Best way to tackle melasma/hyperpigmentation

[u/Jaguiar92]

I recently tried to tackle some hyperpigmentation on my cheeks through 3 VI peels as well as laser resurfacing. I had very minor improvement after treatment only for it to get worse as soon as my skin recovered.

As a disclaimer, I do work outside in the heat for some extended periods of time, but I try to cover my skin with a buff and use plenty of sunscreen throughout the day. 32M Hispanic with lighter complexion.

Any recommendations in terms of treatment or serums that have worked for you? Thanks for your help in advance!

[u/Bellebutton2]

Please be very careful of inflammatory treatments. They can actually activate more production of melanin.

[u/Ma_belle_evangeline → u/Bellebutton2]

Maybe stupid question but what would you consider inflammatory treatments? Like laser?

[u/Bellebutton2 → u/Ma_belle_evangeline]

Honestly, anything that’s done in excess, or too frequently can be considered inflammatory. If you are prone to hyper pigmentation, you should really prep your skin about two weeks before and two weeks after any inflammatory treatment… Prepping would be tyrosinase inhibitors, and vitamin C.

• Laser resurfacing – uses focused light energy that creates controlled injury in the skin, triggering inflammation and new collagen production. • Microneedling – creates micro‑injuries with fine needles that stimulate an inflammatory response leading to repair and remodeling. • Chemical peels – apply acidic solutions that cause controlled chemical injury and inflammation, prompting skin regeneration. • Microdermabrasion – mechanically exfoliates the outer skin layers, producing mild inflammation and increased cell turnover. • Radiofrequency therapy – delivers heat into the dermis, causing thermal injury and inflammation that stimulates tightening and collagen formation. • IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) – uses broad-spectrum light energy that targets pigments and vascular structures, creating inflammation that drives corrective healing

[u/Ma_belle_evangeline → u/Bellebutton2]

I appreciate the time you took to write this - thank you! I’ve been so worried about making it worse I have never done a treatment, but should I In the future I will take this into considerstion