10 Ways to Manage Dark Spots of Melasma | Dermatologist Explains

Dark spots, melasma and hyperpigmentation can be very frustrating. Pigmentary disorders are one of the most difficult conditions to treat especially in my patients who are skin of color (African Americans, Native Americans, Latinos/Latinas and Asians).
Hope these 10 tips help!
#skincareroutine #dermatologist #drsugaiexplains #skincarehacks #skincare #skincareroutine #evidencebasedmedicine #hyperpigmentation #pigmentation #darkspots #melasma #azelaicacid #retinol #vitamincserum
Hope this helps and thank you to my 500K friends here on KZbin!
Products mentioned:
Retinoids with Niacinamide
Olay Retinol 24 Serum
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Olay Retinol 24 + Peptide Cream
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La Roche Posay Retinol B3
SkinBetter Science AlphaRet
skinbetter.pro/drdanielsugai
Vitamin C Serums
SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic
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DRMTLGY VIT CE+F serum
Use code DRSPF20 www.drmtlgy.com/products/adva...
Maelove The Glow Maker
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SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF
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SkinBetter Alto
skinbetter.pro/drdanielsugai
Tinted sunscreen
CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sheer Tint SPF30
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ISDIN Photo Eryfotona Ageless Tinted
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DRMTLGY Universal Tinted Moisturizer SPF46
www.drmtlgy.com/collections/a...
Use code DRSPF20
EltaMD UV Elements
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EltaMD UV Clear Tinted
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MDSolarSciences Mineral Tinted Creme
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Vichy Capital Soleil Tinted
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Azelaic acid products
Cos De Baha Azelaic Acid serum
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Naturium Azelaic Acid Emulsion
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The Ordinary Azelaic Acid
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The Inkey List Azelaic Acid 10%
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Miscellaneous
La Roche Posay Mela B3 Dark Spot Corrector
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Sente Cysteamine HSA
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Heliocare
go.shopmy.us/p-4809465
Heliocare Advanced with Nicotinamide
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La Roche Posay Glycolic B5
go.shopmy.us/p-296771
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:31 What is Melasma?
01:31 Retinoids
03:56 Vitamin C Serums
05:32 Tinted Sunscreens
07:32 Hydroquinone
09:44 Cysteamine
10:30 Heliocare
11:23 Chemical peels
12:28 Tranexamic acid
13:41 Combination of tyrosinase inhibitors
14:45 Azelaic acid
Please check out my Amazon storefront for categorized skin care products that I recommend:
www.amazon.com/shop/danielsug...
and my Shop My Shelf- please check out to see my recommended products. myshlf.us/drdanielsugai

Please follow me on Instagram for more skin care tips and education: / danielsugaimd
and on
TikTok: vm.tiktok.com/J1AE5Fw/
Disclaimer: This video is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment with your healthcare professional. This is for medical educational purposes only. As an Amazon Associate/Influencer, Shop My Shelf, Reward Style Affiliate, DRMTLGY, Stylevana, SkinBetter Science and SkinStore Affiliate Partner I earn from qualifying purchases. I am also a physician advisor for cocokind, Versed and Revela

[@truthseeker7707]

You have a lot of knowledge Dr. Daniel. I appreciate your video so much!

[@LuciannaQuayle]

Would you make a video about a skin care routine products to use from morning to night time for melasma please? Thank you xx

[@karenwells5756]

Thank you for the great information!

[@danielsugaimd]

Thank you for watching!!

[@isagoldfield7393]

Thank You Dr. Sugai, this are all very helpful information💫🌷☀️

[@danielsugaimd]

Thank you for watching my friend 🙏🙏🙏

[@4439chiquita]

I've struggled with melasma since my thirties (I'm 47) and it has been a journey! My current skincare routine targets it and I will continue it as long as I keep seeing results... I've spent a lot of money throughout the years trying products on my combo - mostly dry skin...

[@Linda91952]

What product line do you use?

[@iracortes5600]

Hi! Would you like to share the products you've used? Thanks!

[@4439chiquita]

@@iracortes5600 Paula's Choice brand: Discoloration Repair Serum (every night), Retinol + Bakuchiol Treatment (2-3x a week), Enriched Calming Toner (am & pm). I also use The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin + HA; I'm fromRice brand - Toner and the serum as well; from Naturium - Azelaic acid emulsion (it helps with my mild rosacea and the few pimples that may appear when I get my period); Skin Fix brand moisturizer - am; Purito brand Dermide Cica Barrier Sleeping Pack Moisturizer - pm. I also incorporate face masks for brightening and barrier repair. I alternate all these products according to my skin's needs...

[@kristinekerr3688]

What is your routine that works for you?😊

[@4439chiquita]

I do not use a specific line; all the prods I currently use, I alternate them depending on my skin's needs... Sometimes I use the Kiehls Moist or the Skin Fix Moist or Dermelect Redness Rehab Moist; serums - Sunday Riley vit C, Laroche Posay Mela B3, Paula's Choice Discoloration Repair and recently I started using the Remedy brand... Again, throughout the years I have learned to "listen" to my skin and now I know which product to use but what I always incorporate are products targeted for hyperpigmentation and rosacea calming.

[@daisyrosario3438]

For me Hydroquinone doesn't work! It actually darkens my melasma and my dermatologist suspended it's use!

[@Paulaserenity]

Can’t wait to treat my melasma when I’m done nursing my infant!

[@joykrush3401]

Dr. Sugai, Learn so much from your videos. Do you ever do telehealth? I'd love to find a Dr as thorough and helpful as you are. I have developed cross-hatched wrinkles on my chin and it's starting on my cheeks. Photoaging or glycation, I don't know, but Micro-needling and CO laser haven't helped. Is there anything to be done to stop or slow the spread? Could you do a video on this? Thank you so much!

[@LorraineCastellon-Rowe]

This is an amazing list of creams and serums.I will take this list to my dermatologist to see which would work best for me. Thank you very much for all of this in depth info!!

[@isagoldfield7393]

♥️♥️♥️

[@danielsugaimd]

Hope this helps during your next visit!

[@inahmiyavlog]

hello doc morning im sensitive skin what is best for melasma for me.thank you so much..

[@lucianadavis6836]

Thank you

[@dalilaxxx9174]

Doc es el mejor!

[@db-gb5xi]

A less expensive version of cysteamine is from Urban Skin RX. There's also Cyspera and APC but I've definitely seen other skincare channels recommend the Sente and Urban Skin RX. Isdin and Summer Ready also have polypodium supplements I've seen recommended by another derm.

[@happiness3762]

Urban skin RX, do u know the name of bottle . I have horrible skin 😢

[@db-gb5xi]

@@happiness3762 It's called HyperCorrect Intense Fading Cream. But keep in mind with any cysteamine product, it can take several months before you notice changes. They also have a product called Advanced Even Tone Day & Night Treatment (that Dr. Jenny Liu recommended in her video on hyperpigmentation/PIH) that contains tranexamic acid, niacinamide, kojic acid and bakuchiol.

[@danielsugaimd]

Good to know! Thank you for mentioning!

[@Ginny7033]

Please warn people about the dangers of using the retinal serum around the eyes because of the possibility of damaging the meibomian gland and causing dry eyes. This is what happened to me.

[@YolandaHales]

My melasma has put me in a deep depression it's not all Over my face but around my mouth and chin area. I am A. Light brown skin African American. And it is noticeable because I am light On some areas of my face and then dark around my mouth.. I have looked up a lot of things but have been afraid to try.. Not many dermatologists in my area where I live and the ones that are here are so hard to get in to see.. I think I want to try. A couple of things you suggested ..I think it was the Alpharet and cereve.. I'll see how it works.I'm going to look for the link.You said we'll be at the bottom so that I can order.. Thank you so much

[@TammySue21]

Hell Dr. Sugai, ive been on a consistent routine for yrs and the products you mention are perfect. I start my day with vit c, tranexamic acid, and sunscreen. Evening is Tretinion, azelaic acid and sunscreen. I also have hydroquinone, my derm started me on for 3 months then just the weekends now. My melasma has never looked better, also i find using tranexamic acid and azelaic acid together makes a big difference. Ty for your videos, your advice is much appreciated.

[@Joy77Joy]

Are you using sunscreen with tretinoin in the evening? How do you use hydroquinone in the weekends? Alone or with tretinoin and azelaic acid? Thank you.

[@TammySue21]

@Joy77Joy I use vitamin c in the morning with a dab of azelaic acid, a dab of tranexamic acid then sunscreen. At night I use my Tretinion and sunscreen again because it has Niacinamide in it. The hydroquinone I only use at night on the weekends before Tretinion. Sunscreen is a must for melasma, my melasma is so light now that I don't have to wear foundation anymore. Consistency is the key to any routine.

[@Joy77Joy]

@@TammySue21 thank you so much for clarifying. I appreciate.

[@sumairabasri5991]

Please recommend a good combo cream....

[@user-st2fq7ev3c]

Can you talk about how to treat milia?thanks

[@saidatunnesa6092]

Hello.Will you please tell me freckles control routine and how can I fade freckles??

[@veronicagraves5621]

Thank you. ❤ vlog. VG

[@danielsugaimd]

🙏🙏❤️

[@judyholm2227]

When you are talking about sunscreens i am surprised that you only mention DRMTLGY's universal sunscreen and not their mineral one. Now that you have told us that the iron oxide in the tinted sunscreens helps block the blue light i have switched to the mineral since it does have more iron oxide. By the way, i am an older Irish gal and it isn't too dark for me and no orange cast.

[@danielsugaimd]

Their mineral one was a bit too thick for me but it’s a good one! Hard to beat the lightweight texture of the universal tinted

[@VieveBlanc]

Good Day Dr. please can u recommend Japanese brand for melasma ? For my brother he needs my help to find here in Japan . Onegaishimasu 🙏🏻Thank u so much ahead 💐❤️

[@HanoushUSA]

My Dr. advised me to take advanced heliocare ? No need for sunscreen when taking heliocare?

[@sabahat922]

Vitamin C serums worsen my malasma. I have tried many different brands and strengths but nothing gives positive results. Also I have hyper pigmentation around my mouth. Vitamin C serum always seems to darken it more. Any suggestions? I have combination skin that become dry in winters.

[@Chloe4854]

15 % azelaic acid is available over the counter outside of my US and even hydroquinone 4%. Even tretinoin I live in mauritius 🇲🇺 They are pretty cheap too

[@padurarufelicia8654]

Dr. Sugai, thank you for reliable information. What is your opinion on Ivatherm-Ivawhite night serum and Actinica lotion spf 50? Thank you in advance 🙏

[@danielsugaimd]

Thank you for watching! I don’t have experience using these products nor have my patients- I will keep an eye out and do posts on them. I do like Isdin’s eryfotona actinica spf 50 for mature skin though as it helps with dna repair!

[@padurarufelicia8654]

Thank you so much, Dr. Sugai! Keep up the good work! 🤗

[@MissSA75]

Hey Dr. Daniel, I've got a couple of crucial questions for you regarding the HELIOCARE tablets. The box says to only take them when you're outside in the sun and for a maximum of one month. Now, I'm a stay-at-home mom, so does that mean I shouldn't take them? Also, I'm currently on Amitriptyline, could that be causing my melasma? Lastly, how long can we actually take HELIOCARE? I'm really concerned about this, so your answers would mean a lot to me. From London 🇬🇧

[@ericabuchanan7260]

Omg. FINALLY!!!!!!!!

[@danielsugaimd]

🙏🙌🤙hope this helps!

[@ericabuchanan7260]

@@danielsugaimd my daughter and I have both learned so much from you. Thank you so much!

[@patriciagriffith7402]

High blood pressure meds HCl

[@Yn0tc0c0nuts]

Hi Dr. Sugai, thank you so much for this video!! I recently was diagnosed with Graves Hyperthyroidism. Currently, on Methimazole for the last 3 months. I’ve noticed melasma on my cheeks, this is all new to me… and have taken a toll on me mentally as I have been taking good care of my skin since I was a teenager. I wanted to know if the dermatologist prescription you mentioned is safe to use with Methimazole. I appreciate your feedback in advance! Thank you!!

[@Plantlady82]

What are your thoughts on alpha arbutin?

[@lucybelle5459]

Thank you! I find that my melasma is getting worse in perimenopause. Can hot flashes and hormonal fluctuations make it worse? I’m using retinol, vitamin c serum and lots of mineral sunscreen.

[@vixendterror1890]

I know pregnancy can flare it up so no doubt peri can do it to us too 🫠

[@Ourjourneytohealth]

I’m 29 years and gave birth 5 months ago. I started developing malasma. I’m very fair and it’s very noticeable on me. 😢 I just started using Tret. Hopefully this helps

[@danielsugaimd]

Mothers make the biggest sacrifice and hope tretinoin + tinted sunscreen helps! Good luck 👍

[@cassandrahilker2199]

I took, developed it after pregnancy and I have had it for 6 years. Mine didn't go away after having my daughter.

[@lids7641]

PSA. I know this may not be a common side effect, but I started getting melasma after I started taken melatonin to help me sleep. I took it every night and didn't think much of it since it's supposed to be natural. My face was almost completely covered with melasma and it took me years to figure out what it was. I realized I started getting melasma around the time I started taking melatonin. I had also started taking 5-HTP. I did a Google search on melatonin and melasma and found one post where someone said they got melasma after starting taking it. I stopped taking the melatonin and my melasma started going away. It's taken a few years for it to fade and is now almost completely gone. Again, this doesn't seem to be a common side effect, but if anyone started noticing melasma after taking melatonin, they should try to stop taking it. Edit: I have a light-medium olive skin tone.

[@shannn7812]

Is your melasma completely gone now?

[@lids7641]

Almost. Just a tiny bit left by my jawline. Barely noticeable. I used to have it on my cheeks, nose and forehead.

[@elizabethwilk9615]

I got it after using long term antibiotics

[@hfj2367]

Thanks so much for your post. I have been taking melatonin for some years and since last September I have had psoriasis and now melasma. I didn't imagine that could be the side effects. I shall stop it immediately. I have also been taking estrogen hormone as I am in my mid 50s.

[@iracortes5600]

I've used Cerave's tinted sunscreeb but its too greasy. However, MDsolarscience and Australian Gold are amazing!!!

[@danielsugaimd]

Glad to hear you like the MDSolarScience. I need to try the Australian Gold tho!

[@DJean15]

I have a dark spot in my both cheeks I believe it’s melasma I’m just 16 to 17 when I started to have it I don’t know why I had them at very young age

[@SpringVioletta]

I got hyperpigmentation on my chest because of an allergic reaction to sunscreen. Struggling to find a sunscreen that won’t cause a reaction with my neck and chest :(

[@heydinavarro3067]

I am latina and i have melasma

[@swineinny1]

I see some on KZbin diagnosing this themselves, but it really should be diagnosed by a derm, right?

[@danielsugaimd]

Exactly! Many causes for hyperpigmentation and it’s not always due to melasma!

[@manjushrestha4211]

Hello Dr. Daniel I always show your videos of melasma And I'm from japan 🇯🇵 i live here Abou this melasma i go to skin clinic too and treat so many long ago and still doing treatment but it doesn't work me I have spend lots Could you treat my skin please I'm so worried about this melasma Please help me out

[@danielsugaimd]

Thank you for sharing your story and great to see a friend from 🇯🇵 here! Melasma is so difficult to treat and it may be good to get different opinions on devices which can treat the brown and RED as Melasma is quite a vascular process. Good luck and take care!

[@manjushrestha4211]

Thank you so much for your reply. When i was treating i don't have more now i came more than i expect and do treating but no results. Could you do my treatment please waiting your treatment and email. Thank you again.

[@nexgurung]

Hlw sir i m from nepal and i m 30 year old and i have melasma in my chicks so which serum is best for my skin ?? And i m boy 🙏🙏

[@user-ep2vh4bk8x]

Cerave tintrd is 30 is it enough protection ???

[@danielsugaimd]

Yes if you use enough (1/4tsp for face)!

[@user-ep2vh4bk8x]

@@danielsugaimdblend easily ??? Is it not dark from asian skin tone ????

[@hannahaustin272]

I have very faint melasma forming. I've done three sessions of IPL laser and I'm scheduled for a 4th. The tech said their IPL laser has a melasma setting? Is this true? I don't think it has got worse, so I don't mind trying. But I'm not sure it has got any better. I also just bought a red-light mask. Again, I don't mind spending the money if it doesn't "work" for melasma, but will it make it worse?

[@Judygurl3]

My red light mask has helped lighten my melasma. But don't use any blue light settings - it darkens melasma! I've gotten IPLs over the years and some machines were much more effective on melasma than others.

[@lisahong32]

I was looking into heliocare for my melasma and sunspots but I take blood pressure and didn’t know it they’d react together.

[@iracortes5600]

Its not good to mix both? I've taking Heliocare along with my hypertension maintenance.😢

[@danielsugaimd]

always good to check with your primary care doctor 👍

[@lilylimbu505]

The problem with all these videos on how to treat the skin problem in question is that almost all of them don't get to the point....just a lot of talks with scientific/medical and the very little points on how to treat the problem. I don't find any of them helpful, this one included....

[@wengo44]

why tinted sunscreen? can it be just a clear sunscreen?

[@wengo44]

I went and tried to buy tinted sunscreen and vitamin c serum and instead got conned by the employee as she made me buy all Trish mcevoy's product and then my face burned and have rashes. this is why i don't trust beauty industry, lol. I'm gonna go and try to buy what you recommend instead and won't get duped. lol.

[@Judygurl3]

Tinted sunscreens contain iron oxides which block blue light, which causes melasma. We get exposed to a lot of blue light indoors too.

[@wengo44]

@@Judygurl3 thank you for helping me.