How to treat dark spots and hyperpigmentation

[@Kasatrea]

Don't mind me, just commenting for the algorithm

[@evebrown7977]

Ok 😅

[@umelaila1036]

What does that mean

[@lisakulp4639]

I'll start to do this too

[@sankofa2231]

@@umelaila1036 they're commenting to boost the vid's engagement and recommendation

[@umelaila1036]

@@sankofa2231 who is they

[@Anonymous6h4a8h5a]

Every one of your videos is always an 11/10 for information in such a digestible manner. You’re truly incredible

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

Thank you! That's really lovely to hear 😊

[@Anonymous6h4a8h5a]

You’re a godsend. QUESTION: why was Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate absent from your list of Vit C derivatives? I hope your upcoming video does a deep dive on gold-conjugated Vit C as well (I find that super intriguing given that 1.5% is the rumoured amount used in this patent and still is efficacious)! It would be super interesting to hear you compare why this can be so effective at such a low dose, compared to 15-20%

[@MamaMia914]

She's incredible because she is a scientist. 😎

[@turnbacktime65]

Thanks for another informative session. Love your humor and skills. I’m 66. Now rowing up hill because I was a teenage idiot. On a positive note…..Azelaic acid, Tretenoin, alpha Arbutin, AHA/BHA peels and Niacinimide have repaired my skin. It’s been 9 months so far. I’m sure it will be a full year before I’m where I want to be. One year is a short time when I consider how much damage I did. If you’re reading this, don’t give up.❤

[@thisnthat7760]

Retinol gave me PIH 😂😂 don't tell me " on,it's meant to use at night, and you should not forget the SPF"!!! I did everything in the book. Before the retinol, I have no blemishes on my face.. I'm 38 btw

[@empressofsaturn]

Since that's the only thing I can explain here...."topical" comes from the Greek word τοπικός which comes from the word τόπος (topos=place). For here it's more like saying "in this particular place only" in general in Greek we use it the same way as the English word "local" ❤

[@XOChristianaNicole]

Interesting. Thanks, for sharing.

[@mimisler]

i have a ba in linguistics: THANK YOU! yeah top is some weird proto-germanic invention. no relation to topic or topical

[@denisha8596]

The other benefit of wearing foundation and sunscreen together is that you have an objective measure of how well you're fading your pigmentation. That day when you realise you can leave the colour corrector or concealer for special occasions and just use foundation as a daily cover up? That day when you realise you got to the end of summer without having to tint your foundation to a deeper shade? It really motivates you to keep up with your skincare routine. Good to know the foundation on its own was serving another purpose.

[@Sentient_Goose]

I NEED THE BOOK! I'm obsessed. I'm going to buy multiple copies for every single person that I know. Friends. Coworkers. Family. Random strangers. Every single person in my life.

[@violetviolet888]

Please put me on your give away list.

[@lizzie4830]

It’s in my Amazon basket, to be released on 25th of June, I can’t wait!

[@ripsanskrit3609]

Aren't we best friends (

[@dodgek5270]

Same. I feel like it's the least I can do to help them with the skincare world.

[@Queenofcats36]

I need to buy it too!!

[@rrenatabp]

I used to think my skin was more prone to PIH than others and therefore I was doomed for a lifetime of having post acne marks on my face as I am acne prone. Lo and behold when I finally got into a proper sun protection routine (wearing and reapplying sunscreen everyday), I get literally almost no marks left on my face after a pimple.

[@KeishaKiger]

How do people reapply the sunscreen when they’ve got makeup on their face they have to go wash it off and destroy their make up😅

[@sksksks7533]

^ yes basically this was me. I started wearing sunscreen daily even for short walks and my marks are noticeably fading. Tip: Wearing a hat and sunglasses really help. Sunscreen to me is just a part of the protection; hats and sunglasses are a great way to keep out the visible light spectrum and look stylish too!

[@rrenatabp]

@@KeishaKiger I don't wear makeup so I honestly have no idea lol it does seem like quite a difficult thing to do, maybe try an SPF powder?

[@KeishaKiger]

@@rrenatabpthankyou😂 yes but I’ll do it in the morning g atleast then 😊

[@lyspaere]

I only started getting PIH spots after I started using sunscreen....is it a terrible sunscreen?

[@vendettea1768]

this is exactly what I wanted! I'm about to turn 21 so I'm still young with not too many concerns right now, but I really want to take care of my skin properly for as long as possible but it's so hard to find someone to trust... so thanks for being a truthful voice in all of the chaos Micheelle. Right now my best friends are moisturiser and well applied sunscreen, that's some of the top advice I've gotten from your videos, thank you so much for all the hard work you do and have done!

[@taranullius9221]

Learn what ingredients do (from professionals not influencers), don't use fragrance in any skincare, double cleanse (oil/balm cleanser first then a regular cleanser) to remove sunscreen and/or makeup to keep your pores clean/from expanding, sunscreen sunscreen sunscreen sunscreen and sunscreen and in comes retinol/retinoids earlier than 35. This, at nearly 44, is what I would tell my 21 y.o. self.

[@shqipe4801]

@@taranullius9221I’m 21 and everyone told me not to use retinol its too early

[@seanvalentinus]

What if we want *less* pigment in our skin, but *more* dumplings in our mouth? *WHAT THEN MICHELLE???*

[@UchihaChikiru]

I second this emotion 😊

[@alllisda_idiot7087]

I understand and resonate with this distress I WANT MY DUMPLINGS

[@EnvyBlu]

Waiting, Michelle…..😂 🤔

[@The_ThoughtProvoker]

😂

[@troubiemakie]

I'm glad you brought up the vitamin c derivatives video because I thought I was crazy when I went looking for it lol

[@beanaguts]

Would you be able to do a video on expiration dates for cosmetics? I’ve seen some of your short form videos debunking other creators sanitizing makeup products but I’d love to see a more in-depth video on product shelf life!

[@ishathakor]

i got really bad hyperpigmentation from acne about two years ago. for a year now i've been consistently using vitamin c serum and exfoliating once a week (and using sunscreen of course) and i only really noticed a change about a month ago when i saw my parents again after a long time. the change can be so gradual you don't even realize it's happening at all, like watching your hair grow every day until one day you realize it's really long now. i tried to take photos to compare but i'm very bad at that stuff so i never noticed. glad to know it's working at least. i currently use an untinted mineral sunscreen but i'm looking into getting a tinted one when i run out because of the white cast.

[@Mr.Waterhouse]

I literally just developed my first melasma on top of my bald head - thanks for this!!

[@corinastoian3801]

My husband started using sunscreen everyday only after I moved in with him (bf at that time :))). He is pretty bad with having a skincare routine (basically non existent) but he will never skip sunscreen. It took roughly two years to see the pigmentation on his forehead fading away, and sunscreen was all he needed.

[@D0B3RW0M4N]

I found hydroquinone extremely effective and well-tolerated by my skin. More than popular exfoliating acids or retinol. Shame it’s so demonized cause I can’t find any products in my local beauty stores with it as an ingredient anymore

[@raeperonneau4941]

If you are in the US, you might want to check out Musley. (not affiliated) My Dermatologist in LA made his own magic potion with Retin A and Hydroquinone and only charged $50 for 6 month supply. It was awesome and my skin was glorious but I made the mistake, in terms of my vanity, of moving to other states and haven’t found a good Derm since. I finally started trying the online sources and after a few fails found The Spot Cream from Musley. It has a decent level of Hydroquinone, plus a few other well studied actives, and doesn’t irritate my skin. It would be worth a shot.

[@jamesa8225]

I think you can still get it prescribed. It sucks but I’d try those cheap online rx spots. Or try to find it overseas and have it shipped here

[@Storm411z]

It got taken away from OTC availability in the U.S. as part of the COVID Relief Bill in 2020, I suspect in part due to hydroquinone also being used to treat early COVID-19 symptoms and the fear that some Americans might.. eat the cream 😐 it might have also been due to supply chain issues and just needing the available hydroquinone to be used for manufacturing oral medications rather than the topical cream-those are just my hypotheses after speaking with several dermatologists and other doctors about the safety of hydroquinone 🤷🏽‍♀️ Because even before, it was only available at 2% OTC in the U.S., and the incidence of the exogenous ochronosis was essentially nonexistent at 2% (hence why it had been available to the general public for so long). It’s really only with prolonged usage at the higher percentages, which have always been by prescription only.

[@kleptomelly]

Depending on where you live you can definitely get a prescription. I have one from my derm. I am usually on it about 3 months, titrate off for a few months and then back on. It has helped but the spots are not completely gone even after about 2 years on this routine 😢

[@sulakaricats]

In Australia John Plunketts Superfade Cream containing 2% hydroquinone is available OTC, I found this extremely effective .

[@beanie-dog]

i really needed this video, even with acne under control the leftover hyperpigmentation is too stubborn

[@Jewellianna]

I loved the video Michelle!! I can’t wait for the book 📚🤗🤗

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

Thank you! 🥰

[@marcellolima6]

Thiamidol is also getting a lot of attention this days 😊

[@porksteambun2220]

Im begging Michelle BEGGING for a specific video on post inflammatory erythema, your thoughts, recommended ingredients and products. Would love to hear your take based on scientific evidence,, i've watched a bunch of videos already with many of them saying different things usually. I'll buy your book while i wait thanks heaps always love your vids !! ❤

[@AndyInc1377]

I just discovered your channel a week ago, and this video appear on my timeline! I am sooooo grateful. I haven't even watch the video but I am so confident already.

[@wisteriawishy]

16:54 FYI, this product Fairence has tranexamic acid in a patented delivery system. I thought to shout this out, in case you're keen. The product is primarily sold through doctors, but if you ever come to Singapore and want to try it, you can get it from the hospital pharmacies, or Amazon Singapore. Disclosure: I previously worked in the pharma co. that sells this.

[@Meelynbling]

Hi Michelle! As someone who has been battling melasma for years, I really appreciate this video. I have been struggling to find a mineral sunscreen I enjoy so hearing that it is a myth as being the best for pigment is such a relief! My question is - is it enough protection if I use my favourite AB sunscreen 50+ and a cushion compact for pigment on top? Please, I just want to find joy in my daily routine of applying sunscreen again 😪

[@Smittenhamster]

I think you would find the video on indoor sun protection helpful to answer that question as she goes quite deep into how where we are located affects the radiation we get.

[@paperheartzz]

stayed for the medicinal chemistry treat ❤ love me a tangent. I have never even heard of transexamic(?) acid

[@pilomatrixoma]

As a certified histology nerd, I like the diagram! Although it’s a little different than what you showed. I’m a pathologist, and I look at skin biopsies/excisions just about every day. Melanocytes deposit their pigment almost exclusively in basal keratinocytes, right at the base of the epidermis (where melanocytes normally hang out too). Makes sense, because these are the actively dividing cells, so they’re the ones that need the extra DNA protection. Melanin isn’t usually seen above this layer. Visible transepidermal elimination is pretty uncommon, although you do see it in some nevi and in melanoma. I wonder if this is why it can be tough to treat. Getting products into the stratum corneum is one thing, but we’re talking about cells sitting right next to the dermis here.

[@RixtvdVelde]

Yesss thanks for uploading this! I always love how thorough you go into each topic and I was waiting for this one

[@PandoricaLost]

THANK YOU! I've been battling melasma for a few years now and it's so difficult to get rid of!

[@kleptomelly]

Same here. There are so many different triggers for it and it makes it hard to treat.

[@RespectedProfessional]

I LOVE the step-by-step breakdown of which ingredients focus on which part of the melanin pipeline. So clear, so useful! Thank you

[@milkythoughts9500]

the tranexamic slander!!! finally!!!

[@thatshithitmehard18]

Oh god, I've already 2 products in my kitty having tranexamic acid as main ingredient. And I'm thinking here why ain't it working on my pigmentation

[@saraestrada.esthetics]

any product recommendations??

[@charlie2116]

I've been using Niche Beauty's Transparent Lab Invisible Sunscreen for the past month, and I love it. The price is incredible, and it's 100ml, which means it actually lasts all month. It's goopy yellow at first, and then sinks into my (pale, dry) skin. No trace, easy to reapply. Comes in a pump bottle. 👍

[@dhruveparoda9498]

would you consider doing a video on scalp skin, how care for it, common mistakes? Why can't I get rid of my flakes!?!?

[@nitzeart]

Octopus looking melanocite 🐙 That's so cute 🥰

[@samson_93]

I thought the same 😂❤❤

[@kaymanuel7256]

Oh my gosh I can't believe how timely this is.. I've literally spent the weekend trying to figure how to get rid of my brown sun spots.. so frustrating as I'm 63 and it bothers me. I'm going round in circles..

[@Smittenhamster]

I am 39 and just spotted my first one. I use sun screen every day so WHAT BUSINESS DOES IT HAVE BEING THERE 😭

[@jenniferarmstrong8879]

Thank you for that breakdown of tranexamic acid. When I first start using an active I like to try them in simple formulas, like the Ordinary’s, then wait a month to evaluate my before and after. For me tranexamic acid seemed to do nothing. I just figured that my pasty skin I didn’t have that much hyperpigmentation. My primary skin care concern is generally acne prevention/treatment

[@debbiewalker273]

Thanks Michelle. You always make the complicated things easier to understand ! ☺️☺️

[@stranger16luis71]

Great video. I would ask you to kindly make a video on Acanthosis Nigricans and what type of products to use to treat it. People say that it's strongly correlated with obesity, yet many lean people have Acanthosis. It's a different form of hyperpigmentation, with velvety patch near skinfolds like neck, armpits, groin, knee and for many even on the face.

[@taranullius9221]

Agree, I have seen no results with topical tranexamic acid.

[@gabriellalarose2809]

what do u recommend?

[@ViktorDi]

Really want the book, but living in Novosibirsk, Russia. Hope, one day it will be big enough to buy the paper version here!

[@SerumsAndSuncreens]

Always on point! I’ve used so many Tranexamic acid serums that just didn’t do it for me and my melasma. Now I know why. Hydroxyquinone 4% turned me umpa lumpa orange. ::slathers on more spf 50::

[@ririimari]

Please do a video on topical estrogen derivatives! (Estriol, estradiol)

[@louisecornwall6870]

Hi Michelle. Love all your videos! Just preordered 2 copies of your book - one for me and one for my high school classroom! I did not know the information about oral vs topical tranexamic acid, so thanks yet again.

[@justdeanna2]

This video couldn't have come at a better time!

[@UnpurrfectRobyn]

Support for boring predictability!🙌

[@sunshineli4499]

Love your detailed videos. Can’t wait for the book. I’m a Chemical Engineer and really enjoy all your lessons.

[@C2C.]

The best discussion of this topic I've seen. Thanks, and congrats on your book!

[@alia8474]

just found ur channel through tiktok :) great video! you covered so many questions i had that most youtubers would take 4-5 videos to cover.

[@nn-lh8he]

The ordinary azelaic acid 10% is GREAT very affordable, gentle, and feels very similar to a silicone based makeup primer on the skin!

[@emricav3015]

For me sunscreen but tinted really game change for my melasma and dark spot

[@RabbitinCanada]

So comprehensive and also easy to understand.

[@Sag-nonsense]

Super interesting about tranexamic acid I’m surprised it doesn’t really work topically

[@aliveinheels4540]

As a skin expert/pro, I appreciate this video and the delightful dumpling worker analogies! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@marionallen2222]

Yes please!!!! Freckles!!! 🤍🤍🤍

[@amazingme88]

Im buying your book. Michelle, you are GOLD! Thank you 🙏🎉❤

[@KevinNewin]

love this video and how you broke down pigmentation at each step, will be buying your book and cant wait for it to come out 6/25! :D

[@YohnzyRR]

looking forward to the release of your book

[@brunor7931]

I can't believe you're launching a book and the physical version is not available in my country WHY GOD

[@shruti-h4b]

Great video. I would still like to hear about all the trusted naturally derived ingredients from you. Thank you.

[@Stephstar80]

Ohhh mmmmmmyyyyyyy...... I can't wait to have your book in my hands!!!!!! You are sooooo mean for letting us wait for sooooo lloonnggggg 😭😭😭😭😭😭 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@nikkimonk1753]

Thankyou for this but would also love some product recommendations?

[@barbiegirl4224]

Yes please I have malasma hardest thing to treat.

[@Joerpg84]

My favourite KZbinr. Love your informative videos debunking misinformation . It’s always good to remind myself and keep up to date even though I’m a Pharmacist and also Pharmaceutical Science. 😊

[@AtarahAbdy1537]

Make a video on freckles

[@yuukiasuna86]

Please do a video on cushion sunscreens. Summer is here and I want to be as prepared as possible.

[@esmeraldagamgeetook2454]

I ended up with a dark spot after an ingrown. Thank you for reminding me skin turnover can take months, I was getting impatient

[@mvwkout5714]

Great info! You explain things so well. Other than hydroquinone can you please please suggest some products that can help melasma?

[@castadivanorma8478]

could you tell us a few lotions,serums,or creams that we can use for age spots ,PLEASE !!!!!!!! THANK YOU

[@belezacomdu]

Thank you Michelle! Curious to hear your thoughts on Thiamidol and Melasyl. The research for Thiamidol looks very promising.

[@riagailsongcayauon2517]

Can you recommend products in addition of using sunscreen to lighten post acne marks? thanks

[@noemi-mi-mi]

Another great video, educational and well systematised. I learned so much from you. Thank you! ❤ p.s. topical comes from topos, which is Latin for place, locality. Top in English has different ethymology.

[@fidahkhan5866]

I love the way you deliver information!!! I love to hear the science and bringing back to yourself. you offer a holistic view to so much content we see on social media. it's so helpful in centering myself when seeing/hearing things. keep up the good work!!!! ❤

[@CalebCalixFernandez]

Michelle, could you please make a video talking about skincare for people with vitiligo? I believe it would be amazing to know what specific care skin with that condition requires.

[@LabMuffinBeautyScience]

I don't think I'm the best person for it, it's more of a specialised condition than something handled with cosmetic or over the counter products (prevalence is about 1% in the population, vs over 50% for hyperpigmentation) and I don't have any personal experience with it myself - maybe ask one of the dermatologists?

[@CalebCalixFernandez]

@@LabMuffinBeautyScience thanks for replying, Michelle. I was expecting this response due to the nature of vitiligo as an autoimmune condition. Nevertheless, your content and the way you present it is incredible and very easy to follow.

[@tinasung3814]

Wondering why Niacinamide did not make the list?! That ingredient seems to be always paired with the other stronger actives for dark spot treatments. Wondering if that ingredients actually works for dark spots or makes the other actives you mentioned stronger ?!

[@danicakelly2242]

She definitely mentioned it at some point on its own because it works differently than the inhibitors, exfoliators etc. I can try to find it. I found it. It's Step 3 at 13:25

[@thisnthat7760]

Licorice works too

[@courtneyfields1344]

Informative and easy to digest - so grateful for educators like you!

[@MonikoC]

I love your dumpling maker analogy!! ❤

[@lenorelopez748]

You are so succinct!! Love it

[@emilypigott6856]

I had to wait until 30 days out from the book release, but I’ve asked my library to purchase !! 🤞🏽🤞🏽🤞🏽🤞🏽

[@foxwaffles]

Thank you for uploading this!! I wonder if it's an Asian thing but I get hyperpigmentation like crazy and I'm always trying to fade it

[@MamaMia914]

Would have been very useful if you recommended some products that have been shown to work.

[@costanzapolastri]

fun fact: the word "topical" comes from greek "tòpos" which means "place", because you just put it in that one place! also, i love your videos and you have a new subscriber hiii

[@Scipio0404]

Great video! Maybe in the future you could make one about PIE? Also I can't wait for your book, will be the perfect relaxation after my med school exams. xd

[@Sam-ig9py]

I appreciate it if you could talk a bit slowly for ESL people. I do need to repeat your videos often to catch up and read the subtitles. I am sorry for the inconvenience it may cause. Thank you.

[@CRCC830]

i’d love to hear your take on the Reedle Shot and the micro sponges that folks are claiming don’t break down

[@enriquel]

What about red light therapy?

[@DanielleKing7]

Noodly appendages!! Haha, a follower of the FSM, I see! Seriously though, thank you for amazing videos that explain things so clearly and excellently. Really appreciate you!

[@Hello_PE]

So much great information! Thanks for sharing. I love your channel!

[@nayalistamoral]

Can you please do a video on avoiding hypothyroidism? My neighbor lost her legs and the tips of her fingers because she had low thyroid. I hear the harsh chemicals are to blame. I really want to know how teflon affects our hormones.

[@sunrisesunset7135]

Thank you, Michelle's dad!

[@sunrisesunset7135]

Love all of the science-backed information you provide, and your sense of humor! Thank you!

[@caliinthevalley24681]

Pre menopausal melasma victim here. I literally have a 5’oclock mustache 24 hours a day 365 days a year. I’ve been battling this for the past 3 years. 😞 I have asian SPF sprinkled everywhere car, home, purse, jacket, and the front and back door of my home. I reapply so much I don’t even care that I look like Penny Wise on my commute home. I also run hot which is a big bummer since heat brings it out.

[@asincerewoman]

Sounds like a bummer. Difficult when you are doing everything right and it still doesn’t go away. Good luck!

[@Kloudysummer]

😂 Pennywise. Lol. Right there with you.

[@stephgreen3070]

I e had it since my second pregnancy 14 years ago. Melasma mustache! I hate it so much! I also have a blob between my eyebrows and on each cheekbone. I finally found a serum (Evagloss) with Kojic acid, tranexamic acid, ascorbic acid and arbutin that started helping, plus mineral sunscreen. Australian gold tinted mineral sunscreen. Only using those two products EVERY DAY is slightly working for me. I still have blobs of melasma on my face but I can somewhat disguise them with makeup now. I know not everything works for everyone, but I feel like I tried it all before stumbling on this combo. I’m not trying to advertise, but these two products in tandem have actually worked somewhat for me so I thought I’d throw them out there just in case. Neither is terribly expensive.

[@rose2dimples]

Have you tried an led mask?

[@kleptomelly]

I have it on my cheeks and forehead. My derm has me switch between topical HQ and oral Tranexamic acid. I use Korean Spf 50+ PA ++++, wear hats, a rechargeable neck fan if I'm outside and it still is visible (to me). It is an extremely frustrating condition to deal with.

[@L-pd5jc]

Thank you for this informative video! You just saved me from wasting money on topical txa

[@SchlichteToven]

"Temporary Tenant" - I want to put that on a card for the next friend of mine who gives birth!

[@XOChristianaNicole]

That would be hilarious.

[@rechellegissane1424]

This is my 3rd time watching this video & I still laugh every 😅😅😅

[@missmo463]

I have a cute set of sun spots that I adore. They’re on the left side of my face, and the shape is kind of like a nike swoosh. I just love them. I recently started wearing sunscreen regularly and I’m scared pf losing them to my multiple actives + sunscreen. 😭

[@NeoStar]

This is exactly what I’ve been wanting to find out. Thank you.

[@Annthrium]

Hi Michelle, I would love it if you did a video on self-tanning products! If they actually work and if so, then how

[@StefanieMorgan-b3r]

Would love some product recommendations that are over the counter. I have been struggling with Melasma for over two years❤

[@redicent]

Now I know why my friend is doing a chem phd! look at all this applicable info

[@RC-ud4qo]

Hi Michelle, what are your thoughts on VT Reedle? I'm so confused whether to purchase it or not as some professionals love and some hate it... seems very 50/50, that's why I would like to hear your thoughts because all they can spew is "we just don't know... we will see in 10 years when there are more studies..."

[@hlam2328]

I can’t wait to get your book in my hand.

[@RoahniRampadarath]

Your voice is so beautiful. You also explain everything so well. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@Paddydapro]

Insanely nice condensed knowledge ❤

[@TwinTransfusion]

This was the first video in my feed today! Work that algorithm ❤