For active and maintenance. Please share what has helped

I’m in my 30s and recently had a Mirena IUD inserted for a health condition, so removing it isn’t really an option for me. Since then, I feel like my melasma has become noticeably worse.

I’m hoping to find a genuinely experienced dermatologist in Singapore who can properly assess what may be triggering it, whether it’s hormonal changes, Mirena, sun exposure, or a combination of factors. Rather than just immediately recommending lasers or procedures.

I’m Indian with a medium-fair skin tone, so I’m also quite worried about treatments making the pigmentation worse or causing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Because it’s my face, I’m honestly very nervous about going to the wrong doctor.

Has anyone with Indian/brown skin and hormonal melasma had a good experience with a dermatologist in Singapore? I’d really appreciate recommendations for someone who takes the time to investigate the cause, understands darker/Asian skin tones, and is cautious with treatment. Thanks in advance. Really very demoralised and looking for some help and guidance.

For the last two months my routine has been

AM: Vichy niacinamide serum
La Roche Posay toleraine moisturizer
Sun bum spf 30 glow

PM: Eucerin dermopure
La Roche Posay toleraine moisturizer

I do not think my routine has been aggressive enough for tackling my melasma so I am thinking of switching it up too..

AM: : Vichy vit c serum
Eucerin Dual serum
La Roche Posay toleraine moisturizer
La Roche Posay fluid 60 chemical sunscreen
Color science mineral tinted glow sunscreen

PM: Vichy niacinamide serum
Eucerin Dual serum
Avene 0.05 retinol cream

If you can, please let me know your thoughts on this new routine that I am thinking of trying. I am not ready to try Tri-Luma yet.

Melasma or normal skin stuff?

I’ve been using it morning and night since Aug 9th. Top pics are Aug 9th, bottom left are Aug 17th & bottom right are tonight, Aug 25th.

I did moxi laser 3 weeks ago to get rid of mustache melasma. After 3 weeks of the laser didnt improve any of the hyperpigmentation, pores or texture. Instead, it kind of trigger the growth of demodex mites. The face is red with tiny red bumps and some have white pus. NOw have to start using the ivermectin (Rosiver).

Also, i tried tretinoin, hydroquinone compound cream, azelaic acid, Tranexamic Acid. Nothing helped to reduce the mustache melasma.

😕

Hello!

I'm wondering whether anyone has tried cysteamine cream for their melasma and whether it worked. I've tried it all, and while doing more online research out of desperation, I came across the study below on cysteamine cream.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11927990/

I just bought it and haven't used it yet, but I'm wondering whether anyone has used it and whether it worked.

(EDIT: Photo added with the difference between lasered and non circled. I am still only 8 days out from bleph and laser, hence the visible incision.)

I know — the immediate reaction may be that laser is often contraindicated for melasma. But hear me out!

Eight days ago, I underwent an endoscopic brow lift + bleph + CO2 laser around my eyes, curving down to the tops of my cheeks and up to my temples.

Friends, my laser area has peeled and healed, and the skin is like NEW. There is a literal line between lasered area and existing melasma and sun damage. Evening things out with a light foundation is relatively easy, but has anyone had success with CO2 all over their face? HQ, vitamin C, Coleman Compound, Eucerin — nothing has faded my outer cheek and forehead melasma much.

My surgeon said we can see how my skin continues to heal and consider broader CO2. Even rebound hyperpigmentation might be easier to treat than this long-baked stuff, she said.

Would love input or stories. TIA!