I have dermal melasma. I've had this for over 20 years with no improvement. If you suffer from the same, join me and we will share and support each other in search of a safe cure. Bottom of page is list of all products I've tried.

Definition:
Melasma is a brown hyperpigmentation that occurs on the face and neck of some women in the second or third trimester of pregnancy or while taking oral contraceptives. The areas most commonly affected are the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, and chin. Different types of melasma occur depending on the location of the excess melanin, in the epidermis or the dermis. Melasma is thought to be caused by elevated levels of estrogen, progesterone, and melanocyte-stimulating hormone (a hormone that causes melanin cells to make more melanin).

Pregnancy-induced melasma usually resolves after delivery, but may return with subsequent pregnancies or with oral contraceptives. Treatment of melasma depends on the type and involves skin-lightening agents and sometimes tretinoin (Retin-A). The proper use of sunscreen is also important because UV light can worsen melasma.

Pronunciation: muh-LAZ-muh • (noun)

Also Known As: Mask of pregnancy, chloasma

(copied from dermatology.about.com/library...sma.htm)


List of products I've tried without success:
AHA
MSM
Avon Anew Skin Brightner
Olay daily mositurizer
Renova
Rentin-A
Sunscreen 30+
Azelaic Acid
4% hydroquinone
2% hydroquinone
cortisone cream
tretinoin
mederma
vinegar
lemon juice
bleach (never try this it will cause hypopigmentation)
Right now I'm using skin lightening gel at nite and suncreen daily, I started this Aug. 04, 2004

August 2005 - I haven't used anything but sunscreen and foundation for the last year.

August 2006 - I am currently using Olay Definity, the foaming moisturizer and the night moisturizer. I started using this July 24th. I also using LaRoche Posay aqua-lait sunscreen.

http://Melasma.tribe.net