of Biafine cream? Wondering if that would help with the healing part.

I am having a heck of a time with these brown spots from my days as an avid sun worshiper. Now, i wear a 45 SPF on my face, hands and upper arms everyday but not quite sure the sunscreen is doing its job. Can you please recommend a good everyday sunscreen for under makeup? I am using some lovely Bare Escentuals along with a foundation to cover these stupid spots! Rolling Eyes

I am so happy i have found this forum! I have some good tools but i need more knowledge to make it all come together.

free skin care · Sat Jul 21, 2007 3:32 pm

Clancybug, welcome! I completely understand your frustration. I am in California, so it's really tough to get the hyperpigmentation under control for me. I have seen a big improvement since my combination of the Triluma and Meladerma. I wear a 65 SPF every day. I'm hoping that adding the TCA peels that Dips has used will help things along further. Although, I'm wondering if I should wait until after summer is over here, just in case my skin ends up being more susceptible to the sun after the peels. I'll post my results after the peels! Let us know what happens for you!

free skin care · Sat Jul 21, 2007 9:15 pm

Hey guys - how are ya! Well today has been the first sunny day in ages. Had to venture out and felt okay walking about in the sun. BTW clancybug I live in New Zealand. I know you are keen to start your peels Msaries but the colder weather isn't too far away but I guess as long as you are careful and diligent about SS all should be fine.
I am defintely going to stop peels as soon as summer arrives - just not worth the risk esp since my skin has improved so I don't want to waste the last 7 months of home treatments. As for sunscreen I used to use Neutrogena Sheer Cover SPF 55 but that just didn't cut the mustard - mind you I was using it when my skin was super light sensitive from the ipl. Anyway so now I use an Australian Brand called DrLewinn (don't think it is sold in US sorry) that has 19% zinc - very strong stuff. I am also going to start using Pete Thomas Roth Mineral powder sunscreen as touch ups as soon as it arrives. Copper peptides are a big part of the healing process - def adds the glow factor after a peel - absolutely love CPs! Haven't heard of biofine - any good?

Wed Aug 01, 2007 6:37 pm

A dermatologist recomended La Roche-Posay Anthelios L SPF60 sunblock for my melasma. I've been ordering it from a Canadian website and the FDA recently approved it for sale in the US. The original formula contained Mexoryl SX and the new formula contains both Mexoryl SX and Mexoryl XL which protects against both UVA and UVB rays - vist the La Roche-Posay website for detailed info. It's about $45+ for a 3oz tube in the US but you can order it online from Canada pharmacies for about $20 to $30 - google Anthelios XL and you'll find quite a few. I'm ordering online from PharmacyMix.
I have severe melasma and am sensitive to all chemical sunscreens as they make my skin burn and itch. I don't have that problem with the Anthelios formula.

Thu Aug 16, 2007 4:48 pm

Hello,
I do not have malasma, and almost feel bad for posting here and asking about my hyperpigmentation, but you all seem very knowledgeable. I have very sensitive skin and seems that every summer I get attacked by spiders, fleas, or any other insect that can leave their mark on me. While my fiance who I've lived with for 6 years can sleep practically naked on the carpet and never get bit! I do everything I can on the preventative end to try to keep my house bug free like washing linens regularly, vacuuming daily, etc.. (thats a whole different forum!). Anyways, My lower body always seem to be the target and once the inflammation and itching go away, I'm left with hyperpigmented spots. I have countless ones all over my legs and feet. I have tried hydroquinone (a high % one from a dermatologist which only irritated me, and a 2% OCT which doesn't seem to be helping). I'm in my 20's and live in CA, and would just once love to go out in public wearing shorts or a skirt Sad

I also have scars on my lower stomach from ingrown hairs. It started when I waxed years ago and now the only thing I can do is shave because tweezing or waxing causes ingrown hairs which leave dark spots. Shaving sucks because I have to do it everyday when the "fuzz" returns. But I'd rather shave daily then have scars from other hair removal methods. I did try laser on this area, and it seemed to decrease the hair growth for a while, and I'm sure I would have seen more results but I didn't complete my treatments for financial reasons.

So, basically I'm young and pretty fit because I work out often. However, the hyperpigmentation on my legs and stomach, as shallow as this may seem, has been a real self esteem lowering issue for some time now. Honestly, if I had one wish it would be to have an even skin tone! HELP!!!!!

Also, any suggestions for stretch marks? I've had them since I was in junior high...I'm assuming they happened after a growth spurt because I've never had children or been overweight. They are hypopigmented and on my legs and glutes Smile

Mon Aug 20, 2007 7:47 am

Hi Legscovered. I don't know about your scars, but I have a suggestion for avoiding further bites. I have often read that taking zinc supplements will keep wasps and yellowjackets from wanting to sting you. I don't know if this will work for mosquitoes, spiders, etc., but since this is such a longstanding problem for you it certainly seems worth a try.

Mon Aug 20, 2007 10:54 am

Thanks Amberamber. I have heard that too actually. I guess it wouldn't hurt as long as long as I don't take more than the recommended amount because I know too much can be toxic!

free skin care · Tue Aug 21, 2007 6:34 pm

If melasma is severe, a combination of lightening creams with hydroquinone (including Tri-luma) together with lasers might give faster results. I had a friend with melasma who went for some laser treatments and it's faded a lot. I attended a talk by a dermatologist and she said it may not be possible in everyone's case to completely get rid of it, but significant lightening is achievable. Everybody's condition is different, it's worth consulting a good dermatologist to see if lasers might help. Of course the sunblock is VERY important. If you neglect sun protection, the pigmentation will return faster than you can get rid of it.

free skin care · Sun Sep 23, 2007 12:14 am

dips18 wrote:

Hey guys - how are ya! Well today has been the first sunny day in ages. Had to venture out and felt okay walking about in the sun. BTW clancybug I live in New Zealand. I know you are keen to start your peels Msaries but the colder weather isn't too far away but I guess as long as you are careful and diligent about SS all should be fine.
I am defintely going to stop peels as soon as summer arrives - just not worth the risk esp since my skin has improved so I don't want to waste the last 7 months of home treatments. As for sunscreen I used to use Neutrogena Sheer Cover SPF 55 but that just didn't cut the mustard - mind you I was using it when my skin was super light sensitive from the ipl. Anyway so now I use an Australian Brand called DrLewinn (don't think it is sold in US sorry) that has 19% zinc - very strong stuff. I am also going to start using Pete Thomas Roth Mineral powder sunscreen as touch ups as soon as it arrives. Copper peptides are a big part of the healing process - def adds the glow factor after a peel - absolutely love CPs! Haven't heard of biofine - any good?

Dips, how are you using meladerm together with cps. I have some sun/age(?) spots and really want to get rid of them. I didn't have any of these spots until I moved to Sydney, Australia. I was advised by a clinician that IPL would probably not work for me as medium skintones generally do not respond well to IPL. She suggested fraxel laser but it costs way too much. Each session is A$1,500 and I need 5 sessions! Even paying upfront for a 5 session package coss A$5,500!

free skin care · Sun Sep 23, 2007 7:23 am

Wow, it's wonderful review. Thanks so much.

Tue Oct 16, 2007 9:01 am

Hi,
I am Ahu and have been following this forum about hyperpigmentation for the last couple of weeks when I first started using Meladerm and I am hoping you could share your experience with me.

I have a very big square brown patch right in the middle of my forehead (which covers the 1/3 of my whole forehead)and couple of other smaller patches on my nose, under my eyes and on the side of my cheeks + acne scars on my cheeks. I started using Meladerm 6 weeks ago together with Body Shop Vit C, I saw some very slight difference in some of the spots but very minimal change on my forehead. So out of desperation I have ordered Lactic Acid %40 from Makeup Artist's Choice but have not started yet (I wasn't brave enough to order TCA) and I am also considering CPserum from platinium skincare but not really sure. I have sensitive skin with a light color.

SO...my question is for the ones who had discovered a good combination of different products and managed to win the battle for hyperpigmentation. What is your power combo of products?
What is your experience with Meladerm, Glyco, Lactic or TCA peels and CP Serum? What other products would you recommend\/

Please I am really desperate to hear from you.
Many thanks
Ahu

free skin care · Tue Oct 30, 2007 8:06 pm

Ninetynine wrote:

Dips, how are you using meladerm together with cps. I have some sun/age(?) spots and really want to get rid of them. I didn't have any of these spots until I moved to Sydney, Australia. I was advised by a clinician that IPL would probably not work for me as medium skintones generally do not respond well to IPL. She suggested fraxel laser but it costs way too much. Each session is A$1,500 and I need 5 sessions! Even paying upfront for a 5 session package coss A$5,500!

Hiya Ninetynine - sorry for the late response, I have been away from the forum for a while. I no longer use Meladerm but when i did use it with cps, I only used cps every second night. Yes fraxel, ipl all those things cost so much and for me the ipl was so NOT worth it. I had far more success when I took matters into my own hands and began doing my own TCA peels. HTH Dips

free skin care · Tue Oct 30, 2007 8:19 pm

ahutukel wrote:

Hi,
I am Ahu and have been following this forum about hyperpigmentation for the last couple of weeks when I first started using Meladerm and I am hoping you could share your experience with me.

I have a very big square brown patch right in the middle of my forehead (which covers the 1/3 of my whole forehead)and couple of other smaller patches on my nose, under my eyes and on the side of my cheeks + acne scars on my cheeks. I started using Meladerm 6 weeks ago together with Body Shop Vit C, I saw some very slight difference in some of the spots but very minimal change on my forehead. So out of desperation I have ordered Lactic Acid %40 from Makeup Artist's Choice but have not started yet (I wasn't brave enough to order TCA) and I am also considering CPserum from platinium skincare but not really sure. I have sensitive skin with a light color.

SO...my question is for the ones who had discovered a good combination of different products and managed to win the battle for hyperpigmentation. What is your power combo of products?
What is your experience with Meladerm, Glyco, Lactic or TCA peels and CP Serum? What other products would you recommend\/
Please I am really desperate to hear from you.
Many thanks
Ahu

Hiya Ahu,
Sorry for the late response. I must point out a couple of things to you and anyone else that is interested in trying Meladerm. Firstly I think I initially had great success with meladerm because my hyperpigmentation was so severe. If you read my first post I mention that it did stop working for me after a while.
Secondly at the time, my skin was reacting to the ipl and became super sensitive to light so I think thats also why Meladerm helped me.
However as my skin normalised I found I had to do other things to combat the hyperpigmentation.
They include:
Glycolic based skincare
Regular TCA peels
Retin A
Emu Oil
Copper Peptides
Supplements and watching my diet.
Honestly it became a lifestyle change but worth it in the end. It is a slow process but I think everyone's skin has the ability to heal - we just have to work out what combo will be best for our individual skin types. I am posting an update on my TCA peels as well - you might want to check that post. Sorry i can't comment on the lactic peel as I have not tried that yet. However I can tell you that if you do want to try TCA, I really recommend buying it from Platinum - they're products are great!
HTH Dips18

free skin care · Tue Oct 30, 2007 9:05 pm

Thank you for the review, Dips18. I was considering Meladerm a week or so ago. But I have age spots. I wonder if it will help.

Wed Oct 31, 2007 12:37 am

Hi Dips,
First of all thanks so much for your response and I apologize in advance for bombarding you with so many questions but you are an inspiration for many of us in this forum who are fighting with pigmentation issues.
Here are a few more questions to better understand your regimen:

Glycolic based skincare: Can you elaborate on that? I thought these products are used for acne with oily skin? Do they help pigmentation as well? If yes, which products in specific?
Regular TCA peels: Being a chicken myself, I think I will start with Lactic Acid peels and once I am confident I will move on to TCA.
Retin A: Why do you use this for?In platinium skincare website they say CP is superior to both Retin A and Vitamin C.
Emu Oil: I use this already.
Copper Peptides: I use this already from PL.Skincare. Have you also tried their SuperCop Cream or are you only using the serum?
Supplements and watching my diet: I started using MSM tablets yesterday based on your recommendation. How does watching your diet help your pigmentation? Do you do anything in specific or foods to avoid?

And last 3 questions:
1-Have you ever tried Fading Gel from Plt.Skincare? That's what they have recommended me when I posted them.
2-Which brand of sunblock are you using? Currently I am using Neutrogena SPF55 but I don't feel like I am protected well. They have SPF29 in Plt.Skincare website but I feel like 29 is too low.Any advice?
3-Do you mind sending a photo of you before you start your own treatments and a recent photo? I think almost everyone is dying to see the difference including me. And the reason is sometimes we lose faith in what we are doing, a little motivation to remind us the importance of perseverence would be great.

Again, I apologize for the long list of questions but I am kind of desperate as well.
Many thanks
Ahu

free skin care · Wed Oct 31, 2007 6:23 am

After reading this review, I just ordered some! I have some melasma above my lips that I'm hoping this will take care of.

Thanks
Cathy

free skin care · Wed Oct 31, 2007 4:57 pm

Hi Ahu,
I have answered all your questions on a new thread - titled. Dermal/Hyper/pigmentation - my formula.
Also please note guys that I'm not going to answer any more questions on this Meladerm thread as I have to remind you all that I no longer use this product and I also have to remind myself that it did stop working for me - and I feel it is getting more credit then it deserves. Hope you guys understand. Dips

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