How can melasma (cholasma) be treated?
Research shows that the most effective medicines for treating melasma are hydroquinone and tretinoin used in combination. However, the formulation of the hydroquinone cream is critical to its absorption into the skin and treatment is more reliable and effective when the hydroquinone is used as either part of the Obagi Nu-Derm regime or in combination with six weekly 70% glycolic acid peels. This regime will only clear the melasma from the outer layer of the skin (epidermis). Treatment with either a fractionated laser or mid-depth chemical peel (stronger than the 70% glycolic acid peel) is needed to clear the pigment in the deeper layers of the skin (dermis). Treatment will take between three and twelve months to complete, depending upon your skin type, the pattern and stability of the pigment and the depth of the pigment within your skin.
