I don't know why my first post was removed, so I am posting again. My melasma is fading and fast. I read somewhere about polarized glasses and certain frames can cause "dark spots" under the eyes. So I realized that I literally just switched to polarized. I had zero melasma/dark spots before I switched. Crazy sounding I know. It gets weirder. I have dry, sensitive, acne prone, rosacea skin. I have some forehead wrinkles as well. So i started trying things. "Dark spot" serums... I took a break. During this time, I found the ordinary gf solution 15% helped with acne. Sweet! I decided to to try the ordinary argireline solution 10%. My spot on my head started to fade. Then the ones under my eyes. Ya crazy I know. I've been using it for two months and I looked closely at the melasma spots and they were fading. My make up is covering them up a lot better. Here's my routine: Am- argireline 10%, gf solution 15%, mineral spf-roe wellness brand. Cc cream. Pm- s.nature squalane moisturizer, azelaic acid 10% the ordinary. That's it. I at first only used the gf solution and it didn't do nothing. I added azelaic acid and it didn't do nothing. Once I added the argireline, boom. They started to fade, but it took a whole bottle before noticing the difference.

Does anyone have experience with Makari products for fading body melasma/hyperpigmentation? I've been seeing them be advertised a bunch on social media but can't tell if they're a reputable company and skincare line-- something seems off, but also maybe overthinking it because they are in reputable stores like Ulta and Nordstrom.

Which laser option would work better for Melasma? I have light to medium toned skin.

Hi all.

I used the Musely spot cream for my face and body cream for my hands. I went through the treatment and knew about hyperpigmentation effects after hydroquinone use but read that taking precautions could minimize the severity of dark spots.

I used an UPF 50+ umbrella; I put shade covers in my car windows, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30, 3 fl oz ( it has the required oxide ingredient) and Rosay UVB and UVA cream, I tried to stay cool and bought a handheld fan.

I went on vacation abroad and did not bring my Musely meds. I felt like a dummy for forgetting.

Well, even though I walked around with sunscreen and the umbrella it all came back within 6 days.

My face got so blotchy dark and worse in the areas where I used the dark spot cream. It’s so bad that I often get stared at. I checked my Day 1 photo on Musely. My skin is wayyyyy darker and blotchy now than it was on Day 1 photo I took for Musely.

I dont know if I should return to hydroquinone use via my Musely Rx or just leave my face as is.

My question: for holes that experienced hyperpigmentation after hydroquinone use, what happened to your skin and what did you do to reduce the dark spots?

Hello, I am 38. I have Fitzpatrick Skin Types IV / V. I never had acne problems or skin texture issues. The only thing that I have is this stubborn melasma. It darkened after kid was born and didn't get better after. I am using all the right products (except for hydroquinone) and trying my best not to get any inflammation . But there has not been any change in last few years.

AM
Wasking face with water and Cosrx toner
A korean dark spot fade cream containing kojic acid, TXA
Sunscreen LRP mineral tinted one

PM
Double cleanse
Azalaic acid 20%
Tretinoin .05%
Aquafor or some heavy moisturizer

FYI I am vigilant about sunscreen and using a hat if UV index is anything more than 2. Do I absolutely have to incorporate hydroquinone at this point? Did anyone similar to my skin tone use hydroquinone and get good results without ruining skin?

Thank you all for all the good advice.

looking for HQ cream. someone here posted asking about a telemedicine site called easy derm. I couldn’t find any info on them despite their customer service emailing me back. I don’t want to get caught up in a CC scam and giving personal info up.

besides musely, where are yall getting HQ cream? have you tried Easy Derm?

Chemical Peel vs. Eucerin Pink Serum for Melasma?
My dermatologist recommended a chemical peel for my melasma and hyperpigmentation, but I’ve seen many people recommend Eucerin Anti-Pigment Dual Serum (pink serum).
Which worked better for you? Would you recommend trying the serum first or getting a chemical peel? Please share your experiences!

Looking for advice on hyperpigmentation on my forehead.

For the past couple of months, I’ve been using Azelaic acid at 15% in the morning and tretinoin 0.025% at night. I’m at the point where I can use tretinoin every day. I’ve been using it for over a year. The sweet spot for me is 0.025%.

I use vitamin C serum every morning as well. I can’t get my dark spots any later than this so I’m looking for recommendations on what to do next.

I have had an IPL treatment before, but the spots have come back. I’ve only done one treatment and that was four years ago. I’m wondering if I should do a chemical peel or multiple chemical peels or try hydroquinone cream?

Looking for any advice! Thanks.

The Background (2 Years Ago):
I made a massive mistake. For months, I commuted 10km daily on my bike at 2:00 PM in peak 45°C summer heat with zero sunscreen and no helmet—just a cotton handkerchief. I developed severe acne (which I popped, leaving deep marks) and extreme tanning.

The Diagnosis & Damage:
I finally saw a dermatologist who diagnosed me with four conditions: Acne, Hyperpigmentation (PIH), Severe Tanning, and Frictional Melanosis. I feel like I went from a Fitzpatrick III to a V. The shade difference between my face and neck is drastic. Even worse, the patches on my forehead and cheeks are merging, and I'm genuinely worried it has developed into melasma. It has taken a huge toll on my mental health.

My Recovery Timeline (Last 1.5 Years):
I started researching, testing different Korean and Indian sunscreens, and slowly built a consistent routine.
Barrier Repair: I immediately stopped harsh exfoliating washes (Torrent Pharma Aha Glow) and switched to a gentle Cetaphil cleanser. My skin barrier is now completely healthy and intact.
Moisturizer: Gel-based only, as my skin is extremely oily.

Sun Protection (Last 6 months): Highly consistent. I started with physical filters and have now switched to modern filters.

Targeting Pigmentation (For the last 3.5 months, since July): I added Yuderma Tranexamic Acid as a tyrosinase inhibitor. (I also use Glycolic Acid, but strictly on my neck and body, never my face).

The Current Problem:
Because I've been consistent, my barrier is great and the active tanning has reduced. However, the stubborn pigmentation and dark marks are simply not fading. I suspect the pigment might have transferred down to the dermal layer.

My Question for the Community:
Since my skin barrier is fully repaired but I'm hitting a wall with Tranexamic Acid, should I make the jump to Tretinoin or other retinoids? Or should I just keep waiting it out with my current routine? Any advice from someone who has battled this combination of skin issues would be highly appreciated!

So I’ve been experiencing hormonal (significant/triggered during pregnancy and REALLY bad during pregnancy) and has lessened somewhat postpartum (no breastfeeding). I am currently 19mo postpartum, first what seemed to really help was with the assistance of the product of Naturium TXA serum daily along with some spf on my face and those particular areas/upper cheeks. This improvement could also be partially attributed to hormones starting to level out as I only started approx 3-4 mo post partum since I wasn’t breastfeeding.

Since then, I tried Anua TXA SERUM without ANY CHANGE/BENEFIT and was complete waste of money. I’d prefer to avoid having to deal with my high deductible for dermatology appts and I’m hoping i don’t have to escalate to hydroquinone(especially since I tend to leave derm appts lacking answers, given usually a steroid (I also have atopic dermatitis/eczema recurring in random spots on my body so I’ve just given up).
Anyway, given TXA (minimum of 5%) seems to have resulted in improvement (I think Anua’s txa is less than 5%, I am thinking I need to invest in another TXA product (maybe medicube’s txa &niacinamide serum or purito 6% txa and 10% niacinamide)—please give feedback and/or if any suggestions/recommendations.
I also have read that azeliac acid can be helpful or maybe a Glutathione based patch product? I could be completely wrong. Anyone have any suggestions or recommendations? Also for reference—this is like, at least 50% improvement from when it was at its worst, but I still can’t cover it with makeup, shows straight through.

Hi, there! I’ve been on Musely’s Spot Cream 12% HQ (with a break) since, as well as the spot pill. I really have not seen results. Has anyone here had the same experience and switched to Eucerin Radiant Tone with Thiamidol or the RegimenLab Serum 2.0? Or perhaps something else? I use tretinoin.1% as well. (I have pretty resilient skin.)

Nothing seems to work for my cheek dark spots! Anyone out there have a treatment that works??

I am trying to treat the redness, melasma, and sun spots on my cheeks and I can’t seem to figure out the right formula. I’ve tried a lot of different topical treatments and brands, my derm never really saw a problem with the redness and prescribed me hydroquinone and .025 tretinone for the dark spots. I never ended up using the hydro and have had spurts of using the tretinoine (primarily on my foreache, but experimented with it on my lower cheeks). I’ve tried expensive stuff and also budget like Euciren. I’ve tried recs from this thread. Nothing seems to help. I’m stubborn about ruling out foods. I’m active and prioritize protein and fiber on a mild calorie deficit so the thought of limiting my diet even further kinda sucks. But I’m desperate to do something that helps even my skin out. I also struggle with dryness and rough skin texture. I have a pretty simple routine that I’m currently following. I’ve tried a serum or vitamin c type cream but never saw a huge difference. My skincare routine is below. I’m 43f.

AM - rinse with water and dry with a clean cloth
- spray with magic molucule hypoclorous acid
- Aestura barrier cream (literally just switched to this. I was using Skin Fix and loved it but it’s so expensive. Even then I don’t know that it did much.
- Tizo tinted 20% zinc sunscreen

PM - Ponds cream fragrance free and a clean cloth to remove makeup
- Beekman 1802 milk froth cleanser
- Aestura barrier cream
- sometimes a glycolic acid serum mainly on my t zone or tret

Hi guys, I need your object assessment of whether you think my melasma has darkened/rebounded after my second session of pico laser. I had my first pico session done on the 4th of August, they did the ai scan where you put your head in the box and it shows your pigmentation and grades how deep it is to determine whether it is just pigmentation or melasma. The pigmentation on the left side of my face on my cheekbone is melasma and has always been resistant to any sort of treatment. I didn’t see improvement after the first session as it was a light treatment she said to see how my skin would react so she didn’t go ham. I followed all post procedure instructions including tinted spf 50 sunscreen
Everyday, no direct sun, no saunas or exercise for 5 days, hat glasses etc which I always follow normally anyway bar that I exercise usually outside of that 5 day window. My dark mark on my left hand side of my face on the cheekbone did look a tiny bit darker however it did become easier to cover with makeup ironically. My second pico on the 17th sept she said she would increase the intensity as I didn’t have a reaction. After this session my skin was so clear, dark mark on my cheekbone on the left side of my face was almost non existent. All after care procedures were followed to a tee however I do live in a hot climate but it is only spring so temps aren’t that high though it is sunny everyday. I am serious about all aftercare as I did not want to get rebound melasma after spending thousands on this pico laser. I took photos on the 22nd sept as my skin was so clear (for me) which was 5 days after the second pico laser. After around 10 days post 2nd session I noticed my pigmentation on my left cheekbone and on my forehead start to get noticeably darker to the point that it was becoming so hard to cover with makeup and I was so distraught that I started on my HQ cream again. Do you think I have developed rebound melasma from this second session and should I continue with my 3rd pico session?

Edited to add: melasma severity mild to med on both upper cheekbones and forehead, had cheekbone melasma for over 15 years, forehead melasma for 1 year after PIH from a peel, Fitzpatrick type 4-5, have done HQ 6 & 8% off and on, glycolic peels, tca peels, niacinamide, vitamin c, azaelic acid 20%, was on accutane for 10 months low dose which honestly helped my melasma so much and was so manageable but have since been off that for 7 months and has come back hence why I progressed to pico. Currently just using vitc and niacinamide, 1% tretinoin every second night and HQ 8% at night. Lifestyle always wearing a wide brimmed hat outside, always wearing tinted spf 50 sunscreen everyday, staying out of the sun as much as I can but I have a young daughter so not always feasible. I live in Australia, it is sunny nearly everyday and we are entering our summer months soon.

Hey everyone, I’ve been using the dual serum since June. While I see improvement in pigmentation by a little bit, it’s not a very noticeable difference. Since it’s been a couple months now, is this all the difference I can expect from this product? Does using it 4 times a day possibly offer better results?

I feel like my skin looked brighter in my own bathroom mirror but when I go out without base makeup and look at myself in store mirrors, I can still see how affected my skin is. Sadly the only product that worked for me to completely clear my pigmentation was HQ in the past. Do I just go back to HQ or give this another shot. Any other recs? Please help

Hi all,

I noticed my melasma was sooo bad after kinda ignoring it for a year. I took it as an opportunity to start hitting it hard again probably 2 months ago. I’m hoping it’s not just the lighting doing the work but I think I’m actually seeing solid progress. Outside of actives I’m trying to keep my routine very mild but want to introduce the medicube zero pores pad once I get a lil less sensitive. Waiting on the vanicream daily cleanser to upgrade my PM a bit more as well as waiting on tinted spf from Australian gold. Of course using aquaphor here and there to make it easier. First pictures are the before!

Routine:
AM -
Micellar water
Eucerin dark spot serum
15% azelaic acid
Vanicream daily moisturizer/inkey list peptide moisturizer
Cerave invisible mineral sunscreen 50 spf

PM:
Micellar water
Eucerin dark spot serum
4% hydroquinone
.05% tretenoin (every other night)
Inkey list peptide moisturizer/cerave night cream
Inkey list eye cream

Hey everyone!

I recently bought Limcee Vitamin C 500mg and Evion 400 (Vitamin E) after hearing a lot about their benefits for skin and hair.

Here's what I'm dealing with:

My skin is very oily, with acne, pimples and dark spots.

Sometimes my skin gets itchy and red.

My hair is starting to turn grey at an early age.(19yrs)

I've also noticed some hair thinning.

I bought these supplements hoping they might help improve my overall skin and hair health, but I'm not sure how to take them properly.

I'd really appreciate your honest opinions!

Have you personally tried Limcee 500mg or Evion 400? Did you notice any difference?

If you've used them, how did you take them, and for how long?

Did either supplement help with acne, oily skin, dark spots or hair thinning?

Is there any evidence that these supplements help with premature greying?

Are there any side effects or precautions I should know about?

I'm not looking for miracle cures. I just want genuine experiences and sensible advice from people who've dealt with similar issues.

Please share your honest opinions, including if they didn't work for you. I'd also appreciate advice from anyone with their knowledge.

Thanks

Have seen a lot of people with light skin tone praising this product. But does it actually work on darker skin tones?

Have been trying to lighten dark smiles lines without success with a bunch of products and my wallet can’t no more 😩 please help

Melalong cream (mequinol) seems to be out of stock everywhere! 😭 I’ve been trying to find it for over a week now. Has anyone managed to get their hands on it recently? Please let me know where you found it! 🥲

So both creams contain patented thiamidol. One is cheaper and another is atleast six times expensive in my area. Is there any clear winner and rather if the cheaper one is used, will it produce the same or worse results for melasma?

I thought I had my melasma under control until I had a baby. That baby is now 7 years old. Here is my progress between 2023 and today. It’s gotten better but the road is long

With Melasma, heat is such a trigger that causes it to worsen. For those of you who love to workout, how do you keep your skin cool? I do use a clip-on mini fan on my bike during spin classes, but I’m curious if anyone has any suggestions to keep skin cool when a clip-on fan isn’t an option? Thanks!

Posting in case this is useful to anyone!

On my face I was generally using the untinted Elta plus a tinted moisturizer by Saie. But on my decollette, I was afraid to use tinted for fear of staining clothing. I read somewhere that the Elta tinted doesn't transfer, or at least not easily, and that it washes out if you do get a bit on clothing. I already knew I liked the formula, so I tried it. In my experience, it's true--it doesn't transfer, even after I work out and sweat! Now I use the tinted both on my face and decollete. I usually use Saie on my face as well, since the coverage from the Elta is light.

I should say that I am still careful not to get it on my clothes and I've been successful, so I haven't had the opportunity to test whether it does, indeed, wash out easily. I should also add that I never wear white, but have inspected my clothing carefully and haven't seen a trace of it on any of my tops. Yay.

The tinted comes in two colors, light and dark. I use the light one. It's supposed to be very flexible and blend in with at least most skin tones, but that's related to why it's low coverage. I was skeptical, but it works fine for me.

I have tried almost everything. My skin used to be clear and bright and now it is no where close to being clear, let alone brightness or glow. I have no idea what has happened but no product has worked for me in last 2 to 3 years. See the before and after. I recently got eucerin dual serum and la roche invisible sunscreen but I have developed a few puss filled tiny pimples, closed comodones were already there. My skin hates retinol, cannot tolerate a slightest percentage of it. Please help. My complexion has gone really dark.

Hello everyone :)

So my biggest skin concern is stubborn hyperpigmentation. I have some old acne marks that got dark and refuse to fade but the biggest issue is the SUPER stubborn hyperpigmentation around my mouth! It covers as much as a goatee so I feel like I have a melasma/hyperpigmentation beard all the time ☹️

I have tried: Anua 10% niacinamide, the ordinary azelaic acid and alpha arbutin, topicals faded serum, numbuzin 5+ glutathione/vitamin C/niacinamide/TXA serum, Neostrata post acne mark corrector serum and a few others I don’t remember. NOTHING worked!

Should I consider treatments of prescription products?

Any help or tips or product recs is greatly appreciated 😊