My Melasma Treatment Journey: What Actually Worked to Treat Hyperpigmentation | Skincare Susan Yara

[@JH-yj7kk]

Once I accepted that melasma is a chronic condition that is unlikely to go away on its own (although still praying to be one of the lucky ones), my skin got so much better over time. If you're just starting your melasma journey, I would say don't even mess around with expensive in office treatments until you have your sun protection and skin care DOWN. Otherwise, you are just throwing your money away and increase the risk of making it worse. I've become a hat person, I carry a sun umbrella in the summer, I am constantly repositioning the visor in my car, turning my face away from the sun, etc. It does help. But you have to be patient and consistent. I started using azelaic acid. A few months later I added in tretinoin. I've been using meladerm for six months. My skin gets too sensitive for daily exfoliant use so once every week to two weeks I use an AHA peel mask unless my skin is telling me no. My favs are the one from Murad and the Juice Beauty Green Apple. I just stared HQ and have a Picoway session scheduled next month but I'm a little scared and may still cancel haha. Honestly though, my melasma is now the lightest it has ever been. I was speaking to someone I met recently about it and they said they would never have thought I had it, and that I had such beautiful skin. I guess that's the silver lining. All the spf and diligent skin care over the past 2 years has made the rest of my skin so creamy and smooth. But if you have melasma you always know it's lurking there, even at its most subdued lol. I cannot recommend the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Vanish Color Corrector enough. Holy grail for me. I never leave home without it. Good luck to you all!

[@robertmark2097]

search Doctor Iyhere on KZbin, he has the herbal cure for black Spots

[@bonochibear7895]

She gets into at 5:24 Retinol Hydroquinone cycled Vitamin c Sunscreen Exfoliants Tyrosinase inhibitors Clear and brilliant treatment Tca peel Vbeam

[@SpaceOutlaw_]

I love how Susan shares her experiences honestly. Even if wasn’t a positive experience. We learn a lot of helpful info!

[@felixaripa6482]

Hi master esthetician here, no inflammation, no tca, no microneedling, no heat, wear protective covering and physical sunscreens. Use actives like retinoids and tyrosinase inhibitors. I think the most effective treatment is a series of lactic peels in combo with tyrosinase inhibitors and of course sunscreen.

[@christopherready3504]

Hey Susan, as a doctor I really think that having a peel right after and on the same day as your micro needling is completely ridiculous. Micro wounds + chemical exfoliants = inflammation !!! Bad idea!!! That clinic is crazy!

[@itsruckaswife7036]

As an adult human I completely agree

[@Mixedmakeup]

Yeah, it wasn’t my finest moment. Sometimes you just feel desperate! Had to learn the hard way.

[@christopherready3504]

@@Mixedmakeup feel like the blame shouldn’t lie with you. They shouldn’t even offer that treatment

[@itsruckaswife7036]

@@christopherready3504 Exactly - I'd go along with it if the expert said so, pretty irresponsible of them

[@nedrawilliams6657]

Yes the dermatologist shouldn't have recommended that!!

[@AriellaAmaralOfficial]

It is possible to get rid os Melasma. I spent 4 years doing the regular treatments (acids, pigments suppressors and sunscreen) and it’s always the same: your skin gets better, and when summer comes, everything is back. And then you spend the following months trying to get rid of it. Yes hormones may play a big part in it, as stress, but what you eat and what you put on your skin is what made my melasma not come back at all this summer and I finally could enjoy actual sun without worrying about ending with a moustache and dark patches all over. However the approach goes the exact opposite of all we are used to. I stop using any kind of acids, including pure vitamin C due to its acid PH, no retinols, nothing with denat. alcohol and no silicones. Anything that could possibly disrupt the skin’s barrier was out for me. Lots of hydration, face oils and face masks. Cut down milk, gluten, sugar, all the inflammation triggering foods. Spring I started sitting in the sun with no sunscreen for 10 minutes every day. I also switched my spf to mineral only. And yes, this summer was a win, I enjoyed the sun like never before and no melasma. I still can’t believe it!!❤️🙌🏻🙏🏻

[@ricanvegan8958]

So you’re saying you did this with just changing your diet?

[@jennybui2443]

I’ve been dealing with melasma for the past 6 years as well. I used to have beautiful skin and it all changes when I reached my fifty. I tried everything from laser to prescriptions and nothing worked. From expensive dermatologist (Dr Simon Ourian Epione Clinic in Beverly Hills - the dr to the Kadashian) to many other dermatologists to no avail. You are absolutely right when it comes to dealing with melasma. You can only manage it and you will have good days and bad days. If you are Asians, it is even harder to treat melasma and in my opinion, most dermatologist do not know how to treat Asian with melasma. Thankfully there’s always makeup to cover melasma. Would love to know what foundation that you use that seem to cover melasma well. I tried IT CC Cream and it seems to do the job for me.

[@raivilafreedom8208]

I hade melasma for about 4 years. I did chemical peels, two types of laser treatments, and various creams. I also did a retin A with hydroquinone and that didn’t work. About two months I began using Triluma and within days I began noticing the melasma fade. I love looking at my face now. I’m very HAPPY!

[@johncheffy4775]

Azelaic Acid is so underrated and pregnancy safe . Sunscreen with high UVA protection and sun safety too . I love this style of content . 👏❤🇬🇧🌈

[@maggiebar77]

As a person who deals with melasma and thyroid hormone imbalance, it’s great to know I’m not alone! I love the sun though and that’s definitely my biggest struggle. It’s a long journey for sure

[@sarahstroud6021]

I don’t have melasma but I have acne scars which suck just as bad! I’ve been starting lasers, micro needling and retinoids and they are 90 percent better!!

[@SebastianoZanda]

TCA cross is such a great treatment for acne scars!

[@akcirapoo3569]

Good 👍🏾

[@jenniferkwok2897]

Thanks for the sharing!! I'm using the touchbeauty light therapy device to treat my acne and breakouts. It works well for me as so far. Hoping that this continues. ❤

[@anew5118]

Yess, same here - haven't done any lasers yet but microneedling and tretinoin have made so much difference!!

[@kellyc3897]

I was just saying recently we need new updates on your melasma progress, Susan, as it's looked so much better! Thank you for this video! ❤️❤️

[@promanjumua]

I have always suffered with sun spots and hyperpigmentation from a very young age teen years to be specific and due to lifestyle habits and lack of knowledge it got so bad in my late 20's and I was so insecure my face was covered in dark patches I couldn'teven recognise myself. I am of indian ethnicity and I would absolutely recommend cosmelan treatment and then after 12-18months of the aftercare move onto tretinoin, azelaic acid and niacinamide combination it is an absolute game changer my skin is the best it has ever looked and get compliments and questions daily. I am now 35 and stripped back my routine to the basics face wash treatment and moisturiser am/pm and never skip spf!

[@adelatomlinson391]

I’ve been struggling with melisma for years now and one thing I have found that has helped is cysteamine cream. Brand name is Cyspera but you can find it generic from a couple different companies now too for a fraction of the price.

[@ricanvegan8958]

Do you know the name of the generic brands?

[@jessicagomez1760]

IPL has been a game changer for my rosacea, I don't have melasma but my mom has a ton of skin concerns and I hope to soon pay for her derm sessions soon and get her into all of this 💖 TCA and vbeam sound great for her too 👀✨

[@allergicrhinitis4469]

Spending so much money on treatments that makes you look worst is my worst fear... I am so sorry for you 🙁 Glad you recovered !

[@dominiquetheeasyminimalist]

Wow! This is in my top videos, I’m saving it in my “love”. Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I have some hyperpigmentation, my sister has melasma and I will share it with her.

[@EmorettaRobinson]

It's interesting that what worked for you after the first pregnancy didn't work after the second. But I'm glad that you remained consistent with your at home skincare routine. And I hadn't heard of the think clay like mask that you used along with the microneedling or V Beam until now. Can you do a video where you discuss those? I'm also wondering what the difference is between hyperpigmentation and melasma? Also it was good to hear Anna's voice again. I'm glad that she's still with you.

[@Mxzhang333]

I am using all the ingredients you have mentioned above under a compound formula and also taking compound oral medication with Tranexamic acid and Glutathione combined. You can see the result as early as first month. Loving it!

[@yolandashaw370]

This video is so helpful. Thank you so much for being transparent and vulnerable and just sharing all the things! We are currently neck deep in our fertility journey and hopefully right on the edge of getting pregnant and this information is extremely useful.

[@RachelDee]

Sorry if you already know this, but steer away from retinoids and hydroquinone (and alpha arbutin) if you're on the verge of getting pregnant.

[@rhondasilver3582]

Your skin looks so beautiful. I wouldn’t even know you had or have melasma. I have it too. I just had my second microneedling procedure done. It’s hard not to be so obsessive with looking in the mirror afterwards looking for clues if it’s helping or harming.

[@akcirapoo3569]

I miss seeing you and the other lady getting facials together....🧡💛💚

[@kd4475]

Haha yes Scherezade is her name seems like she's now off of this channel

[@caraj9704]

I did a simple Ordinary peel with their peeling solution and my melasma almost flaked off. It’s still present but I was looking at old photos and it has greatly improved! In Australia there’s a skin fade cream for melasma called John Plunkett’s cream. Works a treat too (contains a small percentage of hydroquinone)

[@malami42]

Thats a lot of information on melasma!! Brilliant, thanks for the update!

[@beyond50skin]

I don’t have typical melasma but still deal with recurring dark spots and I can vouch for HQ. I started using it a year after my CO2 laser because dark spot patterns stated returning - despite adherence to SPF 50+ daily. My prescribing dermatologist recommended rotating HQ year round and a series of clear and brilliant treatments. It’s a constant battle and as you mention it’s not one size fits all. Definitely find a dermatologist you trust and who has an understanding of your unique aesthetic goals.

[@malakangel8088]

So what's the difference between melasma and hyper pigmentation? Thank you susan for all you videos !! Rana

[@EmorettaRobinson]

That's a good question.

[@natedang8880]

Hyperpigmentation is the umbrella term.

[@laceypeterson1611]

When your melasma was at its worst, what products/techniques did you use to conceal it on your face (especially upper lip)?

[@JH-yj7kk]

For me my must have melasma concealing product has been the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Vanish Color corrector! It’s pink to red toned and it really cancels out the grey tone that melasma can have under makeup. Might not work for everyone, but it’s worth a try! Hope this helps. Edit: I specifically use this on my upper lip

[@karenwells5756]

Thank you for posting this video. Melasma is so frustrating!

[@DaringDanielletravels]

The same thing happened to me after the Cosmelan peel. I didn’t do microneedling before but somehow my skin ended up with these strange large blotches that were much darker than my natural skin tone. It’s been about 2 weeks since the peel and I’ve been hoping that the larger dark swaths (including the melasma stach) will go away. I thought maybe the darker layer was a symptom of severely dehydrated skin or cell turnover

[@susanmcf1]

Birth control and thyroid created my melasma.Thank you for suggesting hydroquinone. Tranexamic acid 5% hasn't helped my melasma. I plan to try alpha arbutin twice daily for six months and see what happens.

[@elena-it7xs]

I suggest you get combination products such as Topicals Faded or Versed Dark Spot Gel. They both have an array of specific ingredients that inhibit melasma. I think that it’s easier that layering multiple actives or just trying one active at a time. Melasma needs to be attacked by a multitude of ‘ weapons’ so to speak.

[@wandacruzvi]

My melasma has recently gotten worse. I have it on my cheeks and upper lip. I look like I have a mustache. I’m in search for a good foundation to cover the spots that’s also good for textured matured skin. Hopefully there is something out there for me to use.

[@maelmare9280]

Susan! can you do a tutorial on how you hide your melasma with makeup? Please!!!

[@enamontiel4237]

I went to Tampa for 1 week it is hotter than Miami, very deligent with sunscreen and sun protection and it flared 😲. I totally enjoyed my vaca know chemicla peels

[@Chomba27able]

I was under a doctor's care when I used hydroquinone and that's the reason why now I am dealing with ochronosis she never told me to stop. Now I got to deal with this. It's so frustrating 😫

[@michelezubeldia7139]

Hi Susan, thanks for this video, I really suffer from melasma and your info and experience is very helpful. Where did you get the visors with sun protection? Or what brands do you recommend? Thanks!

[@MarianDouglasUngaro]

You can find polarised face sun visors on amazon, at a very affordable price. Also use UV umbrellas! I have a very large one from Coolibar, for strong-sun days, and a small portable one that’s so easy to carry and stick in my bag. I have UPF sun hats, and big wraparound polarised sunglasses. I use the face visor (plus sunglasses, hat, and UPF umbrella) when I’m out in full sun Spring, Summer and Fall. Also have an ultraviolet weather app on my phone which I check every morning to see how strong it will be, and what times, for the day. Plus sunscreen and reapplying every 2 to 3 or 4 hours, depending on time of year, time of day, and whether I’m staying indoors or going out. Sun protection is no joke.

[@annamartinez5776]

Love to hear your progress! I would love to hear info on what to do when you have Vitiligo 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@marieparklaneinstituut3611]

You forgot to mentioned that you only stay inside and not loving nature walking or going to beach in order to maintained what you have now. Also you forgot to mentioned to really haveloos of money maintaining your skin now. All this mentioned product prohibits you too go outside and enjoy outside activities. Those product is highly against day light

[@ellentepper7447]

Oral tranexamic acid is a true life saver. It makes my melasma dissapear ❤️

[@hibawaleed7003]

Hi. How long did you take oral tranexamic acid? Is it harmful to take tor long??

[@prabjot2832]

Can you pls share the brand of oral Tranxemic acid?

[@sonalisood1714]

My dermatologist says not more than 6 months at a stretch and then a break of 6 months and then you can repeat.. the problem is it comes back immediately when you stop.. any clue if you could take it longer ?

[@clvsq]

Ironic how stressful melasma is

[@SDWits]

I like others have mentioned, I would also like more understanding between melasma and PIH. I tend to pick my zits which has led to brown marks on my upper lip and cheeks, and I feel like my derm incorrectly diagnosed these marks as melasma.

[@drashtishah8436]

Hi Susan, love that you shared all these treatment experiences. Could you share with us where did you get the tca peel done?

[@infinitigirl29]

She has a video about it but I think it was at the skincetucals spa.

[@laurengarner5140]

Please update us on your LED light journey, you bought celluma months ago but no update , we’re very curious

[@LauraLVTGW]

Is facial self tanners safe to use with melasma?? Does it make the patches darker?? Thank you!! 💖💖💖

[@TheEvanesarah]

Ngl that Microneedling + peel seemed very unusual. I think a TCA Peel on its own would be better. edit: ok just got to the point when you mentionned you had a TCA.

[@afe-lyndaatsen7948]

Hey, there exogenous ochronosis is very common, especially in people of color on hydroquinone.

[@tommathys2]

Super useful video 🙏🏻

[@Ajlatango]

I barely got any melasma with my first pregnancy but I’m currently pregnant with my second child and oh boy has it hit me this time. I’m crazy about wearing my sunscreen and my skincare routine in general but it’s just so frustrating. I’m looking forward to having the option for treatments after the baby is born

[@alanamiltz8656]

Hi Susan can u make a video on dry skin recommendations?

[@rhondaclark5335]

To much redundancy makes me move along

[@monkeybum41]

Great to the point video

[@AlexaStyleBook]

Loveeee 💕💕💕💕

[@christinemack2153]

I struggle too! Thank you.

[@LizaMurav]

Where is your necklace from? I love It !! ♥️♥️

[@cheliortiz3960]

Hi Susan, do you think microneeedleing causes loss of volume? how many microneeedleing treatments have you done? and how deep do they go into your skin? i had microneeedleing done 3 treatments and I feel like I loss volume. Is this normal? and how do I get my volume back or how long will it take?

[@SH-co8de]

do you think about using Tranxmic acid orally , I heard that you can get great results what do you think about it , also cycpera ?

[@Itssimplysteph90]

I’m assuming malasma in Spanish is “paño?” I have some only on my top lip it’s the worst!!! I’m already hairy now it just looks like I have a constant 5 o’clock shadow 🤦🏽‍♀️ I’ve been trying retinol and sunscreen and also dealing with my PCOS and it gets better and then worse it just depends how my hormones are 😕

[@michellevega1523]

No.Paño are white spots

[@saracaminiti7095]

Thank you for being so honest ❤

[@greciaarteaga3872]

Could you help with any tip for acanthosis nigricans? Treatment and or products to use? greatly appreciated.

[@selyemperzsa1]

Dr Amir Karam plastic surgeon posted a good video on this how he treated his wife.

[@jgoodwin977]

Thank you for this

[@user-xj6ki1cn2o]

What makeup are u applying to cover all the melasma? I could never fine anything that could hide it without making it seem grey under the melasma

[@adawg3982]

Hi @susanyara can u give more info about hori’s naevus and nevus of ota. No one is really talking about it but it is also some kind of hyperpigmentation. I actually have hori’s naevus and i don’t know what are the treatments. Thank you.

[@Beth-wx4ct]

Please tell us how did u get rid of the hyperpigmentation due to clear and brilliant and I how long did it take to go away. Am really frustrated with the same situation and just don’t understand what would help. I have the hydroquinone 4%, lytera skin medica, tretinoin , vitamin c skinceuticals and also the revision c complex 30…. But I don’t think any of it has helped me much. My skin is just irritated. Or may be I would have to wait for not sure how long to see results 😒 any advice?? please🙏

[@prabjot2832]

I’m highly concerned after watching this video, I’m scheduled to get PRF microneedling and I have a mild melasma and I don’t want to make it worse! @susan did you get bad results 2nd time due to cosmelan treatment and microneedling? Do you think microneedling is still safe or not

[@tommathys2]

Hi! I have malasma. I had RF done (with and without the peel on top) and it never triggers my malasm. I had IPL done and on the 3 time it did triggered malasma and PIP, but I am suspecting for a while now that each time it flares up it is when my hormones (including thyroid) are fluctuating. So now ido things very slow. I do micro needling regularly and it does lighten the pigment very well! So that is my course of action for this winter. May be I will go for a TCL peel again, I did love how pigment was coming off - spectacular.

[@nikita-kk9ft]

Melasama is very notorious n multifactorial..it's very tricky to treatments

[@kelcwalker5105]

I got it around my eyes and on my stomach. Sometimes it seems darker and sometimes it kinda goes away. Idk. It doesn't bother me tho

[@Beth-wx4ct]

I got that same hyperpigmentation with that mustache sort look with clear and brilliant

[@kathleenbprichard]

Would you recommend laser hair removal on the body if you have melasma?

[@Haydee483]

I been dealing with Melasma I tried a lot of things chemicals peels creams help for a little then at summer time gets dark again 😞is depressing.

[@ms.chezca8468]

hello maam i have melasma at the age of 27 💔💔😭😭 its hurt because my face is very ugly now. i dont know how to treat or clean my face. i dont know what i am apply to my face

[@estherf.730]

Did cysteamine work for you? Any updates with that?

[@dinomite078]

Where did you go for you TCA peel ?

[@robertmark2097]

search Doctor Iyhere on KZbin, he has the herbal cure for black Spots

[@Φως-ξ]

Hey Susan, are you still using Cyspera?

[@ca9755]

What about cysteamine? You don’t feel it worked ?

[@rakshanaiga2420]

❤️❤️❤️

[@itsruckaswife7036]

Does anyone know if you can get rid of "beauty spots" /flat moles with skin care products?

[@vanessamessana3570]

I haven't been under the sun from over 30 years,but SUSAN I have a confetion to make; I don't like sunscreen cause it messes up my makeup I'm 50 with miner wrinkles come now! This year of the big 50.... Please tell me what to do about the sunscreen! Help I can't makeup!!!

[@soniak2269]

Follow Angie from the channel Hot and Flashy, she has a ton of videos trialing sunscreens and how they work under makeup

[@SusanJ-jt5ny]

What exactly is the issue? Pilling? Please explain what the issue is and what products you’re using. What is your skin type, do you have rosacea, pigmentation, etc?Susan and her subscribers can give you some good tips on how to wear sunscreen under makeup

[@SA30.137]

Im allergic to chemical sunscreens and most mineral sunscreens either make me sweat like crazy or make me look like a ghost. What I've come to terms is with i cannot wear a sunscreen so i wear scarf around my face, a hat and wear full shirts. I'm cover head to toe in some form of cloth.

[@vanessamessana3570]

@@SA30.137 that's the first time I've heard of that . I just don't like to put it on if I put makeup on it's all slimy I was using shiesedo sunscreen

[@a.d.2523]

Hi There, I am following your journey of melasma on some of your clips on KZbin, and I am need your help, because I am like you do have melasma for many years after prenancy, and As Asian too, so let me you question about : as this clip you mention the microneedling + cosmelan 2 in 1 procedure did together , that is why your skin so sensitive, and sent you back, then the TCA from Skinceuticals really the one you like, .. So between cosmelan only ( no microneedling) and TCA which one is the best that is really work, and wotthy for you to come back and do again . Also, TCA some people said it i s risk for Asian, or Hispanish But I saw you are also Asian right? I really want to do TCA, and went to 1 of consultation, she suggest I do cosmelan, not TCA because I am asian. But you are asian too, and it is really work for you instead cosmelan, so , if you have to choose only one, which is TCA or cosmelan proceture best for melasma. please help. Thanks

[@Mixedmakeup]

Hi! I think cosmelan is best but has longer skin sensitivity so you have to really baby your skin. Also, you should pre-treat your skin with hydroquinone for a couple weeks before too.

[@a.d.2523]

Thanks, I don't like cosmelan about you have to do hydruinone ahead, also after, I think like you paid for $950 she just put the mask on, the go home with the kit and have to work on that for 3 months, so I don't think they did anything, I rather paid for and then, post care for 1 week like chemical peel and at least free of the rest for 3 months just do skin routine at home. also i don't like to use hydroquinone, i do use in the past and not really have much knowledge about , also dr, did not show me detail about suncreen, then my malasma get worse. so now i stop use it , and just do routine at home with light ative ingredients, for safe.

[@nataliemadsen8369]

Dr.V we have a problem this is NOT good.....😱.

[@dianemohanen4445]

Correct. She's just promoting a bunch of doctors and their treatments. Not suitable for everyone!!

[@carlarosa1980]

That's my problem

[@BrooklynsFineAss]

Is melasma the same thing as freckles?

[@chicamama7726]

No

[@eprohoda]

super, great ! gooddbye!,;)

[@caty2ful]

But in the end you just proved that we need money to have office treatments....

[@oliviapopireni3456]

That's why I worked hard🤣

[@hannahchi]

She’s saving us from spending money on the WRONG treatments.

[@caty2ful]

@@hannahchi No, she even said that, what works for her doesnt mean it will work for you and vice versa.

[@rachelbest3813]

You shouldn't treat melasma with ipl it can make it worse

[@robertmark2097]

search Doctor Iyhere on KZbin, he has the herbal cure for black Spots

[@TwobOne_1]

In watching your TCA peel, I saw no evidence of Melasma.

[@robertmark2097]

search Doctor Iyhere on KZbin, he has the herbal cure for black Spots

[@DoeRaeMe]

So thankful you made this! Because I’m STILL struggling with Melasma 3 babies later🥹

[@itsruckaswife7036]

Hey, I've only recently noticed that I have LOADS of larger round "beauty spots"/large round freckles. They may have been there for years. Do you know if that counts as melasma ? they are really dark but and perfectly round. Do you know if they will ever fade with topical products or derm procedures ?

[@DoeRaeMe]

@@itsruckaswife7036 did they show up after pregnancy?!

[@itsruckaswife7036]

@@DoeRaeMe You know, I can't really say for sure.. I just started noticing them since I had children... Id say they weren't anything like as many and they weren't as obvious as before I was pregnant and breastfeeding