Is It OK for Women to Shave Their Face?

I have been debating this for awhile now...I have very light peach fuzz above my lip where the melasma is...I heard waxing and depilatories can make melasma worse so I avoided those types of hair removal...problem is, my makeup gets cakey where the hair is and makes it look more noticeable.

So...I took a leap of faith and shaved...my makeup sits better now and the skin is smooth. I am paranoid about the hair growing back darker, thicker, but upon researching this online I found that is just a myth. The only problem I have found that may occur is stubble, which can be prevented by shaving daily which is what I plan to do. I found the following article very helpful in making my decision:

http://www.beauty-and-the-blog.com/skin-care-and-anti-aging-information/anti-aging-skin-care-shaving-face-is-saving-face/

My quest to remove and conceal my melasma continues...it is so stubborn! I will update if I find any products that seem to actually fade it, so far nothing has done very well and I cannot afford a dermatologist...

How Do You Cover Your Melasma and Brown Spots?

I started this blog not only to try and educate others dealing with melasma, but to learn as well. I would love to hear how others conceal their melasma and/or brown spots.

My trouble spot is above my lip, from a distance it looks like a moustache but it is actually a splotch of brown pigmentation, on both sides of the little indentation above my lip. I also have two brown spots on my cheek.

Currently I am using a vitamin C serum and sunscreen during the day, and Olay Definity sleep cream at night. I want to try a fade cream like Porcelana or Ambi in the near future. I have read it is imperative to wear sunscreen, even when it isn't sunny outside.

To cover my melasma, I currently use Maybelline Cover Stick concealer, with Dream Matte Mousse foundation dabbed on top and a dusting of Cornsilk powder. It helps a little, but I can still see it. And, the makeup makes the fine blonde hairs above my lip more noticeable.

I've read waxing and depilatories make melasma worse, and that some women have good results shaving, but the idea scares me so I'm hoping to get more feedback, does anyone shave their peach fuzz?

Of course when I ask friends and family "Can you see it?" they act like I'm crazy and there's nothing there. But, my 8 year old said he could see it, and I believe him. I do notice that when I do full makeup and play up my eyes and cheekbones with only a light gloss on the lips, the focus is removed a bit from the melasma.

Now I want to hear your tips :)

Blue Lizard Sunscreen for Melasma Protection: No Chemicals or Fragrances Included

It was brought to my attention by a reader that there is a possibility some of the sunblocks on the market may make melasma worse rather than better. This reader suggested Blue Lizard sunscreen, and after researching it myself I second the recommendation.

This sunscreen offers Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB protection and comes in formulas for the face, as shown below, as well as other formulas including those for sensitive skin. The best thing is that this product is chemical and fragrance free...and is advertised as being dermatologist recommended. Definitely worth a try in my opinion:

Hot New Melasma Treatment: Clinique Even Better Dark Spot Corrector

Clinique is one of the leading skin care and cosmetic companies in the world, and they now have an incredible melasma treatment. In clinical studies, women reported a 53 percent increase in dark spot reduction and even skin tone.

A top seller, Clinique Even Better Dark Spot corrector is designed to treat melasma, acne scars, sunspots and more. It only takes four weeks to see full results and can be used with any other skin care products, as well as under your makeup.

The Best Way to Prevent Melasma All Year Round

This winter I was discouraged to learn that just because my tan faded, my melasma did not. Upon researching further, I found that it is imperative to wear sunscreen even in the winter months. Even though it's not hot outside, the sun is still shining and you are still getting UVA and UVB rays which can damage skin and make melasma darker and more prevalent.

I have naturally oily skin, so I was wary about wearing sunscreen every day. However, I found the perfect one for me, it is oil-free, SPF 100, protects against UVA and UVB rays AND goes on great underneath my makeup. It can be used on its own or following any skin care treatment program you may be using:


Neutrogena Spectrum+ Face Advanced Sunblock Lotion, SPF 100

Neutrogena is a time trusted brand of skin care products and cosmetics that is recommended by many dermatologists, according to their advertisements.

Product Spotlight: Jane Iredale Enlighten Concealer for Melasma

Jane Iredale Enlighten Concealer is made just for melasma but can also work for dark circles. The apricot tone works under your regular concealer and foundation to neutralize brown and even dark purple or blue spots. But that's not all...

This concealer contains Arbutin, Licorice, and Vitamin K all of which are natural skin lighteners with no known side effects...so this concealer is designed to treat while it conceals. A bit pricey at $28 but something I definitely want to try when it is in my budget!

New Melasma Treatment: Avon Clinical Luminosity Pro Brightening Serum

Avon Clinical Luminosity Pro Brightening Serum is a new product with top reviews. According to clinical studies, 80% of women saw the look of dark spots dramatically diminish. Over time, 100% of women showed more illuminated skin with visible reduction in fine wrinkles. And, it is supposed to brighten skin instantly, the first time you use it.

I think this would be an excellent serum for melasma, and I am going to try it. You can purchase it HERE the product number is 437-526. With your purchase, you get free shipping and free Anew Clinical Eye Life. Not sure how long the free product and free shipping deal is going to last.

If anyone owns this or has tried it already, comment or email me and let us know how it works :)

It's Melasma Season Again...

It's melasma season again, at least for me. Went out with SPF 15 on, got a little sun, now I can see the melasma moustache. No one else notices, I have asked. But I notice...dark discoloration above my lip. There is also a spot on my cheek, the center is faded away and the outside is dark, which means the stuff I'm using might be working

(I am using Olay Definity night cream, Olay age reversal foam AM and PM, Olay Regenerist lotion SPF 15, L'Oreal Collagen Boost and during the day Clean and Clear Oil Free Moisturized with Salicylic Acid under the Olay to keep my skin matte as it is oily by nature)

I hope with vigilant skin care and the right makeup (think attention to the eyes rather than the lips, bronzer and blush) I can distract from the melasma.

For those of you who want to know if sunless tanning, spray tanning or the like will cover melasma, the answer is no, it will make it darker. If you apply a tiny dab of DHA inhibitor with a cotton swab to ONLY your melasma areas (and hands and feet) before spray tanning or self tanning you can perhaps make the surrounding skin darker, which could help it blend in with the melasma spots while you work on fading them.

That's my plan for the summer, anyhow :)

Concealing Melasma in the Winter Months

The other day, my husband pointed to a melasma spot on my cheek and said, "you have a brown spot on your face." I was amazed that, after 12 years of marriage, he was just noticing it.

I explained to him that it was melasma, likely caused by pregnancy, hormones and sun exposure. He was like, oh, ok. But it did make me realize that with pale skin the dark spots are more visible.

Light pink concealer, topped with your normal concealer shade, can work to conceal brown melasma spots. Consider using a bronzer around (not on) the areas where you have melasma. This can be tricky but can help darken the skin a bit so it will blend with the melasma. If tanning or sunless tanning, always protect melasma spots with sunscreen or a DHA inhibitor (depending on which tanning method you are using)

I have found for melasma spots on the forehead and cheeks, using bronzer to blend my skin color in with the melasma after it has been concealed and topping with a pink blush (on apples of cheeks) you can't even notice it.

This works better when I do a smoky eye and nude glossy lip, when you're all done up it is very hard to pick out well-concealed melasma spots the rest of your makeup is distracting from. Choose either your eyes or lips to really play up and no one will even notice your melasma!

A Profile of Burt's Bees Vanishing Creme

Burt's Bees Healthy Treatment Marshmallow Vanishing Creme

Today I would like to focus on Burt's Bees Healthy Treatment Marshmallow Vanishing Creme. I love Burt's Bees and have never been unhappy with their products. As soon as I finish up my Definity night cream I might buy this. It sounds yummy and marshmallow is the featured ingredient for its ability to tone and nourish skin. If you buy at Drugstore.com you can get free shipping as shown below:

I think my retinol breakout is clearing up...

My acne is getting smaller and less noticeable...been using Dr. Jeannette Graf Retinol Rejuvenation Serum for a few weeks. I am hoping the "retinol healing crisis" is over and I start seeing the younger, clear, glowing skin I've heard so much about in relation to retinol products.

If anyone is using any kind of retinol product for their skin, whether for melasma, aging or acne feel free to post your experiences in our comments section :)

Does Retinol Break You Out? Me Too!

The question of the day is, does retinol break you out?

Most often the answer will be yes, it definitely is in my case. I am noticing more acne since I've started the Jeanette Graf retinol serum.

However, I read this is normal. Apparently, retinol purges the skin which brings up breakouts that were underneath waiting to erupt. Also the skin needs time to adjust to the product.

Retinol is used for acne, wrinkles and yes, melasma. The most popular prescription treatment is Retin-A, however there are some pretty strong retinol treatments available over the counter as well.

Please share your retinol experiences if you have them. I am hoping this serum will help my skin clear up, reduce the look of wrinkles and fade my melasma spots.

Olay Definity Night Anti-Spot Treatment for Fading Melasma Spots

I must try this...the price on Amazon is insanely low. Way lower than my local drugstores and even Wal-Mart. I've been wanting to try an Olay Definity spot treatment for the melasma spot on my right cheek. I have the night cream, but keep forgetting to put it on out of sheer laziness.

If you've tried the product below or if you do, let me know how it works. And also you can click on the image to buy from Amazon. If I do end up trying this I'll post back with results:

How to Get Rid of Sunspots on Skin

Melasma is also commonly referred to as sunspots. When it comes to how to get rid of sunspots on skin, prevention is the first step. Invest in a really good sunscreen, made for your skin type. Some people with oily skin shy away from sunscreen because they say it "breaks them out" but these days companies like Aveeno and Neutrogena have incredible oil-free sunscreens for face and body.

A dermatologist can remove your sunspots on face, chest and other areas with a laser or high powered light, or apply a chemical peel. They might also recommend a prescription lightening cream. If your melasma is not serious enough to go to a dermatologist but you want to lighten those pesky dark spots try a product like Olay Definity.

At Olay you can read more about this collection, the price is about average for drugstore skin care and this line is supposed to clear up discoloration. I am going to try it, I have been using the Definity night cream but I always forget, so I don't expect results. I need to be more consistent with my skin care and I think I can fade these spots!

Photo: Not Me.
Source: Photobucket