Have you ever wondered how to cure melasma permanently? Approximately 5 million people in the United States suffer from melasma, so it’s no wonder that many people have asked the same questions: “How to get rid of melasma fast? Is melasma permanent? Will my melasma ever go away?” Keep reading to learn if there’s a way to get rid of melasma permanently!
What is melasma?
Melasma is a skin condition that affects about 5 million people in the United States (Melnick et al.). It causes symmetrical, dark discolored patches to form on the face, particularly the forehead, cheeks, upper lip, and chin areas. Melasma affects both men and women of all skin tones. However, it is typically more common in women and those with darker skin types (Ogbechie-Godec and Elbuluk). Melasma is often chronic, meaning that it will return if the underlying causes are not properly or able to be addressed. This brings up questions such as “How to cure melasma permanently? How to cure melasma from the inside?” that many people face. To answer these questions, we must first address the common causes of melasma.
What are the common causes of melasma?
In order to correctly answer the question of “how to cure melasma permanently?”, it is essential to understand what causes melasma in the first place. The most common causes of melasma include sun damage and hormonal changes (American Academy of Dermatology Association). When the skin is exposed to the sun, the sun’s ultraviolet rays cause melanocytes (cells that create pigment in the skin) to produce excess melanin, leading to the formation of melasma and dark spots on the skin. Melasma is typically worsened with sun exposure, so it is vital to avoid direct sun exposure, or practice sun protection by using sunscreen (SPF 30+), wearing hats, and staying in the shade. Additionally, melasma is commonly caused by hormonal changes such as pregnancy or the use of birth control pills. Women often see melasma start to form during or after pregnancy, and thus, it is often called the “mask of pregnancy” (Handel et al.). In some cases, melasma can be caused by a combination of hormones and sun exposure (Skin Treatment).
Wondering how to remove melasma permanently?
Many people are looking for a permanent cure to melasma. Unfortunately, there is no permanent cure, regardless of the cause. If one is able to treat existing melasma on the face and subsequently avoid sun exposure, then the likelihood of recurrence can be decreased. Although unrealistic, in some cases of melasma caused by sun damage, it can go away completely if sun exposure is completely avoided. However, melasma is typically a chronic condition, so there is no way to cure melasma permanently with any one-time fix treatments.
For melasma caused by hormonal changes, it can fade or disappear on its own in some cases (such as after pregnancy or stopping the use of birth control pills). However, it is not guaranteed to disappear forever since there is no permanent cure for melasma. On the bright side, melasma can be treated with certain medications that control the production of melanin, some of these are even melasma treatments at home. Some people have tried curing melasma from the inside, such as natural diets or oral medications like oral tranexamic acid pills. In addition to trying ways to cure melasma from the inside, other common treatments include dark spot correctors like topical creams, chemical peels, microneedling, and laser treatments (McKesey et al.).
What is the best melasma treatment?
What is the best way to remove dark spots? Skin discoloration creams and dark spot removers are very common among those who want to erase melasma, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation, not only because you can use these melasma treatments at home. Learn more about the causes of hyperpigmentation here. Even if you experience recurring melasma through sun damage or hormonal changes, Musely has a variety of formulas and treatment plans to fit your skincare needs at any point in time. Similar to how we take care of our bodies through exercise, it is also important to take care of your skin with FaceRx treatments like The Spot Cream. The Spot Cream is a prescription hydroquinone cream and is the best dark spot corrector for effectively erasing dark spots and melasma. A Musely dermatologist can help customize a treatment plan to adapt to any stage of melasma treatment.
In addition, this prescription dark spot corrector contains the gold standard ingredient, hydroquinone. Trusted by dermatologists and only available with a doctor’s prescription in the United States, hydroquinone in The Spot Cream erases existing melasma and dark spots by breaking down melanosomes (organelles responsible for pigmentation in the skin) which prevents excess melanin production in skin cells. Musely also offers formulas that feature other ingredients proven to treat melasma and dark spots, all of which are available to treat melasma at home through prescription skincare online. One of those spot-fighting ingredients is tranexamic acid, a powerful anti-inflammatory acid that blocks the production of excess melanin, which erases dark spots, melasma, and hyperpigmentation. Tranexamic acid also pairs well with vitamin C and kojic acid. Moreover, The Spot Cream is formulated with other skin-friendly ingredients, such as niacinamide. Niacinamide helps hydrate the skin and shrink pores, keeping your skin moisturized as you get used to the new medication.
Listed below are the different formulas available of The Spot Cream:
1. Erase: Hydroquinone 12%, Kojic Acid 6%*, Niacinamide 2%, Hydrocortisone 1% (initial fill only)
2. M+: Hydroquinone 12%, Tretinoin 0.05%, Kojic Acid 6%*, Niacinamide 2%, Hydrocortisone 2.5% (initial fill only)
3. Nurture: Hydroquinone 6%, Niacinamide 2%, Vitamin C 1%
4. HQ Free+: Tranexamic Acid 6%, Azelaic Acid 10%, Kojic Acid 6%*, Niacinamide 2%
5. HQ Free: (ok for nursing and pregnant users) Azelaic Acid 20%, Kojic Acid 6%*, Niacinamide 2%, Vitamin C 1%
Your assigned dermatologist will write the prescription at their discretion and may decide to include or exclude some of the above ingredients when writing the prescription. *As Kojic Acid is an excipient ingredient (a substance formulated alongside active ingredients), it will not be listed as an active ingredient on the bottle.
With a variety of formulas available for patients to select, The Spot Cream will help treat melasma, dark spots, sun spots, and hyperpigmentation for all skin types and tones. Now that you know the answer to the question “is there a permanent cure for melasma?”, The Spot Cream can help treat melasma effectively. Even though it is impossible to get rid of melasma forever, spotless skin is still achievable!
Does Musely really work on dark spots?
While you can get prescription products for hyperpigmentation at your local pharmacy, these prescription dermatology products often lose their potency and effectiveness since they are mass-manufactured before reaching shelves. On the other hand, Musely FaceRx has the best products for hyperpigmentation. The hydroquinone percentage contained in The Spot Cream ranges from 6-12%, therefore making it stronger and more effective compared to hydroquinone 4% contained in other prescription treatments. FaceRx treatments are freshly compounded and 10x more potent than over-the-counter (OTC) products or prescription alternatives. Formulated by top Board-Certified Dermatologists, Musely also offers a variety of formulas based on each individual’s skin concerns. In addition, FaceRx treatments work for all skin types and tones. With over 51 customized formulas, Musely has a treatment suitable for everyone.
Another benefit of using FaceRx treatments is the convenience. Scheduling an in-person dermatologist visit can be extremely difficult since it typically takes around 4-8 weeks to get an appointment. With FaceRx, the dermatologist visit is entirely online and takes only 3 minutes. Complete the online questionnaire about your skin and medical history, upload three photos of your skin, and your assigned dermatologist will prescribe you the best formula for your skin concerns based on your online visit. There is no need to wait in long lines at the doctor’s office or pharmacies; medication is delivered straight to your door — no shipping fees and tax-free. Furthermore, FaceRx treatments are less costly compared to other procedures such as lasers and microneedling. The Spot Cream is the best hydroquinone cream and costs less than a dollar a day. Effective and affordable, the best medical grade skin care products can be found at Musely!
More resources about Melasma and Musely’s dark spot treatments here.
Sources:
Handel, Ana Carolina et al. “Melasma: a clinical and epidemiological review.” Anais brasileiros de dermatologia vol. 89,5 (2014): 771-82. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20143063
McKesey J, Tovar-Garza A, Pandya AG. Melasma Treatment: An Evidence-Based Review. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2020 Apr;21(2):173-225. doi: 10.1007/s40257-019-00488-w. PMID: 31802394.
“Melasma.” Skin Treatment. Accessed 6 Oct. 2021.
“Melasma: Who gets and causes.” American Academy of Dermatology Association. Accessed 29 Sept 2021.
Melnick, Stephen et al. “Hyperpigmentation in a middle aged woman: a common yet underdiagnosed condition.” Journal of community hospital internal medicine perspectives vol. 6,3 31544. 6 Jul. 2016, doi:10.3402/jchimp.v6.31544
Ogbechie-Godec, Oluwatobi A, and Nada Elbuluk. “Melasma: an Up-to-Date Comprehensive Review.” Dermatology and therapy vol. 7,3 (2017): 305-318. doi:10.1007/s13555-017-0194-1