Are there any effective alternatives to lasers for treating melasma?

Sorry to hear you have been troubled by melasma for years. This is chronic pigmentary condition that can be challenging to treat. Lasers would certainly not be my first choice of treatment as it can actually worsen melasma if the parameters used are too aggressive.

We do see a large number of melasma patients and I have had a lot of success in their treatment by advising strict sun protection, medical grade lightening creams and oral medicines such as tranexamic acid. We need to discuss your suitability for taking the medicine as it is not recommended if there are certain underlying conditions.

Hope this helps.

Best regards

Dr Stephanie Ho, Dermatologist

Safe and effective alternatives to lasers for Melasma treatment include:

1) Medical-grade bleaching creams such as: Hydroquinone 4%, Triluma (Fluocinolone acetonide 0.01%, Tretinoin 0.05%, Hydroquinone 4%) Azelaic acid, Kojic acid etc.

Various bleaching creams have their pros and cons, some being more effective but may cause more skin irritation than others. It is important to follow the customised treatment regime prescribed by your doctor, depending on your type of skin and type/ severity of Melasma.

2) Chemical Peels. Chemical peels such as Glycolic acid can help to lighten Melasma.

3) Rejuran. Rejuran is derived from Salmon DNA extract and contains Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN). It is an anti-aging treatment modality which rejuvenates, heals and hydrates the skin. In my practice, I use it to treat a few types of pigmentation issues such as Melasma and Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, that have been effective.

Often, a combination of treatments yield better results especially in treating and controlling a challenging condition such as Melasma.

Hope this helps!

Best Regards,

Dr David Deng

Safe and effective alternatives to lasers for Melasma treatment include:

1) Medical-grade bleaching creams such as: Hydroquinone 4%, Triluma (Fluocinolone acetonide 0.01%, Tretinoin 0.05%, Hydroquinone 4%) Azelaic acid, Kojic acid etc.

Various bleaching creams have their pros and cons, some being more effective but may cause more skin irritation than others. It is important to follow the customised treatment regime prescribed by your doctor, depending on your type of skin and type/ severity of Melasma.

2) Chemical Peels. Chemical peels such as Glycolic acid can help to lighten Melasma.

3) Rejuran. Rejuran is derived from Salmon DNA extract and contains Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN). It is an anti-aging treatment modality which rejuvenates, heals and hydrates the skin. In my practice, I use it to treat a few types of pigmentation issues such as Melasma and Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, that have been effective.

Often, a combination of treatments yield better results especially in treating and controlling a challenging condition such as Melasma.

Hope this helps!

Best Regards,

Dr David Deng