Beauty 02/17/21

Melasma UPDATED routine | Prescription Free

Hi guys! Ever since coming out with my first melasma video 3 years ago, much has changed. And because so many of us struggle with this hormonal skin condition I wanted to share a few things I’m doing differently and how I completely abandoned hydroquinone.

In this video I’m breaking down my skincare by cleanse, antioxidant, treat, moisturize and protect. In each step I’m chatting about my experinece with certain products, what to look for when shopping for yourself and some of the products that have been a MUST to keep my melasma at bay, once and for all!!

Cleansers

My all-time favorite is the Countertime Lipid Defense Cleansing Oil from Beautycounter. But my dermatologist highly recommended the AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser twice a week to clear the dead cells and make the skincare penetrate deeper. I liked that for when I was first tackling my melasma. Now, I prefer something more nourishing rather than stripping (this has to do with aging as well!)

Antioxidant – Vitamin C

A HUGE part of fighting melasma is a powerful Vitamin C serum. Not all are created equally, if you’re struggling with dark spots I highly recommend you go with my holy grail of antioxidants! I was introduced to this by my doctor as well and now go back and forth between the C E Ferulic and the Phloretin C F (the latest was introduced to me at a SkinCeuticals specialized spa). Both equally effective.

I also added a powerful antioxidant for the night time and swear by it. Resveratrol B E is designed to work at night when we sleep. “first-of-its-kind night treatment that combines a concentration of pure, stable resveratrol with baicalin and pure vitamin E. The combination provides optimal antioxidant performance to prevent free-radical damage and signs of accelerated aging. This patented, antioxidant cocktail neutralizes free radicals, strengthens your skin’s natural antioxidant defenses, and reveals visible radiance and firmness.”

I could link others I’ve tried here but unfortunately, none was effective in keeping my melasma away.

Treatment

I tend to experiment with the treatments and to be honest, don’t think they make that big of a difference at this stage of my melasma. I keep on using it because why not?! But I do think they make a difference if your melasma is out and dark. I sometimes ran out and don’t re-purchase for a while.

Moisturize

This step shouldn’t matter which moisturizer you choose, however after doing research on this one I learned that it works on getting the skin barrier healthy and restoring it. I also found out that skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and yes melasma is caused by a “broken” skin barrier. So I highly recommend this moisturizer, it’s affordable, unscented, and clean. Plus it feels great on 🙂

If you need extra moisture, layer the phoenix oil on top of the moisturizer at night! It’s just a little treat for thirsty skin!

Protect

Another HUGE part of the melasma routine. Something you should NEVER skip, no matter how cloudy it is outside. Did you know that even by looking at your phone you’re getting blue light penetrating in your skin which makes melasma worse?? So hunny, WEAR SUNSCREEN!!!

My dermatologist swears by Elta MD and I have been an avid user of their tinted ones and can attest to their efficacy. You should always look for mineral sunscreens, they have titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. These will block both rays from penetrating skin consequently keeping the dark spots away!

“A mineral sunscreen is just what it sounds like—a sunscreen that uses minerals as its active ingredients. The minerals most often used are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. … Mineral sunscreens are sometimes called physical sunscreens because they provide a physical barrier between your skin and the sun’s rays.” Chemical sunscreens on the other hand have been found to be harmful to our bodies. Some of these compounds (ingredients) include Oxybenzone, Avobenzone, Octinoxate, Homosalate, Octisalate, and Octocrylene. Stay away from these if possible,