As we all know, I’m pretty on top of my skin. Beyond a comprehensive skincare routine and the occasional in-office treatment, I see my medical dermatologist every six months like clockwork for a full-body check. My visit last week resulted in two biopsies (which is pretty much the norm) and a cortisone injection for one of last year’s biopsies that didn’t heal all that well.
Once I put my clothes back on it was time for a few skincare questions. My first inquiry was about the retinoid I’ve been using. I asked if perhaps I should step up from the over-the-counter Differin I’ve been using for several years since I’m seeing more white spots (also known as hypopigmentation) on my lower cheeks—and nothing could have prepared me for the answer…
Apparently, these white spots are acne scars from years ago (that’s not the shocker), and the reason they’ve become more visible is because (wait for it) I have MELASMA. In case you don’t know what this is, melasma presents as dark patches (usually on the cheeks, upper lip and forehead) and it’s predominantly caused by hormones. I definitely had it when I was pregnant, but it resolved soon after giving birth. But having my IUD removed in April must have changed the balance of estrogen and progesterone in my body, which is now showing up on my face. In a nutshell, the white spots are more noticeable because they are surrounded by darker skin caused by melasma.
I was reeling, but immediately asked what we can do about it. I’ve been writing about melasma for almost two decades, and I know it can be very difficult to treat. My derm wrote me a prescription for oral tranexamic acid, which I need to take twice a day for one week, beginning when I get my next period. She also told me take a break from the retinoid, use a vitamin C serum every morning (already do), apply plenty of sunscreen (already do) and gave me a vitamin A mask to use three night a week—and to come back in a month to see the results.
I have a hard time believing that a week of medication and a mask could actually do the trick—but my derm said it usually works (but in some cases it may be necessary to take the pills for a bit longer). Stay tuned for updates…
xoxo,
Melasma Girl
