This video brought me to tears. I’ve had melasma since my 20s. I am now in my 50s. From having a horrible melasma moustache to being chastised by a makeup artist on my wedding day (because she couldn’t work with my skin), society has always taught me I should be ashamed and embarrassed by how I look. I wished I had met a kind, sympathetic doctor like yourself who would have explained what is happening. If more doctors were like you I would’ve sought help much sooner instead of hiding myself away. Thank you for shedding light on this 🙏
When you wrote about being chastised by a makeup artist, it reminded me of multiple experiences I've had: For my senior pics (way before melasma of course) the makeup artist who worked for the photographer told me I had very blotchy skin with dark spots I had (which were old acne marks on my tan olive skin). It caught me off guard because I had never had someone point out my flaws in such a forward way and I got an odd sense that she enjoyed telling me this, like a sort of satisfaction. Another time, when I had melasma all over my forehead and didn't have my daily makeup on yet, my mom, who I was visiting and who never knocks, gasped in shock and asked what was all over my forehead. I told her I have melasma and explained what it was and she honestly couldn't even pronounce. Her unkind reaction really shook me and hurt my feelings and also engrained in me to never let anyone see me without at least a bit of makeup on. People can be so cruel, even when its your own mom...
What kind of horrible person chastises a bride? I was shocked to read this. You should have kicked her out of the room immediately. You must be a very nice kind person. How dare she? To treat a young woman like that. I’m sorry there wasn’t an older woman around to put her in her place
A a teenager I had lots of acne and was never taken to a derm. As an adult, I got mild rosacea after pregnancies. Now I'm a constant face picker, I refuse to see any blemish on my skin. If I just feel my skin without looking, have super smooth skin. However, I have redness and a few scars from my picking. I wish I hadn't spent all my young adult life not wanting to take pictures and becoming an introvert because of my facial appearance. I refuse to let my daughters and grand daughters do the same. I buy them sunscreen at least if they don't have it!
I agree that so many dermatologists don’t talk about the emotional burden of dealing w something like melasma, it really is difficult! And it’s especially hard when u have ppl asking “what’s that on your face?”😞 thank you for this video Dr Shereene!
Omg yessss! I have had people ask me that! Like seriously?? Who would ask someone a question like that? I would NEVER ask someone “hey what’s wrong with your face?” Some people have no freaking common sense, common courtesy, people skills, or tact. 😡
You hit the nail on the head with the correlation between not caring about your vanity and having some level of depression (at least for myself). I live with Bipolar II disorder, and while I'm fortunate to have found a combination of medication and therapy that has worked for me long term, I still experience depressive episodes where I won't care in the slightest about how I look and I don't take care of myself like I know I should be doing. I've learned to laugh at myself when I look back because of how crazy my hair and facial hair can look sometimes haha. It's been a journey of being aware of that while in an episode and knowing that whatever I feel is not reality and I still need to take care of myself. Thank you for talking about this!
I'm trying to confront the psychological aspect of hair thinning. But I also have malasma from pregnancy and would appreciate a video on working regular topicals into a weekly/biweekly skincare routine.
As a man we don't know a lot about skin care. I honestly started following you because I thought you were really beautiful. However, as I started listening to you, I really learned so much and has started to take better care of my skin. Thank You.
I don’t know how I missed watching this video before, but I’m happy I did because it confirmed to me that I’m not crazy🥲 Thank you so much for this video. I too had IVF and since that rollercoaster experience I’ve been living with malasma and hyperpigmentation. Since 2014, I’ve done multiple chemical peeling procedures, multiple laser treatments, multiple needling treatments and all were under the direction of doctors who kept on telling me that I’m not doing enough! After 5-6 years of trying everything, my skin thinned out, I had breakouts, I developed patches and every time I washed my face with water I would cry. Since then, I looked at my beautiful twins and decided that my skin will be loved because they were worth the whole experience and I need to focus on beautiful result of IVF not the negative….Until I found your channel…. I’m starting to take your tips and I’m learning more about how to deal with it thanks to you 🙏🏼
Thank you for talking about your melasma journey. It takes courage to do so. As you said, its something you need to manage. I'm 57 years old and I've been trying to manage my melasma for the last 2 years. I think it was triggered with perimenopause and a sun vacation in the Grenadines. Lately, I've seen my melasma flare ups as a sign that something in my life has impacted me...whether it is stress from work or family or getting too much sun.
I’m still in my 20s and have had melasma patches since I was in middle school it feels like. It makes me so upset and it genuinely makes me want to cry because I am SO diligent with staying out of the sun but I have more dark spots and ruddy skin then anyone my age (even more then my younger sisters who live in cali and surf!) I have gone to derms to ask about lasers and they told me I shouldn’t expect any major results and it’s truly so disheartening to feel like there’s nothing I can do and I can’t help but be upset whenever I look in the mirror. The pigmentation also comes through all makeup I’ve tried and it’s truly been such a heartbreaking struggle so just really thank you for this video. It really resonates
Have you been officially diagnosed with melasma by a board certified dermatologist? Melasma has a hormonal component and often associated with peak child bearing years. To see this during middle school seems really young!
Oral Tranexamic Acid and Heliocare supplement have been a game changer for me in combination with topical Hydroquinone-Tretinoin, Azelaic Acid and strict sun protection.
Thank you for opening up about the psychological aspect of dermatological cases. Thank you for reminding us that a little vanity is healthy. It is often looked down and thought to be excessive to seek proper medical/cosmeceutical care from a dermatologist. But you're right, our skin is an organ and like the way we care for our other anatomical parts, it is only right to care for our skin as it is the very first thing we present to the world and how we want to present ourselves not only affects us physically but goes into the psyche as well.
I really needed this today. I have gotten out of using my skincare because I decided that I didn’t care. You are so right, when I stop and really look at myself, I have been depressed…probably because it is another Mother’s Day without my heart, my best friend, my Mom. Tonight it is back to it! Back to bitchy melasma! Love to all of the skin nerds ♥️
Thank you for this conversation! I am in tears thinking about my struggles with not melasma but cystic acne from my 20s to early 50s. Thank you for saying that it's okay and good to care about ourselves and take care of ourselves both physically and emotionally. More people need to hear this. Thank you for sharing your human experience ❤️
Years ago I developed a dairy allergy that was causing “other issues”. I had been also dealing with cystic acne and when I COMPLETELY cut the dairy out of my diet, for the other issues, my cystic acne went away too! So many problems cleared up. You cannot cheat and have just a little bit of cheese, milk, butter, yogurt, ice cream etc… there are great dairy free substitutions now!! Read labels for , milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, coffee creamer(unless it is almond milk or coconut based), lactose, casein, whey, sodium caseinate. It seems like a lot but if you give it all you have for 2 months at least, I bet you will see changes! Be dedicated. Think: is dairy worth my struggles?
I remember a reacting video of Dr. Idriss from a beauty practitioner. she thought Shereene was paranoid about hyperpigmentation when the night time routine included hydroquinone, tranexamic acid and glycolic acid. I was like: yo if you have ever had melasma, you will keep your mouth shut. melasma is such a pain in the ass and seriously, sometimes it makes us feel so hopeless. this is my opinion when I'm treating hyperpigmentation from sun burn, acne breakout and trying to keep my underlying melasma in control before it shows up on my face. THE STRUGGLE IS REAL, EVERYBODY.
Yes! Melasma is hyperpigmentation at another level! Sometimes my family thinks obsessed with avoiding the sun but it’s not an obsession. It’s a routine and necessary to get my skin tone at baseline… if you had melasma, you would know…
I appreciate this message. Luckily my childhood dermatologist had a similar perceptive and talked about the link between poorly controlled acne and mental health issues including shyness and bullying. I still remember the positive impact that had on me to hear a physician share his understood my suffering.
Thank you so much for talking about the psychological aspect of chronic skin conditions. As a clinical psychologist, I totally agree that a little vanity is a healthy thing-it means we are taking pride in how we present ourselves to the world. You really hit the nail on the head when you talk about the depressive aspects, and i know I keep on eye on how my patients present themselves in session as its truly an indicator of their mood. Keep up the good work!
Thank you for giving a different perspective on caring about one’s self not being shallow attribute. Melasma has been a stubborn B! Happy Saturday and Mother’s Day ❤️
Thank you for speaking on this so helpful… Since watching you I started doing Paula’s choice 3 step with retinol, aha and Azelaic acid plus glycolic acid and lactic acid alternating nights with applying B5 citoplast and then of course vitamin C with sunscreen in the a.m., for about 4 months. I have seen a tremendous difference in my melasma almost to the point of being gone I have suffered from it since my early 20’s and always was super upset cause makeup never covered it and people would always ask or comment on my makeup looking weird. For the first time in 20 years I can go out with no makeup and not have people staring at my forehead and thinking I don’t know how to blend my bronzer correctly 🙄.
@@ritasharqawi7367 I use Paula’s choice retinol, azelaic acid and the liquid aha/bha Sephora has it in a 3 step pack for vitamin C I was using drunk elephant but now I am using No7 15%, glycolic is L’Oréal in the blue bottle, Lactic acid is from the ordinary and the la roche posay cicaplast B5 and for sunscreen it’s super goop …. All the items I use she has spoken about on her channel. I hope that helps
Thank you for do this video talking about of the psychologycal point of view. I'm suffering melasma since 2019, and it really struggles me. I've tried every single thing over the counter until three months ago that I finally went to a dermatologist. Hidroquinone was a game changer for me, in only six weeks my melasma improved dramatically, and I feel so much happier than I used to! I look better now than five years ago, I totally agree about to even out the skin tone.
Dear Shereene, I love your videos! Thanks for your work. Could you share what a melasma routine would look like? ...with all the "10 steps"? ☺ which products to combine, order of layering etc.
I need to hear more about how to fight this Shereen. Its been a 30 year battle for me....and my board certified dermatologists seem to want to treat with laser, but no skin care follow up. Your videos have been eye opening. I desperately need the "even skin tone" holy grail. I've been watching for 8 months now. Love your honesty and am so thankful you take time out of your busy world of being a doctor, specialist, mother, wife, daughter etc to help the rest of us. Thank you.
I’m delighted that you were able to unburden yourself Doctor. I hope you feel better. We are always here to listen to you. Please feel free. The best part is we don’t even charge you.
Thank you for posting this. I’m 61 and had severe melasma over 40 years. It has affected my life incredibly. It has affected my personality. I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t but it will never go away completely.
I just love you. Your honestly is so refreshing. I felt every word you said about melasma being a bitch and it impacting your self esteem so tragically when you had your baby. I can totally relate. It really can be life changing for a lot of people. Thank you for putting a spotlight on the mental health impact of chronic skin conditions. I’d love to hear how you treat your skin and maintain results all year round x
I appreciate you taking the time to talk about melasma! I have it myself and it’s been quite hard to know how to treat it without spending on uncovered dermatologist appointments. Unfortunately, the insurance companies don’t consider things like melasma and hyperhidrosis to be medical conditions. That’s another whole issue I wish we could change, but thank you for sharing and I’d definitely love another video on the 10 steps to treat melasma! Thank you, thank you! 🤍🤍🤍
I honestly felt your words, I grew up as a fair skinned person in Africa and honestly thought sunscreen was just for the beach - my mom taught me to tan using sunflower oil to get the 'best' results. 10 years later I live in Europe and after two pregnancies the discolouration from all those years of sun damage and hormonal changes just took it from bad to worse. I am so glad we have been educated in healthy skincare and everyone can help themselves and have more access to protection. I wear sunscreen even indoors but honestly miss out on days out and family activities because my dark patches become worse so quickly and i feel so self conscious. I hope we can all have happy summer days in the future. I hope your products will have international shipping soon!
Hello 👋 Dr. Shereene Idris ☺️ It's great that you're discussing the emotional impact that a skin issue such as melasma can have on our psyches but I would personally like to see a video as to what over the counter products in conjunction with hydroquinone can be used to treat melasma as well as what order we should be applying said products while also keeping in mind that some us are on a budget.
Please make a video on how to treat it!!!!! I started dealing with melasma about 2 years ago. I have been seeing a dermatologist and staying out of the sun more than it is probably "possible " in south Florida. I have watched all your videos and have followed all your recommendations for almost a year now. Thank you for doing this!!
Thanks to you I am treating my melasma with a hydroquinone cream. How many months I've been hiding those spots with make up... God bless you! Thank you for informing us on these topics. 💖
Please share your product & treatment recommendations! I’ve been on my journey ever since I had my son 8 years ago and was blindsided by this condition. I’ve seen derms and estheticians and tried OTC and prescription products. I’ve yet to find a cocktail that works for me but I keep searching. Would love to know your routine and recommendations. Thank you for covering this side of the story as well. Mental health needs to be a part of the conversation. Love you and your channel!
I'm in the small % of men who have melasma (although I think this is partly due to under-reporting). It's mild to moderate and only on my cheeks and temples. The only thing that has had a dramatic impact so far is hydroquinone, although 20% azelaic and 3% tranexamic have helped a little too. At the moment, I'm taking a risk with an 8 week course of a gentle non-ablative fractional laser for use at home (the Tria smoothing/age defying laser). It's too early to tell, but there are some possible signs that it is bringing the pigment to the surface and starting to break up the pigment. I say *possible* because my skin is red from the laser - it's hard to distinguish the redness from the pigment in most areas and I'm only 3 weeks into my treatment.
Yes, please do another segment to discuss products and/or a regimen. I suffer from melasma and it does at times, cause me distress because that is my number one skin issue. Ives tried a peel which didn’t really make a difference and also left little mole like bumps on my face.
Thank you for spotlighting this. I’m 51 and melasma became an issue for me in the hormonal mess that is perimenopause. I work with my derm to keep it under control but it’s definitely not easy. I flare up more on my right side as well. Trying to figure out how I can style one of those visors 😎
This is a great video! The only thing that wasn’t mentioned that I think is super important pertaining to melasma is how your gut effects your skin. Your skin is a direct reflection of your gut and when that’s out of wack and you have syndromes such as leaky gut it can contribute to worsening melasma or acne etc. Eating clean and taking care of your gut health is the only way I know of to help melasma or skin conditions
I would love a video about treating melasma because it's honestly a bit overwhelming trying to incorporate so many products into a routine. Do I use Vitamin C first and acids after? Do I use acids first? Does it matter? Can I also use retinol? What about red and near infrared light therapy? Will it help melasma or make it worse? What in-office treatments have good results and which ones can make it worse? I've had acne for the last 20 years of my life. I'm finally clear after taking accutane but now have to battle melasma, which is kind of a bummer.
Thank you Shereene for being so real in this video and sharing so much with us in order to help us not just with our skin but the mental aspects of our skin as well
I love your discussing the number of steps involved in treating melasma. I am having great success but laugh at myself for the number of steps each day/night. I began tretinoin two years ago, starting very gradually and increasing to 0.1 mg 4 to 5 nights a week. initially that was paired with niacinamide, but now it's payed with 15% alezaic acid. that switch made such a positive difference that I added prescription azelaic acid 15% each morning and on my non tret nights. that made a big change that prompted me to add topical OTC tranexemic acid and after watching your video on hydroquinone--i decided to do a two month trial of prescription 4% hydroquinone cream in addition to everything else. that's when I started laughing at the layers---but also have seen major improvements on my hands and face. my trigger is sun exposure, and on my cheeks are clear finger marks from a particular ski trip when I accidentally wiped off my sunblock at high altitude while skiing on be a bright sunny day and didn't reapply it. it's clear with my hands that my right hand where I remove my right glove to adjust my boot or mask is markedly worse than my left hand. I also tried laser on my hands once and decided that was not my preference. I have been experimenting with some OTC mixes of safe lightening ingredients, but for now and ok with 7 to 10 products to be so happy with my skin.
TY for sharing your own emotional journey. My melasma blew up during the pandemic. I was working 16-18 hr days at home in front of 2-3 screens. I thought it was the blue light. Now i know its stress. Saw myself in thr mirror and gosh, did i age. I Never wanted to look in thr mirror again. It took a lot of patience & time to build up my tolerance to acids etc. Adding 6% prescription hydroquinone finally made the difference especially when used with glycolic acid first then hydroquinone. On alternating nights, i use hydroquinone + retinol. I use hydroquinone for 2 months & stop for 2 months. While off hydroquinone, at night I found combining Paula’s Choice Azelaic Acid with Skinceutical retinol to be very helpful for maintenance. I still use glycolic acid on alternating nights. Daytime: skinceutical phloretin CF & discoloration defense & sunscreen. Yes, all from Dr. Idriss’s recommendations!! I just finished my 2nd round of hydroquinone and its been 1.5-2 yr since i started addressing it. My skin tone is the best its ever been. There’s hope & be patient. Sending love & hope to all who’s touched by melasma/ other skin conditions.
Thank you so much for sharing this💗 I have been battling with psychological distress in my own skin journey. Not feeling alone is HUGE encouragement and comfort, especially from someone so well-versed in skin care. So thank you😊
Melasma hit me post-partum all the sudden a road map in your face, sagging skin along with pregnancy and postpartum depression is just the icing on the cake. Thanks for this info.
I've never had children. I have melasma due to PCOS and now going through menopause. My mental health is fine most of the time, during hormonal flair ups, I can cry, laugh, rage and be euphoric all in 5 minutes. This video came at the right time. Thank you for this, I'm not giving up. But sometimes I just want to hide away from the world. I have large tan patches across my forehead and cheeks along with rosacea. I live in an area where a dermatology appointment takes about 6 months to get, so I started Agency's hydroquinone and tretinoin formulas while I wait till August for my appointment. Your hard work and honesty are greatly appreciated. Many blessings💖💖💖
I don’t have melasma but I had very bad acne that left me with severe pit scars. I’m 56 years old and I’m still struggling with that. Growing up at Greece there wasn’t any treatment to deal with my scars. It infected me so much that I didn’t let anyone to take any picture of me. Not to want to see your face because of melasma or scars or whatever definitely effect your emotional health! Thank you for sharing this!😍😊
I did like six sessions of RF micro needling and my scars are almost gone. There are still a little, but in comparison with what I had, I have nothing now. I would recommend you that! I also tried Co2 laser and peelings, but none of those worked so well as the RF micro needling procedures
I watched the video even tho I don't have melasma b/c I ALWAYS learn something from your posts. HURRAY! I've never seen a UV visor until just now. WOW! As the resident neighborhood freak, I want to incorporate this device into my arsenal ASAP. YAY! Also loved your discussion on the psychological benefits of taking good care of yourself. Love, love, loved it!
I use a visor just like the one she showed. I certainly get looks/stares when walking my dog in the neighborhood lol. It was certainly an adjustment from wearing baseball hats, to wide brim hats, to half visors to now full face visors. It definitely helps.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I remember my mom having melasma pretty severe when I was younger. I remember her talking about wanting to wear makeup but her melasma was not able to be camaflouged😞she always felt less feminine becuse she could get “made up” because it didn’t even look good to her, thankfully her melasma has improved tremendously since she hit menopause and is actually not very visible. I suffered from ppd and stopped caring about my appearance and there is definitely a correlation with your self care decline a depression, at least true for me.
Finally someone talks about the need to take care of yourself and thats its ok not to like your acne not to like your melasma, now a days if you dont like that you dont live yourself and that’s ridiculous! Way to go, this is why i love your videos!
I had thyroid issues, alopecia, my dr. Treated me for hypothyroid. Eventually my system rebooted and had to stop taking the thyroid meds but my periods were so put of control with short cycles brain fog all this read in perimenopause that at 36 years oldy dr. Put me on birth control to stop my periods. Now i have melasma breakthrough bleeding and another appointment with a different gynecologist to try and figure this stuff out. Honestly during my alopecia time i seen a dermatologist for 15 minutes and basically traveled 3 hours distamce for that appointment left with nothing because my Dr. Treated me long before the dermatologists got me in for an appointment, and my hair was growing back. I have been wanting to learn about melasma why i jave it and how to work with turning it back making it go away. Your video is the first help in a 3 year journey I have found. Thank you. I am interested in sourcing a skin ingredients and daily routine.
This spoke to my heart. Most doctors act like it's not a big deal but it can make you feel really ugly and aged. Thank God for makeup! I got melasma after my first baby. Thankfully I no longer get the mustache b/c that was the most defeating, but my cheeks are very patchy. I use a good coverage concealer but have been lazy about skincare routine and almost 50. (starting the program you mentioned in 50+ skincare video). Most ppl think I look 10 yrs younger than I am and have good skin but the rashy patches gets depressing sometimes. I started using transexamic acid this year but am going to be religious about your anti-aging protocol products / routine and see what happens!
Thank you so much for making my skin better, I learned a lot from you. This video made me feel better about myself, and to not feel bad on my actions in taking care of my skin, because as you said it is good to do something that will make you better and feel better. You are my inspiration and happy mothers day to you! ❤
In Australia 🇦🇺 Azelaic Acid 20% is available over the counter , with 🇺🇸 made Differin over the counter and removed Hydroquinone from over the counter . Just a thought .
Thanks so much. Yes, I like to learn more about what products and perhaps a night time routine for melasma. With hydroquinone and without. Thanks. you're awesome!!
Laser and peels actually made my melasma worse. It’s taken years to fade mine, azelaic acid, Differin, sunscreen sunscreen, sunscreen. Flares up every summer when I mountain bike. Oral tranexamic acid is the best, but it’s a blood thickener so I don’t want to take it now that I’m over 50
Thank you so so so much for being that honest and sincere, I'm touched by this video, you made ma calmer, melasma is really a bitch Really hope that everyone would be able to get rid of it ❤
Thank you for permission to love myself enough to create and continue a skin care regimen, to back away from stress and spend the time it takes to do that. ❤❤😇😇
Besides just melasma, I have the blessings of ultra oily skin, adult acne, and reactive and sensitive skin. Oh and I'm 43 now and I'm really seeing signs of aging. My hair also sheds to the extreme. Not sure what to do. I have tried so many things, and the derms in my HMO really don't care and I feel like I know more about products and hormones than they do. My Primary Care Dr. told me there is no solution for hair shedding that usually work, so just learn to live with it and and be happy. I have hypothyroidism, and I take meds and am within the correct lab ranges. I feel like I am on my own and it is up to me and my research studying expert derms on youtube. I feel like anything that clears my acne and keeps me clear also leads to more melasma because my skin is exfoliated and and more sensitive to the sun. I have never had a doctor like you. I live in Hawaii, so about as far from you as can be in America. LOL But I will keep persevering, because I have that little bit of vanity you talked about. ;-) I also thank God that I am alive and these aren't deadly conditions but sometimes I have to work at remembering that because it gets hard when tons of hair comes out each time I shower and my melasma keeps spreading and I still get cysts.
I’m so glad you mentioned melasma treatments can be a 10 step regimen to clear. Because I have/had melasma quite badly on my cheeks, and my skincare routine consists of several different acids, hydroquinone, tretinoin etc. People who have used my bathroom have commented on me having so many products sitting on my counter. It kinda makes me feel like I am being vain! I don’t know how many times someone has come out of my bathroom and sarcastically said “think you have enough face products on your counter?” 😡 Then I have to explain my melasma problem. I don’t feel like I’m going overboard with my treatments now that you’ve mentioned it
I started noticing dark spots (melasma) about a year and half ago. At first I thought it was because of the mask but I don't know if masks can cause melasma. I also started using Trentinoin and my face was red a lot, I just thought it was because of the mask. A few months ago I saw a dermatologist and she prescribed a cream that has hydroquinone, trentinoin, kojiacid, niacinamide, and fluocimolone. After three months of using it over face lotion at night it made my spots even more noticeable 🥺😩. They were not even that noticeable before I should just have lived with it and now they look terrible. I had decided to stop wearing face masks but now that my melasma is worse I will keep wearing it. This experience made me realize how extremely sensitive my skin is. Most things irritate it and I need to stick to basic skin care. I have an appointment with my dermatologist later this month so hopefully she can help me 😢.
I’m so sorry to hear that! I hope it got better for you, but I also know It can take a while for the dark spots for improve. I’d love to hear an update if you feel like sharing.
Yes yes!!! Please!! I’d appreciate more knowledge about it. Maybe what your routine looks like. Maybe pictures of how it looks like and where it appears… It’s always nice to hear your take. Goodness, have I known so many men and women that feel so useless because how they look like… makes me sad. I see their beauty and personality…. Seeing your “flaws” can sure eat one alive…. Im so happy that you’re talking about this. Love ya Dr Shereene!!!
Watching your video from Bhutan, got so excited you visited my country! Thank you for this wholesome video. I am on my journey to treating melesma too. Got them in my 30s. It has been hard.
I love your videos, so informative and factual. I couldn’t agree more about all of us needing a little vanity. This topic needs more attention, and is often the root cause of finding the perfect foundation or highlight, to mask your skin conditions. An even skin tone is what dreams are made of!
I had total melasma during 2 pregnancies and still some left on sides of face years later😮just bought your serum hope it helps! The Versed skin toner has really helped!!! Yellow top! I see women with age spots and melasma constantly from sun damage, hormones, stress, its a problem that clearly needs solutions!!! 20 years ago there was no help or products for this, glad too see the wealth of info now! Thank you
My night time routine for melasma are Double cleansing Toner from Commonlabs Whitening essence from Nacific Tranexamic acid serum from cos de baha Tone brightening ampoule from skin1004 Azelaic acid gel(15%) Moisturiser from Commonlabs Tretinoin gel type ( right now im on 0.1%) Moisturiser again In the morning i use Vitamin C serum 20% from T'iam a Korean brand and most importantly sunscreen from Beauty of Joseon..
Thank you for this information. I have both an auto-immune disorder and a lot of stress. I try to avoid HEAT in general because even with all the sun protection (hats, SPF), the heat is very triggering, especially to my upper lip.
How can one not be vain in a world that judges by appearance above everything else?!? It starts already in childhood with bullying anyone who looks even slightly different from the average. Kids can be so cruel, I have a few classmates whose life was ruined by bullying 😢
I don't have melasma like a mask but I got a few huge dark spots after pregnancy. Thank God I discovered I should apply sunscreen daily, as I was strolling in the sun with my baby without using it. The spots got bigger and darker. Ever since I started applying and reapplying sunscreen on my face, the intensity decreased. Now I got myself on niacinamide. I will work to introduce vitamin C and retinol. Pregnancy aged me by a decade. I can't recognize myself anymore. Dr. Idriss you are so right about the psychological issues! It got me depressed, but now as I'm slowly moving on to take care of myself and my appearance, I feel much better. Skincare is uplifting! Thank you so much Dr. Idriss! Your videos helped me enormously! I need to feel better about myself!
I was so touched when you said about avoiding taking photos😢fir me it appeared 3 years ago, I am struggling ever since, now I am trying a vitamin c,”+ tranexamic + niacinamide + azelaic+ cojic+ loads of sunscreen - i have tried oral tranexamic but comes back when I stop it ( plus my periods were so very disturbed) i ve read everything about it! next step to try tranexamic injections, i am so tired and fed up! Congrats for your channel, you ve helped me hope I ll find the right combination at some point, i won’t stop till I make it💪💪💪
I think that Facial Seborrheic dermatitis looks very similar to Melasma, in that it usually affects fair-skinned people like myself. It looks kind of brown or dark beige in color against a light skin background! (I don't have it right now, but I have been treated in the past for this).
Thank you for the video! You really do make me feel less alone, and less harder on myself for feeling unattractive when I have a flair up :/ I currently have a sun-stache and I’m trying to figure out the topicals :( I would love a how-to video! Sending much love to you and your family ❤️ P.S. I would love Love LOVE a video specifically about actual reef safe sunscreens. I know you’ve done a deep dive into sunscreens before, but a video on products for all skin types that are truly reef safe!
Thanks for sharing your experience! ❤️ Yeah, my physician is sweet but when he told me to just cover it with make up I was disappointed. He did though help me after I told him my worries.😔 What if I didn’t have the courage? Can we have your melasma skin care routine please please🙏🙏
Ah thank you! I made it through the first 8.5 months of my pregnancy with no melasma and thought I got lucky because I had every other pregnancy symptom you can think of! BUT it came out strong the last few weeks and I’m still dealing with it almost a year later. I use vitamin c to help it but I’ve been breast feeding so it’s hard to know what is actually safe during that time. It really does take a toll on how you see yourself. I feel like it aged me by 5-10 years. I’d love a “how to treat melasma while breast feeding” video! 🤍
Hi! During pregnancy & while breastfeeding the following products, which help with hyperpigmentation & melasma are said to be safe - azelaic acid, bakuchiol & niacinamide. Hope this helps!
Thank you for this and for all the people who have shared their tips. I am 47 and have struggled with melasma for 10 years. I was hoping menopause might help (maybe a change in hormones would help?) but from some comments here that’s doubtful. I have used Musely high dose hydroquinone with good results. It’s 12 percent compounded. Which is a lot. I use it twice a day until it fades then stop and take a HQ vacation. Then when I’m off HQ I use azeleic acid daily. I wear sunscreen but only physical- chemical sunscreens irritate me which when make my melasma worse. So does heat- which is tough because I always where a hat- Which makes me hot. I use a vitamin C serum. And I do occasionally do a glycolic peel at home. Maybe once or twice a week for a couple weeks and then I just go back to my azeleic acid and moisturizer. I have a little rosacea too and have a hard time with tretinoin. I try it but it does irritate me and then I worry the irritation worsens my melasma. I have tried it all. It truly is such a battle. I hate it. Thanks for making me feel less alone and for validating my vanity. One question- what are your thoughts on high does HQ and can it cause rebound. It does seem to work well for me. 4% does nothing.
My Melasma was triggered by a SPF 50 sunscreen. Instantly and overnight. And it is depressing. Now I am terrified of anything cosmetic. Anything chemically. Anything in a bottle. I just prefer olive / almond / coconut oil and water and just home made scrubs. I don't know if and when it will go but I am too depressed and hopeless to try anything like any chemical. I feel convinced all these serums will make me waste money for a hopeless chase. It's stress and trying to get rid of it is also stressful. I deep down hope..that just like it suddenly crept up on me ...it will quietly slither away. But I now understand the hurt of all those with melasma.
The best thing you will ever do is going to a doctor he will give you some samples and see if you are sensitive to an ingredient in sunscreen so you can avoid it and he will give you the perfect routine you deserve a clear skin.
Love your videos! Have seen most of them, but I would REALLY like to learn the "ten-steps" that you mention - what to use, what products, how to use them, in what order etc. I am struggling with melasma. Especially in the summer I tend to get a melasma-mustache :( I know the underlying reason for it (birth control and medicine) but what do you do if you can't quit either of them? Is it a waste to buy products to treat the melasma if you can't quit the reason for it? Thank you so much for your videos. It truly has opened my eyes regarding skin care. I love that you recommend products that are affordable!
Thank you so much for your advice, I suffered from melasma for few years and I’m still trying to get it under control, is been a long depression journey for me ☹️
I’ve been using hydroquinone and retinol. When I first used hydroquinone I saw a great improvement. Struggling with the framing melasma coloring. I was going to look into Microneedling with TA. I am not currently using hydroquinone but combo of c e ferlic, lytera 2.0 and retinol. And sunscreen. Hoping to see some more results
I have had melasma since I was a kid (I'm now in my late 30s). I used to think it was a birthmark until my mom told me that I wasn't actually born with it. I've learned to live with it, but have noticed that it's gotten worse since having my kids. Thanks for talking about it. It does really affect me from time to time, especially when I am feeling down about something already. When I was younger, I felt like a complete outcast because of it and really wished it could just disappear. It also didn't help when people would make very open comments about it: "what's that on your face? is your face dirty? is that a birthmark?" Just wanted to come here and say THANK YOU for talking about this form a different lens. And thanks for your honesty on laser treatments wrt melasma.
This video brought me to tears. I’ve had melasma since my 20s. I am now in my 50s. From having a horrible melasma moustache to being chastised by a makeup artist on my wedding day (because she couldn’t work with my skin), society has always taught me I should be ashamed and embarrassed by how I look. I wished I had met a kind, sympathetic doctor like yourself who would have explained what is happening. If more doctors were like you I would’ve sought help much sooner instead of hiding myself away. Thank you for shedding light on this 🙏
When you wrote about being chastised by a makeup artist, it reminded me of multiple experiences I've had: For my senior pics (way before melasma of course) the makeup artist who worked for the photographer told me I had very blotchy skin with dark spots I had (which were old acne marks on my tan olive skin). It caught me off guard because I had never had someone point out my flaws in such a forward way and I got an odd sense that she enjoyed telling me this, like a sort of satisfaction. Another time, when I had melasma all over my forehead and didn't have my daily makeup on yet, my mom, who I was visiting and who never knocks, gasped in shock and asked what was all over my forehead. I told her I have melasma and explained what it was and she honestly couldn't even pronounce. Her unkind reaction really shook me and hurt my feelings and also engrained in me to never let anyone see me without at least a bit of makeup on.
People can be so cruel, even when its your own mom...
What kind of horrible person chastises a bride? I was shocked to read this. You should have kicked her out of the room immediately. You must be a very nice kind person. How dare she? To treat a young woman like that. I’m sorry there wasn’t an older woman around to put her in her place
A a teenager I had lots of acne and was never taken to a derm. As an adult, I got mild rosacea after pregnancies. Now I'm a constant face picker, I refuse to see any blemish on my skin. If I just feel my skin without looking, have super smooth skin. However, I have redness and a few scars from my picking. I wish I hadn't spent all my young adult life not wanting to take pictures and becoming an introvert because of my facial appearance. I refuse to let my daughters and grand daughters do the same. I buy them sunscreen at least if they don't have it!
I have a melasma mustache. Have you used anything that works?
I agree that so many dermatologists don’t talk about the emotional burden of dealing w something like melasma, it really is difficult! And it’s especially hard when u have ppl asking “what’s that on your face?”😞 thank you for this video Dr Shereene!
Omg yessss! I have had people ask me that! Like seriously?? Who would ask someone a question like that? I would NEVER ask someone “hey what’s wrong with your face?” Some people have no freaking common sense, common courtesy, people skills, or tact. 😡
I would just say “melasma “
@@EnvyBlu Boy, you sure have to sport a perfect-looking face, don't you? Only kids have that!
You hit the nail on the head with the correlation between not caring about your vanity and having some level of depression (at least for myself). I live with Bipolar II disorder, and while I'm fortunate to have found a combination of medication and therapy that has worked for me long term, I still experience depressive episodes where I won't care in the slightest about how I look and I don't take care of myself like I know I should be doing. I've learned to laugh at myself when I look back because of how crazy my hair and facial hair can look sometimes haha. It's been a journey of being aware of that while in an episode and knowing that whatever I feel is not reality and I still need to take care of myself. Thank you for talking about this!
You are totally right, my partner has a bipolar and in his low days can really see his without any sense of self-care. Thank God it is temporal.
I'm trying to confront the psychological aspect of hair thinning. But I also have malasma from pregnancy and would appreciate a video on working regular topicals into a weekly/biweekly skincare routine.
As a man we don't know a lot about skin care. I honestly started following you because I thought you were really beautiful. However, as I started listening to you, I really learned so much and has started to take better care of my skin. Thank You.
I don’t know how I missed watching this video before, but I’m happy I did because it confirmed to me that I’m not crazy🥲 Thank you so much for this video. I too had IVF and since that rollercoaster experience I’ve been living with malasma and hyperpigmentation. Since 2014, I’ve done multiple chemical peeling procedures, multiple laser treatments, multiple needling treatments and all were under the direction of doctors who kept on telling me that I’m not doing enough! After 5-6 years of trying everything, my skin thinned out, I had breakouts, I developed patches and every time I washed my face with water I would cry. Since then, I looked at my beautiful twins and decided that my skin will be loved because they were worth the whole experience and I need to focus on beautiful result of IVF not the negative….Until I found your channel…. I’m starting to take your tips and I’m learning more about how to deal with it thanks to you 🙏🏼
Thank you for talking about your melasma journey. It takes courage to do so. As you said, its something you need to manage. I'm 57 years old and I've been trying to manage my melasma for the last 2 years. I think it was triggered with perimenopause and a sun vacation in the Grenadines. Lately, I've seen my melasma flare ups as a sign that something in my life has impacted me...whether it is stress from work or family or getting too much sun.
I’m still in my 20s and have had melasma patches since I was in middle school it feels like. It makes me so upset and it genuinely makes me want to cry because I am SO diligent with staying out of the sun but I have more dark spots and ruddy skin then anyone my age (even more then my younger sisters who live in cali and surf!) I have gone to derms to ask about lasers and they told me I shouldn’t expect any major results and it’s truly so disheartening to feel like there’s nothing I can do and I can’t help but be upset whenever I look in the mirror. The pigmentation also comes through all makeup I’ve tried and it’s truly been such a heartbreaking struggle so just really thank you for this video. It really resonates
Same here! I developed it after intense peeling. I protected myself so well!
Have you been officially diagnosed with melasma by a board certified dermatologist? Melasma has a hormonal component and often associated with peak child bearing years. To see this during middle school seems really young!
Oral Tranexamic Acid and Heliocare supplement have been a game changer for me in combination with topical Hydroquinone-Tretinoin, Azelaic Acid and strict sun protection.
Thank you for opening up about the psychological aspect of dermatological cases. Thank you for reminding us that a little vanity is healthy. It is often looked down and thought to be excessive to seek proper medical/cosmeceutical care from a dermatologist. But you're right, our skin is an organ and like the way we care for our other anatomical parts, it is only right to care for our skin as it is the very first thing we present to the world and how we want to present ourselves not only affects us physically but goes into the psyche as well.
I really needed this today. I have gotten out of using my skincare because I decided that I didn’t care. You are so right, when I stop and really look at myself, I have been depressed…probably because it is another Mother’s Day without my heart, my best friend, my Mom. Tonight it is back to it! Back to bitchy melasma! Love to all of the skin nerds ♥️
Thank you for this conversation! I am in tears thinking about my struggles with not melasma but cystic acne from my 20s to early 50s. Thank you for saying that it's okay and good to care about ourselves and take care of ourselves both physically and emotionally. More people need to hear this. Thank you for sharing your human experience ❤️
Oh gosh, did you ever get to the root of it? Am currently struggling and have been for about 6 years
Years ago I developed a dairy allergy that was causing “other issues”. I had been also dealing with cystic acne and when I COMPLETELY cut the dairy out of my diet, for the other issues, my cystic acne went away too! So many problems cleared up. You cannot cheat and have just a little bit of cheese, milk, butter, yogurt, ice cream etc… there are great dairy free substitutions now!! Read labels for , milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, coffee creamer(unless it is almond milk or coconut based), lactose, casein, whey, sodium caseinate. It seems like a lot but if you give it all you have for 2 months at least, I bet you will see changes! Be dedicated. Think: is dairy worth my struggles?
It's Saturday and here I'm taking my weekly dose of skincare knowledge ❣️
I remember a reacting video of Dr. Idriss from a beauty practitioner. she thought Shereene was paranoid about hyperpigmentation when the night time routine included hydroquinone, tranexamic acid and glycolic acid. I was like: yo if you have ever had melasma, you will keep your mouth shut. melasma is such a pain in the ass and seriously, sometimes it makes us feel so hopeless. this is my opinion when I'm treating hyperpigmentation from sun burn, acne breakout and trying to keep my underlying melasma in control before it shows up on my face. THE STRUGGLE IS REAL, EVERYBODY.
Yes! Melasma is hyperpigmentation at another level! Sometimes my family thinks obsessed with avoiding the sun but it’s not an obsession. It’s a routine and necessary to get my skin tone at baseline… if you had melasma, you would know…
I appreciate this message. Luckily my childhood dermatologist had a similar perceptive and talked about the link between poorly controlled acne and mental health issues including shyness and bullying. I still remember the positive impact that had on me to hear a physician share his understood my suffering.
Omg you are the first person that explains Melasma right on point!!!!
Thank you so much for talking about the psychological aspect of chronic skin conditions. As a clinical psychologist, I totally agree that a little vanity is a healthy thing-it means we are taking pride in how we present ourselves to the world. You really hit the nail on the head when you talk about the depressive aspects, and i know I keep on eye on how my patients present themselves in session as its truly an indicator of their mood. Keep up the good work!
Thank you for giving a different perspective on caring about one’s self not being shallow attribute. Melasma has been a stubborn B! Happy Saturday and Mother’s Day ❤️
Thank you for speaking on this so helpful… Since watching you I started doing Paula’s choice 3 step with retinol, aha and Azelaic acid plus glycolic acid and lactic acid alternating nights with applying B5 citoplast and then of course vitamin C with sunscreen in the a.m., for about 4 months. I have seen a tremendous difference in my melasma almost to the point of being gone I have suffered from it since my early 20’s and always was super upset cause makeup never covered it and people would always ask or comment on my makeup looking weird. For the first time in 20 years I can go out with no makeup and not have people staring at my forehead and thinking I don’t know how to blend my bronzer correctly 🙄.
Great story, and testimonial, thank you for sharing! I'm really happy for you. 😊
Erin Purcell would you please share what products do you use??
@@ritasharqawi7367 I use Paula’s choice retinol, azelaic acid and the liquid aha/bha Sephora has it in a 3 step pack for vitamin C I was using drunk elephant but now I am using No7 15%, glycolic is L’Oréal in the blue bottle, Lactic acid is from the ordinary and the la roche posay cicaplast B5 and for sunscreen it’s super goop …. All the items I use she has spoken about on her channel. I hope that helps
@@erinpurcell thank you so much so much appreciated
@@erinpurcell Do you use the products every night? And do you use the ones from Paulas at the same night? :)
Thank you for do this video talking about of the psychologycal point of view. I'm suffering melasma since 2019, and it really struggles me. I've tried every single thing over the counter until three months ago that I finally went to a dermatologist. Hidroquinone was a game changer for me, in only six weeks my melasma improved dramatically, and I feel so much happier than I used to! I look better now than five years ago, I totally agree about to even out the skin tone.
Dear Shereene, I love your videos! Thanks for your work. Could you share what a melasma routine would look like? ...with all the "10 steps"? ☺ which products to combine, order of layering etc.
Yes please do!!!!
I need to hear more about how to fight this Shereen. Its been a 30 year battle for me....and my board certified dermatologists seem to want to treat with laser, but no skin care follow up. Your videos have been eye opening. I desperately need the "even skin tone" holy grail. I've been watching for 8 months now. Love your honesty and am so thankful you take time out of your busy world of being a doctor, specialist, mother, wife, daughter etc to help the rest of us. Thank you.
As someone with melasma, I’ve been waiting for this video! Thank you!
I’m delighted that you were able to unburden yourself Doctor. I hope you feel better. We are always here to listen to you. Please feel free. The best part is we don’t even charge you.
Thank you for posting this. I’m 61 and had severe melasma over 40 years. It has affected my life incredibly. It has affected my personality. I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t but it will never go away completely.
I just love you. Your honestly is so refreshing. I felt every word you said about melasma being a bitch and it impacting your self esteem so tragically when you had your baby. I can totally relate. It really can be life changing for a lot of people. Thank you for putting a spotlight on the mental health impact of chronic skin conditions. I’d love to hear how you treat your skin and maintain results all year round x
I appreciate you taking the time to talk about melasma! I have it myself and it’s been quite hard to know how to treat it without spending on uncovered dermatologist appointments. Unfortunately, the insurance companies don’t consider things like melasma and hyperhidrosis to be medical conditions. That’s another whole issue I wish we could change, but thank you for sharing and I’d definitely love another video on the 10 steps to treat melasma! Thank you, thank you! 🤍🤍🤍
Im really thankful and im really appreciating you for giving an emotional support through your words.
I honestly felt your words, I grew up as a fair skinned person in Africa and honestly thought sunscreen was just for the beach - my mom taught me to tan using sunflower oil to get the 'best' results. 10 years later I live in Europe and after two pregnancies the discolouration from all those years of sun damage and hormonal changes just took it from bad to worse. I am so glad we have been educated in healthy skincare and everyone can help themselves and have more access to protection. I wear sunscreen even indoors but honestly miss out on days out and family activities because my dark patches become worse so quickly and i feel so self conscious. I hope we can all have happy summer days in the future. I hope your products will have international shipping soon!
Amazing testimony ! It gives more credit to your speach about melasma now that I know you have been through such a tough times dealing with it.
Would love to see a video on tackling melasma with topicals! Thank you so much for all you do 🌻
Hello 👋 Dr. Shereene Idris ☺️
It's great that you're discussing the emotional impact that a skin issue such as melasma can have on our psyches but I would personally like to see a video as to what over the counter products in conjunction with hydroquinone can be used to treat melasma as well as what order we should be applying said products while also keeping in mind that some us are on a budget.
Please make a video on how to treat it!!!!! I started dealing with melasma about 2 years ago. I have been seeing a dermatologist and staying out of the sun more than it is probably "possible " in south Florida. I have watched all your videos and have followed all your recommendations for almost a year now. Thank you for doing this!!
Thanks to you I am treating my melasma with a hydroquinone cream. How many months I've been hiding those spots with make up... God bless you! Thank you for informing us on these topics. 💖
Please share your product & treatment recommendations! I’ve been on my journey ever since I had my son 8 years ago and was blindsided by this condition. I’ve seen derms and estheticians and tried OTC and prescription products. I’ve yet to find a cocktail that works for me but I keep searching. Would love to know your routine and recommendations. Thank you for covering this side of the story as well. Mental health needs to be a part of the conversation. Love you and your channel!
I'm in the small % of men who have melasma (although I think this is partly due to under-reporting). It's mild to moderate and only on my cheeks and temples. The only thing that has had a dramatic impact so far is hydroquinone, although 20% azelaic and 3% tranexamic have helped a little too. At the moment, I'm taking a risk with an 8 week course of a gentle non-ablative fractional laser for use at home (the Tria smoothing/age defying laser). It's too early to tell, but there are some possible signs that it is bringing the pigment to the surface and starting to break up the pigment. I say *possible* because my skin is red from the laser - it's hard to distinguish the redness from the pigment in most areas and I'm only 3 weeks into my treatment.
Yes, please do another segment to discuss products and/or a regimen. I suffer from melasma and it does at times, cause me distress because that is my number one skin issue. Ives tried a peel which didn’t really make a difference and also left little mole like bumps on my face.
Thank you for spotlighting this. I’m 51 and melasma became an issue for me in the hormonal mess that is perimenopause. I work with my derm to keep it under control but it’s definitely not easy. I flare up more on my right side as well. Trying to figure out how I can style one of those visors 😎
This is a great video! The only thing that wasn’t mentioned that I think is super important pertaining to melasma is how your gut effects your skin. Your skin is a direct reflection of your gut and when that’s out of wack and you have syndromes such as leaky gut it can contribute to worsening melasma or acne etc. Eating clean and taking care of your gut health is the only way I know of to help melasma or skin conditions
After 10 years of having a massive melasma I just wanted to say that my way of managing it is ignoring it✌️
I would love a video about treating melasma because it's honestly a bit overwhelming trying to incorporate so many products into a routine. Do I use Vitamin C first and acids after? Do I use acids first? Does it matter? Can I also use retinol? What about red and near infrared light therapy? Will it help melasma or make it worse? What in-office treatments have good results and which ones can make it worse?
I've had acne for the last 20 years of my life. I'm finally clear after taking accutane but now have to battle melasma, which is kind of a bummer.
I have the exact same questions! 🙏🏽
Thank you Shereene for being so real in this video and sharing so much with us in order to help us not just with our skin but the mental aspects of our skin as well
I love your discussing the number of steps involved in treating melasma. I am having great success but laugh at myself for the number of steps each day/night. I began tretinoin two years ago, starting very gradually and increasing to 0.1 mg 4 to 5 nights a week. initially that was paired with niacinamide, but now it's payed with 15% alezaic acid. that switch made such a positive difference that I added prescription azelaic acid 15% each morning and on my non tret nights. that made a big change that prompted me to add topical OTC tranexemic acid and after watching your video on hydroquinone--i decided to do a two month trial of prescription 4% hydroquinone cream in addition to everything else. that's when I started laughing at the layers---but also have seen major improvements on my hands and face. my trigger is sun exposure, and on my cheeks are clear finger marks from a particular ski trip when I accidentally wiped off my sunblock at high altitude while skiing on be a bright sunny day and didn't reapply it. it's clear with my hands that my right hand where I remove my right glove to adjust my boot or mask is markedly worse than my left hand. I also tried laser on my hands once and decided that was not my preference. I have been experimenting with some OTC mixes of safe lightening ingredients, but for now and ok with 7 to 10 products to be so happy with my skin.
TY for sharing your own emotional journey. My melasma blew up during the pandemic. I was working 16-18 hr days at home in front of 2-3 screens. I thought it was the blue light. Now i know its stress. Saw myself in thr mirror and gosh, did i age. I Never wanted to look in thr mirror again. It took a lot of patience & time to build up my tolerance to acids etc. Adding 6% prescription hydroquinone finally made the difference especially when used with glycolic acid first then hydroquinone. On alternating nights, i use hydroquinone + retinol. I use hydroquinone for 2 months & stop for 2 months. While off hydroquinone, at night I found combining Paula’s Choice Azelaic Acid with Skinceutical retinol to be very helpful for maintenance. I still use glycolic acid on alternating nights. Daytime: skinceutical phloretin CF & discoloration defense & sunscreen. Yes, all from Dr. Idriss’s recommendations!! I just finished my 2nd round of hydroquinone and its been 1.5-2 yr since i started addressing it. My skin tone is the best its ever been. There’s hope & be patient. Sending love & hope to all who’s touched by melasma/ other skin conditions.
Thank you so much for sharing this💗 I have been battling with psychological distress in my own skin journey. Not feeling alone is HUGE encouragement and comfort, especially from someone so well-versed in skin care. So thank you😊
How thoughtful of you to say that you didn’t want to sit in
Your chair because you didn’t want to feel as if you were giving us a lecture ♥️
Melasma hit me post-partum all the sudden a road map in your face, sagging skin along with pregnancy and postpartum depression is just the icing on the cake. Thanks for this info.
I've never had children. I have melasma due to PCOS and now going through menopause. My mental health is fine most of the time, during hormonal flair ups, I can cry, laugh, rage and be euphoric all in 5 minutes. This video came at the right time. Thank you for this, I'm not giving up. But sometimes I just want to hide away from the world. I have large tan patches across my forehead and cheeks along with rosacea. I live in an area where a dermatology appointment takes about 6 months to get, so I started Agency's hydroquinone and tretinoin formulas while I wait till August for my appointment. Your hard work and honesty are greatly appreciated. Many blessings💖💖💖
I don’t have melasma but I had very bad acne that left me with severe pit scars. I’m 56 years old and I’m still struggling with that. Growing up at Greece there wasn’t any treatment to deal with my scars. It infected me so much that I didn’t let anyone to take any picture of me. Not to want to see your face because of melasma or scars or whatever definitely effect your emotional health!
Thank you for sharing this!😍😊
I did like six sessions of RF micro needling and my scars are almost gone. There are still a little, but in comparison with what I had, I have nothing now. I would recommend you that! I also tried Co2 laser and peelings, but none of those worked so well as the RF micro needling procedures
I watched the video even tho I don't have melasma b/c I ALWAYS learn something from your posts. HURRAY! I've never seen a UV visor until just now. WOW! As the resident neighborhood freak, I want to incorporate this device into my arsenal ASAP. YAY! Also loved your discussion on the psychological benefits of taking good care of yourself. Love, love, loved it!
I use a visor just like the one she showed. I certainly get looks/stares when walking my dog in the neighborhood lol. It was certainly an adjustment from wearing baseball hats, to wide brim hats, to half visors to now full face visors. It definitely helps.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I remember my mom having melasma pretty severe when I was younger. I remember her talking about wanting to wear makeup but her melasma was not able to be camaflouged😞she always felt less feminine becuse she could get “made up” because it didn’t even look good to her, thankfully her melasma has improved tremendously since she hit menopause and is actually not very visible. I suffered from ppd and stopped caring about my appearance and there is definitely a correlation with your self care decline a depression, at least true for me.
Finally someone talks about the need to take care of yourself and thats its ok not to like your acne not to like your melasma, now a days if you dont like that you dont live yourself and that’s ridiculous! Way to go, this is why i love your videos!
I had thyroid issues, alopecia, my dr. Treated me for hypothyroid. Eventually my system rebooted and had to stop taking the thyroid meds but my periods were so put of control with short cycles brain fog all this read in perimenopause that at 36 years oldy dr. Put me on birth control to stop my periods. Now i have melasma breakthrough bleeding and another appointment with a different gynecologist to try and figure this stuff out.
Honestly during my alopecia time i seen a dermatologist for 15 minutes and basically traveled 3 hours distamce for that appointment left with nothing because my Dr. Treated me long before the dermatologists got me in for an appointment, and my hair was growing back. I have been wanting to learn about melasma why i jave it and how to work with turning it back making it go away.
Your video is the first help in a 3 year journey I have found. Thank you. I am interested in sourcing a skin ingredients and daily routine.
Your teaching is a gift. Thank you!
This spoke to my heart. Most doctors act like it's not a big deal but it can make you feel really ugly and aged. Thank God for makeup! I got melasma after my first baby. Thankfully I no longer get the mustache b/c that was the most defeating, but my cheeks are very patchy. I use a good coverage concealer but have been lazy about skincare routine and almost 50. (starting the program you mentioned in 50+ skincare video). Most ppl think I look 10 yrs younger than I am and have good skin but the rashy patches gets depressing sometimes. I started using transexamic acid this year but am going to be religious about your anti-aging protocol products / routine and see what happens!
Thank you so much for making my skin better, I learned a lot from you. This video made me feel better about myself, and to not feel bad on my actions in taking care of my skin, because as you said it is good to do something that will make you better and feel better. You are my inspiration and happy mothers day to you! ❤
In Australia 🇦🇺 Azelaic Acid 20% is available over the counter , with 🇺🇸 made Differin over the counter and removed Hydroquinone from over the counter . Just a thought .
I love doctor Shereene videos cos' they are so funny, entertaining, informative and super important!
Thanks so much. Yes, I like to learn more about what products and perhaps a night time routine for melasma. With hydroquinone and without. Thanks. you're awesome!!
Thanks for sharing your story. I dont think is vanity, is loving yourself. Which is very important.
Love your videos.
Laser and peels actually made my melasma worse. It’s taken years to fade mine, azelaic acid, Differin, sunscreen sunscreen, sunscreen. Flares up every summer when I mountain bike. Oral tranexamic acid is the best, but it’s a blood thickener so I don’t want to take it now that I’m over 50
Thank you so so so much for being that honest and sincere, I'm touched by this video, you made ma calmer, melasma is really a bitch
Really hope that everyone would be able to get rid of it ❤
Thank you for permission to love myself enough to create and continue a skin care regimen, to back away from stress and spend the time it takes to do that. ❤❤😇😇
Besides just melasma, I have the blessings of ultra oily skin, adult acne, and reactive and sensitive skin. Oh and I'm 43 now and I'm really seeing signs of aging. My hair also sheds to the extreme. Not sure what to do. I have tried so many things, and the derms in my HMO really don't care and I feel like I know more about products and hormones than they do. My Primary Care Dr. told me there is no solution for hair shedding that usually work, so just learn to live with it and and be happy. I have hypothyroidism, and I take meds and am within the correct lab ranges.
I feel like I am on my own and it is up to me and my research studying expert derms on youtube.
I feel like anything that clears my acne and keeps me clear also leads to more melasma because my skin is exfoliated and and more sensitive to the sun.
I have never had a doctor like you. I live in Hawaii, so about as far from you as can be in America. LOL
But I will keep persevering, because I have that little bit of vanity you talked about. ;-)
I also thank God that I am alive and these aren't deadly conditions but sometimes I have to work at remembering that because it gets hard when tons of hair comes out each time I shower and my melasma keeps spreading and I still get cysts.
I’m so glad you mentioned melasma treatments can be a 10 step regimen to clear. Because I have/had melasma quite badly on my cheeks, and my skincare routine consists of several different acids, hydroquinone, tretinoin etc. People who have used my bathroom have commented on me having so many products sitting on my counter. It kinda makes me feel like I am being vain! I don’t know how many times someone has come out of my bathroom and sarcastically said “think you have enough face products on your counter?” 😡 Then I have to explain my melasma problem. I don’t feel like I’m going overboard with my treatments now that you’ve mentioned it
This is my favourite video from you. Emotional and relatable !
Best video of 2022! Love you so so much, please do a video on those 10 steps :) Thank you for your transparency and vulnerability XOX
I started noticing dark spots (melasma) about a year and half ago. At first I thought it was because of the mask but I don't know if masks can cause melasma. I also started using Trentinoin and my face was red a lot, I just thought it was because of the mask. A few months ago I saw a dermatologist and she prescribed a cream that has hydroquinone, trentinoin, kojiacid, niacinamide, and fluocimolone. After three months of using it over face lotion at night it made my spots even more noticeable 🥺😩. They were not even that noticeable before I should just have lived with it and now they look terrible. I had decided to stop wearing face masks but now that my melasma is worse I will keep wearing it. This experience made me realize how extremely sensitive my skin is. Most things irritate it and I need to stick to basic skin care. I have an appointment with my dermatologist later this month so hopefully she can help me 😢.
I’m so sorry to hear that! I hope it got better for you, but I also know It can take a while for the dark spots for improve. I’d love to hear an update if you feel like sharing.
Yes yes!!!
Please!!
I’d appreciate more knowledge about it.
Maybe what your routine looks like.
Maybe pictures of how it looks like and where it appears…
It’s always nice to hear your take.
Goodness, have I known so many men and women that feel so useless because how they look like… makes me sad. I see their beauty and personality….
Seeing your “flaws” can sure eat one alive….
Im so happy that you’re talking about this.
Love ya Dr Shereene!!!
Watching your video from Bhutan, got so excited you visited my country! Thank you for this wholesome video. I am on my journey to treating melesma too. Got them in my 30s. It has been hard.
As always, thank you so much for your content! If only we had access to dermatologists when I was younger - didn't even know they existed...
Your wisdom is far and beyond skincare .. what a deeply chat .. Im sooo touched by your words.Thanks
I love your videos, so informative and factual. I couldn’t agree more about all of us needing a little vanity. This topic needs more attention, and is often the root cause of finding the perfect foundation or highlight, to mask your skin conditions. An even skin tone is what dreams are made of!
I had total melasma during 2 pregnancies and still some left on sides of face years later😮just bought your serum hope it helps! The Versed skin toner has really helped!!! Yellow top! I see women with age spots and melasma constantly from sun damage, hormones, stress, its a problem that clearly needs solutions!!! 20 years ago there was no help or products for this, glad too see the wealth of info now! Thank you
Thanks so much for this video. It made me feel very emotional and I appreciate your caring and honest approach 💛
My night time routine for melasma are
Double cleansing
Toner from Commonlabs
Whitening essence from Nacific
Tranexamic acid serum from cos de baha
Tone brightening ampoule from skin1004
Azelaic acid gel(15%)
Moisturiser from Commonlabs
Tretinoin gel type ( right now im on 0.1%)
Moisturiser again
In the morning i use Vitamin C serum 20% from T'iam a Korean brand and most importantly sunscreen from Beauty of Joseon..
Thank you for this information. I have both an auto-immune disorder and a lot of stress. I try to avoid HEAT in general because even with all the sun protection (hats, SPF), the heat is very triggering, especially to my upper lip.
How can one not be vain in a world that judges by appearance above everything else?!? It starts already in childhood with bullying anyone who looks even slightly different from the average. Kids can be so cruel, I have a few classmates whose life was ruined by bullying 😢
yes, please, make a video on how to treat it!! this video was very helpful, thank you for sharing!!
I don't have melasma like a mask but I got a few huge dark spots after pregnancy. Thank God I discovered I should apply sunscreen daily, as I was strolling in the sun with my baby without using it. The spots got bigger and darker. Ever since I started applying and reapplying sunscreen on my face, the intensity decreased. Now I got myself on niacinamide. I will work to introduce vitamin C and retinol. Pregnancy aged me by a decade. I can't recognize myself anymore. Dr. Idriss you are so right about the psychological issues! It got me depressed, but now as I'm slowly moving on to take care of myself and my appearance, I feel much better. Skincare is uplifting! Thank you so much Dr. Idriss! Your videos helped me enormously! I need to feel better about myself!
Will Lasers help you reduce this hyperpigmentation?
I’m deep in melasma right now, 6 months postpartum and I look like a different person now after pregnancy and the horrible marks it’s left on my face.
I was so touched when you said about avoiding taking photos😢fir me it appeared 3 years ago, I am struggling ever since, now I am trying a vitamin c,”+ tranexamic + niacinamide + azelaic+ cojic+ loads of sunscreen - i have tried oral tranexamic but comes back when I stop it ( plus my periods were so very disturbed) i ve read everything about it! next step to try tranexamic injections, i am so tired and fed up!
Congrats for your channel, you ve helped me hope I ll find the right combination at some point, i won’t stop till I make it💪💪💪
I think that Facial Seborrheic dermatitis looks very similar to Melasma, in that it usually affects fair-skinned people like myself. It looks kind of brown or dark beige in color against a light skin background! (I don't have it right now, but I have been treated in the past for this).
Thank you for the video! You really do make me feel less alone, and less harder on myself for feeling unattractive when I have a flair up :/ I currently have a sun-stache and I’m trying to figure out the topicals :( I would love a how-to video! Sending much love to you and your family ❤️
P.S. I would love Love LOVE a video specifically about actual reef safe sunscreens. I know you’ve done a deep dive into sunscreens before, but a video on products for all skin types that are truly reef safe!
OMG, You are the best Doctor in this planet.Love your videos
Thanks for sharing your experience! ❤️
Yeah, my physician is sweet but when he told me to just cover it with make up I was disappointed. He did though help me after I told him my worries.😔 What if I didn’t have the courage?
Can we have your melasma skin care routine please please🙏🙏
Ah thank you! I made it through the first 8.5 months of my pregnancy with no melasma and thought I got lucky because I had every other pregnancy symptom you can think of! BUT it came out strong the last few weeks and I’m still dealing with it almost a year later. I use vitamin c to help it but I’ve been breast feeding so it’s hard to know what is actually safe during that time. It really does take a toll on how you see yourself. I feel like it aged me by 5-10 years. I’d love a “how to treat melasma while breast feeding” video! 🤍
Hi! During pregnancy & while breastfeeding the following products, which help with hyperpigmentation & melasma are said to be safe - azelaic acid, bakuchiol & niacinamide. Hope this helps!
Thank you for this and for all the people who have shared their tips. I am 47 and have struggled with melasma for 10 years. I was hoping menopause might help (maybe a change in hormones would help?) but from some comments here that’s doubtful. I have used Musely high dose hydroquinone with good results. It’s 12 percent compounded. Which is a lot. I use it twice a day until it fades then stop and take a HQ vacation. Then when I’m off HQ I use azeleic acid daily. I wear sunscreen but only physical- chemical sunscreens irritate me which when make my melasma worse. So does heat- which is tough because I always where a hat-
Which makes me hot. I use a vitamin C serum. And I do occasionally do a glycolic peel at home. Maybe once or twice a week for a couple weeks and then I just go back to my azeleic acid and moisturizer. I have a little rosacea too and have a hard time with tretinoin. I try it but it does irritate me and then I worry the irritation worsens my melasma. I have tried it all. It truly is such a battle. I hate it. Thanks for making me feel less alone and for validating my vanity. One question- what are your thoughts on high does HQ and can it cause rebound. It does seem to work well for me. 4% does nothing.
Happy Mother's Day to you too! I love you for introducing us to visors ❤
You are speaking to my heart, not with melisma I have HS. So often the psychological effects of dermatological conditions are overlooked! Thank you
So real. So genuine. So appreciated. Happy mothers Day.
My Melasma was triggered by a SPF 50 sunscreen. Instantly and overnight. And it is depressing. Now I am terrified of anything cosmetic. Anything chemically. Anything in a bottle. I just prefer olive / almond / coconut oil and water and just home made scrubs. I don't know if and when it will go but I am too depressed and hopeless to try anything like any chemical. I feel convinced all these serums will make me waste money for a hopeless chase. It's stress and trying to get rid of it is also stressful. I deep down hope..that just like it suddenly crept up on me
...it will quietly slither away. But I now understand the hurt of all those with melasma.
The best thing you will ever do is going to a doctor he will give you some samples and see if you are sensitive to an ingredient in sunscreen so you can avoid it and he will give you the perfect routine you deserve a clear skin.
You truly are the best! Thank you! Cannot wait to meet you!
Thank you for being super awesome and explaining things to us!
Love your videos! Have seen most of them, but I would REALLY like to learn the "ten-steps" that you mention - what to use, what products, how to use them, in what order etc. I am struggling with melasma. Especially in the summer I tend to get a melasma-mustache :( I know the underlying reason for it (birth control and medicine) but what do you do if you can't quit either of them? Is it a waste to buy products to treat the melasma if you can't quit the reason for it? Thank you so much for your videos. It truly has opened my eyes regarding skin care. I love that you recommend products that are affordable!
Thank you so much for your advice, I suffered from melasma for few years and I’m still trying to get it under control, is been a long depression journey for me ☹️
I’ve been using hydroquinone and retinol. When I first used hydroquinone I saw a great improvement. Struggling with the framing melasma coloring. I was going to look into Microneedling with TA. I am not currently using hydroquinone but combo of c e ferlic, lytera 2.0 and retinol. And sunscreen. Hoping to see some more results
What a special person you are! 💖🙏
I have had melasma since I was a kid (I'm now in my late 30s). I used to think it was a birthmark until my mom told me that I wasn't actually born with it. I've learned to live with it, but have noticed that it's gotten worse since having my kids. Thanks for talking about it. It does really affect me from time to time, especially when I am feeling down about something already. When I was younger, I felt like a complete outcast because of it and really wished it could just disappear. It also didn't help when people would make very open comments about it: "what's that on your face? is your face dirty? is that a birthmark?" Just wanted to come here and say THANK YOU for talking about this form a different lens. And thanks for your honesty on laser treatments wrt melasma.
Thank you so much Shereene for you advice and for sharing your thoughts, it really helps!
You are a pure soul Dr.Shireen and I love your videos. You are the best and sending you love from Bangladesh ❤️❤️❤️