Melasma

Melasma is a harmless skin condition most commonly found on the face. Excessive pigmentation collects in the skin causing uneven blotchy patches predominantly on the cheeks, forehead and upper lip. While this condition is found in both men and women, it is most prevalent in women, especially those who are pregnant, on birth control or on hormone replacement therapy.

TREATMENTS

FRACTIONATED LIGHT The Palomar StarLux system delivers high precision laser micro beams into the skin that causes deep narrow holes in the dermis and epidermis. When your skin then heals it creates new healthy tissue and stimulates collagen. Downtime is minimal for this treatment and patients can return to most daily activities immediately. Fractionated Light may take more than one treatment, packages are available.

Provided courtesy of Michael Sinclair, MD and reprinted with permission by Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc.
Photos are examples of results which may be achieved from treatment with certain technology. No results are guaranteed or implied--Individual results may vary.

MICRO DERMABRASION DERMASWEEP is a skin revitalizing treatment that helps repair skin that is damaged from the sun and unwanted effects of aging. DermaSweep is a gentle abrasion and a vacuum system that removes or peels away the dead outer layer of skin in order to stimulate and reveal new healthy skin. The skin is left smoother while the suction action stimulates blood flow and cleanses pores. The increased blood flow to the skin’s surface encourages collagen formation thus firming and toning the epidermis as well. DermaSweep also offers epi-infusion treatments which are topical solutions formulated to treat hyperpigmentation. This brightening solution with hydroquinone, azeliac acid and kjic acid works to lighten pigmentation.

PEELS Dr. Scheel has selected glycolic acid peels that exfoliate surface skin cells and contain vitamins and antioxidants to protect against future skin damage. Peels can help with pigmentation, texture, fine lines and mild acne scaring. There is no down time with this treatment. A six- session package is recommended.

PRESCRIPTIONS The most effective prescriptions for Melasma contain Hydroquinone. While Hydroquinone can be very effective in reducing hyperpigmentation it is not a cure. While Dr. Scheel doesn’t recommend staying on hydroquinone medications for an extended period of time, they are great for diminishing the problem and then keeping up on it by being diligent with sun protection.

SKIN CARE PRODUCTS After much research, Dr. Scheel has selected several brands that she feels comfortable recommending. Our three main lines include:

•  SkinCeuticals, our more clinical line, conducts clinical trials providing proven results for many of their products.
•  Eminence, an organic line from Hungary that prides itself in using fresh ingredients to create hand-made products without heating or hydrogenating resulting in high levels of active ingredients.
•  MyChelle Dermaceutical, an organic line from Colorado, prides itself in being a truly natural, nontoxic, paraben-free, eco friendly and cruelty free company that produces rich effective products.

Dr. Scheel also recommends several independent products throughout this section. All recommended products are available in our office.

• Antioxidants help reduce damage caused by free radicals. Vitamin C, used as a topical treatment must be in a serum. Dr. Scheel recommends several lines of products that offer topical vitamin C: SkinCeuticals Pfloretin CF, CE Ferulic or Serum 15; MyChelle The Perfect C Serum; and Eminence Couperose C Serum. Antioxidants are also found in other products recommended by Dr. Scheel such as the Revale Coffee Berry line, Eight Greens products by Eminence, and MyChelle’s Apple Brightening line.
• Botanical Pigmentation Lighteners are natural alternatives to prescription hydroquinone. Dr. Scheel recommends SkinCeuticals Phyto+ and the Eminence Stone Crop line.
• Sunscreen Sunscreen is essential in keeping melasma to a minimum. Pacifica carries a full line of sunscreens from organic to clinical. Our organic lines include DDF, MyChelle, and Soleo. SkinCeuticals also offers two great sunscreens Physical UV Defense SPF 30 & Sport UV Defense SPF 45.

DERMABLEND COVER CRÈME, while not necessarily a treatment, is a high performance coverage cosmetic. This product delivers a flawless complexion and 12 hours of consistent color wear. DermaBelnd improves texture; skin looks fresh, feels soft and velvety smooth. The cover crème provides all day hydration, suitable for sensitive skin. This product also protects your skin with a SPF 30 sunscreen.