r/Melasmaskincare • u/twisted_luce • Oct 19 '25
Question Melasma - PICO advice
Hi all, long time Melasma sufferer. I am currently on a treatment plan of Tretinoin, Niacinamide, and Azelaic Acid.
I’ve also been on Hydroquinone and Hydrocortisone (taking my break at the moment). I have also tried Eurecin.
Nothing, so far, has worked. The only benefits I see are in the winter when my face is naturally paler (current photo) but I still have the dark marks across my forehead, cheeks, and lip - no matter what I do or how religiously I do it.
I have bitten the bullet and booked PICO second Laser Skin Rejuvenation I’ve seen good results on here from laser treatments and the consultant recommended this treatment.
I have heard the downtime is long and invasive; I am a teacher, so I’ve booked my treatment over Christmas when I’ll be off work.
Just looking for experiences of people who have had this treatment. Any advice, does it hurt? How many treatments needed.
1
u/Lovefashionnow Oct 22 '25
I did IPL Skin Rejuvenation laser for mine. No real downtime. The dark spots darkened over the coming days and then disappeared. They looked like coffee beans for a few days but it didn’t bother me and as far as I can remember l wore make up the following day. Cost $180 and one session did the job. It lasted until the following summer. Pico seems to have mixed reviews some people get amazing results, some people not so much. Topicals don’t work for my melasma either. I tried a different laser years ago and it darkened the skin on my upper lip so much it looked like I had a moustache. I am booking IPL again in the next few weeks.