Recovery
Results
Treatment Time
Aftercare
The Science of Skin Lightening
- A customized pigment correcting skin care line is prescribed to accelerate skin lightening
- Integral to this program are short pulsed lasers known as pico
- Pico laser treatments are well tolerated with minimal to no pain
- Antioxidant supplements can help with skin lightening
- Results are seen as early as 4 weeks, however best results take several months
The first step in skin lightening is the correct use of sunscreen. This entails understanding frequency, amount & basic formulations. From there, lasers can reduce pigment production by placing pigment cells in a sleep state.
What results can I expect from a skin lightening program?
Skin lightening can be achieved in just about any area. In most cases you can expect to get one to two shades lighter with our customized skin lightening program.
What areas do we lighten?
We lighten the entire body, bar the genital areas. Using pigment correctors, supplements & the very latest laser technology, body & face skin lightening is possible.
Most patients prefer to start on the face. If successful, moving to other areas of the body is then indicated.
What are the steps required to lighten skin?
Our clinic performs skin lightening via a medical approach. Here are steps-
- Exclude internal or endocrine causes of skin darkening.
- Ensure adequate sun protection.
- Prescription of skin care products directed at skin lightening.
- Formulation of a laser program to reduce pigment production.
- Addition of antioxidant supplements.
How long does it take to lighten skin?
It depends on the surface area. As a guide, facial areas typically take 8 weeks to see the best results, whilst body & limbs may take up to 16 weeks or longer.
How successful is this treatment?
Our skin lightening program is successful in over 70% of cases. You can expect to get one to two shades lighter.
What is involved with laser treatment, & does it hurt?
Lasers are integral to our skin lightening program. Each laser session takes 10-30 minutes to perform. We use short pulse lasers that are not painful & do not have any recovery time.
Each patient will prioritize an area to be treated & hence we treat segments within a laser session. Examples include; face & neck, or face & arms. Over time we will work to lighten other areas.
What creams do we prescribe?
We prescribe a mix of skincare products aimed at suppressing & removing pigmentation in the upper & lower area of skin. Your prescription will be unique to your skin tone. Ingredients we use include ascorbic acid, citric, lactic, azelaic, salicylic & glycolic acids in addition to licorice & bearberry extracts.
Can I do it with creams only?
In some countries like India, skin lightening creams are available. They contain high levels of hydroquinone and or kojic acid. At The Melasma Clinic we do not advocate whole body HQ or kojic acid application.
What chemical peels can help?
Your (sensible) options are-
- Cosmelan peel (focal areas, such as the face, neck, chest)
- Vi Precision Plus (face/neck))
- Melanopro Peel (face/neck)
- AHA peels for the face, neck or decolletage
- Lactic acid serum or creams for the body & limbs
Your treating clinician will advise you of the best treatment option for your type of pigmentation. There are pros & cons of peels.
Treatment |
Downtime |
Costs |
Efficacy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peels | Variable, up to 10 days | Variable | Moderate, more risks. |
| Lasers | Nil | Generally less per session | Moderate |
What is the recovery time?
The special laser settings we employ do not have any recovery time, hence you can go about your activities straight after the laser procedure.
Chemical peels have a recovery time of 2-10 days, depending on the peel.
How many laser sessions are required?
5-10 sessions depending on the surface area. As a guide, each session takes 30 minutes to perform. You prioritize the treatment areas, depending on your concerns.
Sessions are spaced 2-4 weeks apart.
What is the cost for skin lightening?
10 session package face & neck $4,990
Individual sessions $790- $1090
10 session package face, neck & arms/torso $8,790
Individual sessions $1190
Here is the fine print.
- Not all cases will respond to lasers. Why? Because we are dealing with genetics.
- Lasers can give variable remission, sometimes months, sometimes years.
- Some cases require 20 or more sessions to lighten.
- If you go out in the sun (even with sunscreen), your skin will darken.
- Lightening is 1, maximum of 2 shades lighter.
- Cost varies depending on who performs the laser.
Our Gallery of Results
What are the potential side effects of lasers?
Side effects are rare, however include-
- Paradoxical skin darkening; 3% of cases
- White spots; less than 0.1% cases
- Hives post laser; less than 0.1% of cases
Can creams fade pigment due to Hori?
Creams have a marginal effect on Hori naevus as the pigment lies in the deeper layers of skin. We do however recommend pigment correctors after laser as –
- Hori naevi often occur with other forms of pigmentation such as melasma.
- Laser can occasionally activate pigment cells in the upper layers of skin.
The ideal cream formulation will be determined by your dermatologist.
Why is sunscreen the most important step of the process?
Pigment production is sensitive to UVA & UVB as well as visible light, hence sunscreen forms the foundation of treatment. You can undo 6 months of work by exposing your body to 10 minutes of sunlight.
Ideally you should cover up exposed areas, sunscreens act as a second layer of protection.
What are adjunctive methods of sun protection?
Iron oxide is the key ingredient that gives you HEV or blue light protection, in addition to other visible light. It also can be formulated for a specific shade, hence color matching to your skin.
This ingredient is found in some sunscreen products including Elta Tinted sunscreens, Melan 130, Jane Iredale Glow time & other tinted formulations. The problem lies in a color match for your skin tone. A simple solution is to use a mineral makeup with iron oxide matched to your skin tone. This is over your chosen broad spectrum sunscreen.
What is a basic skincare routine for skin lightening?
A simple skincare routine is-
AM: Sunscreen & pigment corrector.
PM: Chemical exfoliant & or pigment corrector.
The exfoliant of choice depends on the type of pigment as well as your skin type & sensitivities. We use lactic, glycolic, salicylic, azelaic, mandelic, & citric acids in our bespoke custom formulations.
What is an advanced skincare routine for skin lightening?
An advanced skincare routine is combining Melanopro Peel with oral supplementation. This is best for maintenance therapy after a series of pico lasers.
Day 1: Clinical peel
Day 2-60: Melanopro Resurfacing cream.
Supplements: Glutathione & polypodium.
Picosure Pro as adjunctive therapy for melasma
.
🔫Lasers vs Peels: lasers provide better remodelling of skin, leading to longer remission times as compared to novel peels such as Cosmelan. Additionally lasers (pico) have no downtime nor skin irritation as compared to superficial peeling systems. They do however take several sessions (2-5) for optimal results
.
👉Tip: tailor melasma treatment according to the patient. Understand the potential as well as the limitations of peels, skin care, medical therapy, injectables & energy devices for melasma to formulate a plan based upon the individual
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#picosure #picosuresurepro #picolaser #melasmatreatment #themelasmaclinic #sydneydermatologist #drdavinlim
Picosure Pro as adjunctive therapy for melasma
.
🔫Lasers vs Peels: lasers provide better remodelling of skin, leading to longer remission times as compared to novel peels such as Cosmelan. Additionally lasers (pico) have no downtime nor skin irritation as compared to superficial peeling systems. They do however take several sessions (2-5) for optimal results
.
👉Tip: tailor melasma treatment according to the patient. Understand the potential as well as the limitations of peels, skin care, medical therapy, injectables & energy devices for melasma to formulate a plan based upon the individual
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#picosure #picosuresurepro #picolaser #melasmatreatment #themelasmaclinic #sydneydermatologist #drdavinlim
Novel peels are useful for some cases of melasma. At the clinic we employ these peels for individuals who travel to our clinic from far. Peels have the advantage over lasers, namely less sessions to deliver similar outcomes (in actual fact, lasers are better with a ‘hit’ rate of 80-85% as compared to peels with 60-70% success)
.
🍌Peels: We have the Dermamelan, Cosmelan, novel Melanopro & Vi Precision peels as well as Jesser, TCA, salicylic acid, AHA, & retinoic acid peels. We perform focal phenol peels, but not segmental phenol peels for melasma as the risks are too high for our mode of practice
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
Brisbane | Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#melasmaclinic #melasma #melasmatips #dermamelan #cosmelan #cosmelanpeel #drdavinlim #sydneydermatologist #melanopropeel
.
Disclaimer: lighting slightly different in exposure settings as different camera systems are employed.
Novel peels are useful for some cases of melasma. At the clinic we employ these peels for individuals who travel to our clinic from far. Peels have the advantage over lasers, namely less sessions to deliver similar outcomes (in actual fact, lasers are better with a ‘hit’ rate of 80-85% as compared to peels with 60-70% success)
.
🍌Peels: We have the Dermamelan, Cosmelan, novel Melanopro & Vi Precision peels as well as Jesser, TCA, salicylic acid, AHA, & retinoic acid peels. We perform focal phenol peels, but not segmental phenol peels for melasma as the risks are too high for our mode of practice
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
Brisbane | Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#melasmaclinic #melasma #melasmatips #dermamelan #cosmelan #cosmelanpeel #drdavinlim #sydneydermatologist #melanopropeel
.
Disclaimer: lighting slightly different in exposure settings as different camera systems are employed.
Picosure Pro can be useful in highly motivated & educated patients as adjunctive therapy for melasma pigmentation
.
👉Results can be seen in as little as 2 weeks, however a series of 3-5 sessions provides the best outcome
.
👉Success rate: 80-85%. Melasma can be significantly improved in most, but not all cases. Pico lasers are best combined with medical therapy for optimal outcomes
.
📅Remission: varies according to radiation exposure, hormonal influx, topical usage, maintenance treatments & adjunctive procedures💯
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
Brisbane | Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#melasmaclinic #melasma #melasmatips #picosure #picolaser #picosurepro #drdavinlim #sydneydermatologist
Disclaimer: lighting slightly different in exposure settings as different camera systems are employed.
Picosure Pro can be useful in highly motivated & educated patients as adjunctive therapy for melasma pigmentation
.
👉Results can be seen in as little as 2 weeks, however a series of 3-5 sessions provides the best outcome
.
👉Success rate: 80-85%. Melasma can be significantly improved in most, but not all cases. Pico lasers are best combined with medical therapy for optimal outcomes
.
📅Remission: varies according to radiation exposure, hormonal influx, topical usage, maintenance treatments & adjunctive procedures💯
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
Brisbane | Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#melasmaclinic #melasma #melasmatips #picosure #picolaser #picosurepro #drdavinlim #sydneydermatologist
Disclaimer: lighting slightly different in exposure settings as different camera systems are employed.
Melasma can be effectively treated in most cases with a combination of medical therapy as well as energy based devices & novel peels
.
👉This case: Lutronic Q switch nano short pulse (5ns) laser. 5 sessions, spaced 2 weeks apart
.
🔫Laser concepts: low fluence 1064 nm q switching reduces melanin transfer to cells, reduces melanin production, vaporises the stratum corneum allowing better penetration of topicals, shrinks down the dendritic arms of the melanocyte & has limited shattering of pigment particles. Flares are uncommon, results are seen in over 80% of cases
.
👍🏻Laser: Lutronic Hollywood Spectra: is the gold standard in QSL nano laser technology, it has an excellent beam profile with a short pulse duration with super accurate & steady state fluence.
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#lutronic #hollywoodspectra #dermaltoning #toninglaser #melasma #melasmaclinic #drdavinlim #melasmatreatment
Melasma can be effectively treated in most cases with a combination of medical therapy as well as energy based devices & novel peels
.
👉This case: Lutronic Q switch nano short pulse (5ns) laser. 5 sessions, spaced 2 weeks apart
.
🔫Laser concepts: low fluence 1064 nm q switching reduces melanin transfer to cells, reduces melanin production, vaporises the stratum corneum allowing better penetration of topicals, shrinks down the dendritic arms of the melanocyte & has limited shattering of pigment particles. Flares are uncommon, results are seen in over 80% of cases
.
👍🏻Laser: Lutronic Hollywood Spectra: is the gold standard in QSL nano laser technology, it has an excellent beam profile with a short pulse duration with super accurate & steady state fluence.
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#lutronic #hollywoodspectra #dermaltoning #toninglaser #melasma #melasmaclinic #drdavinlim #melasmatreatment
This is generally what happens, hence why it takes a few weeks before best outcomes are achieved following pico laser (providing the diagnosis & settings are accurate)
.
👉Exceptions: if pigment production is not halted, e.g. melasma or PIH, this may result in more (paradoxical) pigment production. For dermal pigment, the rate limiting factor is pigment removal via the immune system, or if the particles are broken down to much smaller pieces that reflect light
.
👉Concept: in some cases, pigment worsens before improving. This momentary increase in pigment lasts 2-4 weeks. Our clinicians will discuss this with you if we employ these settings💯
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#picosure #picosuresurepro #picolaser #melasmatreatment #themelasmaclinic #sydneydermatologist #drdavinlim
This is generally what happens, hence why it takes a few weeks before best outcomes are achieved following pico laser (providing the diagnosis & settings are accurate)
.
👉Exceptions: if pigment production is not halted, e.g. melasma or PIH, this may result in more (paradoxical) pigment production. For dermal pigment, the rate limiting factor is pigment removal via the immune system, or if the particles are broken down to much smaller pieces that reflect light
.
👉Concept: in some cases, pigment worsens before improving. This momentary increase in pigment lasts 2-4 weeks. Our clinicians will discuss this with you if we employ these settings💯
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#picosure #picosuresurepro #picolaser #melasmatreatment #themelasmaclinic #sydneydermatologist #drdavinlim
Retinoids such as #tretinoin & retinol can be useful in addressing melasma as they address cellular aging, increasing turnover of cells, & reduce pigment production (extremely weak action compared to other pigment correctors) 💯
.
👉In some cases our clinicians may titrate retinoids into your melasma routine, along with other pigment correcting ingredients
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#retinol #tretinoin #retinylaldehyde #melasmaclinic #davinlim #melasmatreatment #themelasmaclinic #sydneydermatologist
Retinoids such as #tretinoin & retinol can be useful in addressing melasma as they address cellular aging, increasing turnover of cells, & reduce pigment production (extremely weak action compared to other pigment correctors) 💯
.
👉In some cases our clinicians may titrate retinoids into your melasma routine, along with other pigment correcting ingredients
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#retinol #tretinoin #retinylaldehyde #melasmaclinic #davinlim #melasmatreatment #themelasmaclinic #sydneydermatologist
Retinoids such as #tretinoin & retinol can be useful in addressing melasma pigmentation. Best applied at night due to photosensitivity
.
👉Vitamin C: can be used as an antioxidant or as a pigment corrector. Personally I prefer patients to apply in the am, under sunscreen
.
👉Azelaic acid: can be applied twice daily
.
👉Glycolic acid: can be potentially photosensitising (in theory, however practically not too much of an issue)
.
👉Pigment correctors: generally applied in the PM, with exceptions such as #thiamidol, azelaic acid, HQ that can be applied twice daily depending on other skincare actives
.
👉Sunscreen: at least twice daily, AM & midday application
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#melasma #melasmatips #skincaretips #melasmaclinic #davinlim #melasmatreatment #themelasmaclinic #sydneydermatologist
Retinoids such as #tretinoin & retinol can be useful in addressing melasma pigmentation. Best applied at night due to photosensitivity
.
👉Vitamin C: can be used as an antioxidant or as a pigment corrector. Personally I prefer patients to apply in the am, under sunscreen
.
👉Azelaic acid: can be applied twice daily
.
👉Glycolic acid: can be potentially photosensitising (in theory, however practically not too much of an issue)
.
👉Pigment correctors: generally applied in the PM, with exceptions such as #thiamidol, azelaic acid, HQ that can be applied twice daily depending on other skincare actives
.
👉Sunscreen: at least twice daily, AM & midday application
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#melasma #melasmatips #skincaretips #melasmaclinic #davinlim #melasmatreatment #themelasmaclinic #sydneydermatologist
Vitamin C is useful in most cases of melasma, however formulations matter. Low pH formulations offer better bioavailability with the downside of higher rates of skin irritation
.
👉How to use: Apply under sunscreen as an antioxidant, or at night as a pigment corrector, or, in some cases twice daily. We prefer a combination vitamin C & ferulic acid plus #tocopherol or vitamin E in a stabilized low pH formulation. The most well known tiple combination is patented at a fixed percentage of 15% L-ascorbic acid with a distinctive metallic smell that stains whites. Several drops go a long way
.
👍🏻Tips: Spend the most amount of time & money on photoprotection. Over 90% of melasma patients do not get this correct, but rather spend efforts on skin care products & procedures. You will get the biggest traction out of understanding how to photoprotect your pigment as well as identifying triggers (beyond the usual ‘it’s hormonal’, think IR heat, additional sources of radiation, frictional components, including cosmetic (self induced) skin irritation). Skin care is always adjunctive to UV & visible light protection💯
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#melasma #melasmatips #vitaminC #ascorbicacid #melasmaclinic #davinlim #melasmatreatment #themelasmaclinic #sydneydermatologist #ceferulicacid #vitamincskincare
Vitamin C is useful in most cases of melasma, however formulations matter. Low pH formulations offer better bioavailability with the downside of higher rates of skin irritation
.
👉How to use: Apply under sunscreen as an antioxidant, or at night as a pigment corrector, or, in some cases twice daily. We prefer a combination vitamin C & ferulic acid plus #tocopherol or vitamin E in a stabilized low pH formulation. The most well known tiple combination is patented at a fixed percentage of 15% L-ascorbic acid with a distinctive metallic smell that stains whites. Several drops go a long way
.
👍🏻Tips: Spend the most amount of time & money on photoprotection. Over 90% of melasma patients do not get this correct, but rather spend efforts on skin care products & procedures. You will get the biggest traction out of understanding how to photoprotect your pigment as well as identifying triggers (beyond the usual ‘it’s hormonal’, think IR heat, additional sources of radiation, frictional components, including cosmetic (self induced) skin irritation). Skin care is always adjunctive to UV & visible light protection💯
.
😎Dr Davin Lim
Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic
Sydney, Australia🇦🇺
.
#melasma #melasmatips #vitaminC #ascorbicacid #melasmaclinic #davinlim #melasmatreatment #themelasmaclinic #sydneydermatologist #ceferulicacid #vitamincskincare
What tablets or supplements can I take to lighten skin?
We prescribe skin lightening tablets over systemic IV infusions as supplements are much safer.
- Glutathione tablets.
- Polypodium extract.
- Herbal supplements with bearberry extracts.
What types of skin pigmentation is resistant to skin lightening?
The most resistant cases are-
- Perioral darkening or hyperpigmentation around the mouth.
- Pigmentation demarcation lines (facial & body).
- Pigment around the eyes, also known as constitutional pigmentation.
- Underarm or groin pigmentation associated with a condition called acanthosis nigricans.
- Dermal melasma presents on the face & is often resistant to treatment
What is Rejuran & can it lighten skin?
Rejuran is a polynucleotide that is derived from salmon DNA. This injectable is TGA approved & can potentially lighten skin, especially around the eyes. Rejuran is best combined with pico lasers.
Rejuran summary
- DNA injectable that does not contain hyaluronic acid
- 2-4 injections required over 2-6 months
- Works in conjunction with pico lasers
- Effective in dark circles in over 60% of cases
- Cost $990 per injection
- Has very little side effects
- Can be used as adjective treatment in melasma cases
Will a dermatologist be involved in my treatment?
Skin lightening is protocol driven by our therapists & clinicians, however in some cases our dermatologist may perform the treatment.
For complex endocrine disorders including thyroid disease, Addisons, glucose intolerance & acanthosis nigricans associated pigmentation, a medical dermatologist can liaise with an endocrinologist. Lasers & procedural dermatology have limited to no value in these cases.
The Melasma Clinic difference
Our specialist clinic can effectively treat pigmentation in all skin types, including skin lightening. Our unique program can lighten & brighten skin in all areas, including the face, arms & body. Each program is tailored according to your skin tone.
Dr Davin Lim
645K subscribersHow to treat PIGMENTATION
If I can identify the cause of pigmentation, chances are I can treat it. This can only be achieved with careful real time examination…
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A SummarySkin Lightening
Dr Davin Lim | Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic, Brisbane | Sydney
Skin lightening can be achieved in some, but not all cases. We can not change your DNA, but we can reduce the amount of pigment transfer from your pigment cells known as melanocytes to the upper skin layers.
A realistic expectation is one shade lighter than your current skin tone, however this is not possible in all cases. Treatments take time, typically as a series of laser sessions over a course of 4-10 months.
Focal areas of skin lightening can be achieved in select cases-
Dark circles require a combination approach of lasers (both vascular and pigment) as well as pigment correctors, vascular modifiers, light reflectors (boron), & dermal fillers. Constitutional or genetic causes are very difficult to treat.
Perioral hyperpigmentation (dark areas around your mouth) is complex. Good results can be achieved in some but not all cases. In some cases a dermatologist is involved to exclude secondary causes of dark hyperpigmentation- examples include irritant contact dermatitis, allergic dermatitis & endogenous causes via endocrine dysfunction.
Melasma pigmentation can be treated in over 80% of cases using a multimodality approach of medical, laser, & chemical solutions.
