How to Get Rid of Dark Blotches on Skin

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, dark blotches of skin on the face, or melasma, is a skin disorder that occurs frequently in young women, especially those with dark skin tones. Because female hormones can trigger melasma, it is frequently found in women who are pregnant, taking birth control pills or undergoing hormone replacement therapy due to menopause. Melasma is generally found on the forehead, upper lip, cheeks or nose. Avoiding sun exposure is key to preventing melasma, but by following the steps below, you can get rid of any dark blotches of skin that have already developed.

Things You'll Need

• 2 percent hydroquinone cream
• Tri-Luma
• Retin-A
• VI peel

Instructions

1. For less severe cases of melasma, apply an over-the-counter lightening cream with an active bleaching ingredient of 2 percent hydroquinone. Apply a small amount every evening on clean, dry, freshly cleansed skin, spreading the cream only on the dark blotches on your skin. Allow the cream to soak into your skin for 15 minutes before lying down.

2. If the over-the-counter treatment does not clear up the dark blotches on your skin, make an appointment with a dermatologist to discuss treatment. Often a dermatologist will prescribe Tri-Luma for eight weeks to begin melasma treatment. Tri-Luma is a combination of tretinoin; which will continually exfoliate your skin and redistribute the melatonin; prescription-strength hydroquinone, a stronger version of the bleaching creams that you can purchase over-the-counter; and a topical steroid. Because the topical steroid can cause thinning of the skin and other potential problems if you stay on it for longer than eight weeks, Tri-Luma is not a long-term solution. Apply a pea-sized amount of the Tri-Luma every night 15 minutes after cleansing your face, avoiding your eyes, lips and nostrils.

3. If your dermatologist decided to treat you with Tri-Luma, he might want to follow it with a prescription for a tretinoin such as Retin-A or Micro Retin-A if you have sensitive skin. Apply the Retin-A every night in the same manner as you did the Tri-Luma, in a pea-sized amount 15 minutes after cleansing the face, avoiding the eyes, lips and nostrils.

4. To kick start your melasma treatment, ask your dermatologist about a VI peel. VI peels are particularly effective at removing dark blotches from skin, and while you will require about three days of down time while your skin peels, it is the fastest way to remove dark blotches from your skin. A VI peels costs about $250 and is done in your dermatologist's office. If your doctor does recommend a VI peel and you are using Tri-Luma or Retin-A, ask when you should stop using your prescription before your peel, and when you should resume using it after the peel.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a minimum of 30 SPF sunscreen every day to prevent further darkening of the skin.

• Do not use over-the-counter hydroquinone creams for longer than six months.

References

• Melasma

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Vi Peel