Beauty Bash Discussion: Hyperpigmentation and Melasma

One of our beauty bashers complained of pill-induced melasma. For those of you who don't know, melasma, also known as pregnancy mask, is a patch of brown, hyperpigmented skin that can cover anywhere from a little to most of your face. Since it's triggered by hormones (pregnancy or the pill) the only way to really cure it is to stop it's trigger. In other words, you have to stop the pill or give birth.
But there are ways to treat melasma. Like other forms of hyperpigmentation, it can be treated with skin lightening creams. The most effective ingredient to look for in these creams is hydroquinone. Creams with up to a 2% hydroquinone are available over the counter. Stronger concentrations, like the EpiQuin Micro with 4% hydroquinone that I just got from my dermatologist, are only available from a doctor.
The other way to treat hyperpigmentation of any kind is by laser treatments. My dermatologist recommends the Pixel laser, which is unique in that it is virtually painless and requires no downtime. I start treatments in a couple of weeks, so I'll keep you posted about the results.
The catch? (There always is one). With any hyperpigmentation treatment, even a little sunshine can send you right back to where you started. The only way to keep the brown away is to stay completely out of the sun. Apply SPF45 liberally and often. Wear a wide-brimmed hat with a sunblock built into the fabric, and UV protecting sunglasses. Walk on the shady side of the street. The tiniest bit of sun can undo all of your hard work, so don't let it!