Today is my 2nd week on the Pomada and I actually notice a difference. My roommate, Daisy, noted that my cheeks look lighter than usual last night. You should note that I didn’t inquire with her about my cheeks – rather I waited to see if she noticed a difference. It was two weeks ago when she inquired why my cheeks look so dark. (If you can remember….that was the time my cheeks were burned from the use of Solage.) I still continue my application of the Pomada – three times a day – religiously. There are days it seems lighter than other but overall – it is lighter than 2 weeks ago.
Over the weekend, I purchased an herbal vegan product to clean and strengthen my liver. I decided I wanted to clean and strengthen my liver until I can start the Liver/Gall Bladder Flush Program (from www.sensiblehealth.com) in April. I purchased Health Force Nutritionals’ Liver Rescue III, which includes Milk Thistle, Artichoke and Dandelion. Interestingly enough…I was told to drink a warm glass of water with a squeeze of lemon first thing every morning to assist my liver detox. Of course, the Liver Rescue III capsules would be taken in combination with the lemon water.
Additionally, I was told by an acupuncturist student that I should consume foods and drink warm liquids because cold food and beverage is not good for my liver//kidney. She also mentioned that I should not drink Green Tea because I am normally very cold and Green Tea actually cools the body. Thus, for me – the cooling effect is not beneficial.
I am leaving for Peru for one week and will definitely be taking my Pomada with me. We are allowed 3 ounces on the plan of gels, creams, etc. and I plan on taking my 2.6 ounce Pomada alone, which leaves me .4 ounce for maybe a chapstick or eyebrow liner. (The things we do for beauty or for the sake of preserving it!) lol :)
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
One Week on Pomada de la Campana and Ti-Silc
I woke up this Tuesday morning and looked at my face in the bathroom mirror. I felt it was lighter but didn’t want to get too excited as it has only been a week since I started regular usage of the Pomada with Ti-Silc. I didn’t know if it was my early morning imagination but decided not to apply the concealer today before leaving for work. The shade of the melasma seemed bearable and not so straining on my eyes.
Interestingly enough…my colleague, Annie, at the office asked me if I had concealer on today. (I should preface that we have a close and open friendship. She is very aware of my struggles with melasman.) I indicated I didn’t but questioned her if she felt I should wear some concealer. She told me that she felt my melasma was lighter today than on Monday when I was wearing concealer.
A couple hours later, another female colleague, Shirley, stopped me because she wanted me to know that my cheekbones looked lighter today than it did one week ago. (It was last Wednesday when it was my birthday and she ran into me as I was leaving the lady’s bathroom. I recall she made eye contact with me, looked at my cheekbones and immediately dropped her eyes. I knew then she felt bad for me.) She continued to tell me that she remembered when we crossed paths a week ago in the bathroom and apologized if she looked shocked but my cheekbones (as described them) “looked so black from the spots (melasma)”. She continued to say, “Whatever product you are using, it is working.”
I feel good…really good that two women took noticed of the lighter shade of my cheekbones today and it was, in fact, not my imagination this morning when I felt it was lighter.
I am continuing to use it as I had previously indicated: one thin layer in the morning with my Ti-Silc sunblock, another thicker layer when I return home (after a facial wash of Dove soap and water) and a final thick layer before I go to bed (after a facial wash of Dove soap and water). I am uncertain if I need that additional sunblock (Ti-Silc) but I can only reason that it’s not going to hurt because one can never get enough sunblock.
Yesterday, I sent Michelle, a lady I met online, four of the Pomada de la Campana moisturizer. She resides in Switzerland and is unable to purchase those items so I offered to send them to her. I hope to keep in contact with her to exchange and share our progress together. She had asked if the product had any Mercury and I do not see that being listed as the ingredient. With my very limited knowledge of this product, I only know that this product has been through many different Hispanic generations – mothers and grandmothers. These women claim their mothers and grandmothers’ skin was beautiful. With the progress I’ve had thus far, I am hopeful as well.
I still plan on detoxing/flushing my liver and gallbladder. I believe fixing the “problem” externally is not enough. I believe this is internal as well. My menstrual cycles are regular (approximately the 19th or 20th of each month). As I have previously mentioned, I work out 5 times a week – a combination of yoga, cardio, weights and swimming. My menstrual cycles last for a day or maybe two and are very light. My blood pressure usually measures 100/60.
I am leaving for my vacation to Peru shortly and will most likely detox/flush upon my return.
Interestingly enough…my colleague, Annie, at the office asked me if I had concealer on today. (I should preface that we have a close and open friendship. She is very aware of my struggles with melasman.) I indicated I didn’t but questioned her if she felt I should wear some concealer. She told me that she felt my melasma was lighter today than on Monday when I was wearing concealer.
A couple hours later, another female colleague, Shirley, stopped me because she wanted me to know that my cheekbones looked lighter today than it did one week ago. (It was last Wednesday when it was my birthday and she ran into me as I was leaving the lady’s bathroom. I recall she made eye contact with me, looked at my cheekbones and immediately dropped her eyes. I knew then she felt bad for me.) She continued to tell me that she remembered when we crossed paths a week ago in the bathroom and apologized if she looked shocked but my cheekbones (as described them) “looked so black from the spots (melasma)”. She continued to say, “Whatever product you are using, it is working.”
I feel good…really good that two women took noticed of the lighter shade of my cheekbones today and it was, in fact, not my imagination this morning when I felt it was lighter.
I am continuing to use it as I had previously indicated: one thin layer in the morning with my Ti-Silc sunblock, another thicker layer when I return home (after a facial wash of Dove soap and water) and a final thick layer before I go to bed (after a facial wash of Dove soap and water). I am uncertain if I need that additional sunblock (Ti-Silc) but I can only reason that it’s not going to hurt because one can never get enough sunblock.
Yesterday, I sent Michelle, a lady I met online, four of the Pomada de la Campana moisturizer. She resides in Switzerland and is unable to purchase those items so I offered to send them to her. I hope to keep in contact with her to exchange and share our progress together. She had asked if the product had any Mercury and I do not see that being listed as the ingredient. With my very limited knowledge of this product, I only know that this product has been through many different Hispanic generations – mothers and grandmothers. These women claim their mothers and grandmothers’ skin was beautiful. With the progress I’ve had thus far, I am hopeful as well.
I still plan on detoxing/flushing my liver and gallbladder. I believe fixing the “problem” externally is not enough. I believe this is internal as well. My menstrual cycles are regular (approximately the 19th or 20th of each month). As I have previously mentioned, I work out 5 times a week – a combination of yoga, cardio, weights and swimming. My menstrual cycles last for a day or maybe two and are very light. My blood pressure usually measures 100/60.
I am leaving for my vacation to Peru shortly and will most likely detox/flush upon my return.
B5 and B12
I am uncertain if it has anything to do with the B6 and B12 I started taking on Monday but for the past 2 nights, I've slept very well. I usually sleep through the night except for the moments where my bladder is full and I need to go tickle. Each two mornings, I just wanted to try to sneak in 15 more minutes which is a bit odd for someone like me who wakes up naturally without an alarm clock and regularly at 5a.m.
I started taking B6 and B12 because I felt I may be low in these vitamins, which may be affecting the function of my liver. Adrenal glands are next to kidneys associated with stress. From my research both B5 and B12 supports the adrenal. Since I am a vegetarian, I don’t get enough B12. Evidently, “[adrenal fatigue is more common in individuals who] tend to eat less meat, tend to digest it poorly if they do eat it and generally absorb poorly (http://www.drrind.com/scorecardmatrix.asp). Hyper-pigmentation and acne can be caused if deficient in both B5 and B12.
Guess what? I purchased B6 instead of B5…but at least, I didn’t forget the B12. I’ve been taking both the B6 and B12 daily. It looks like I would have needed the B6 in any event because sources of B6 (see below from www.lifeclinic.com) included foods which I don’t intake often.
Sources of Pantothenic Acid (B5)
Peas and beans (except green beans)
Lean meat, poultry, fish
Whole-grain cereals
Lack of pantothenic acid in the diet is rare, so there is no recommended daily intake for this vitamin. Often, pantothenic acid is included in B-complex multivitamins. Normal daily intake of pantothenic acid for adults is 4 to 7 milligrams. Pantothenic acid does not usually cause any side effects, although pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should be careful to consume only the normal daily intake.
Sources of Vitamin B6
Poultry
Pork
Fish
Eggs
Soybeans
Oats
Whole grains
Bananas
Nuts and seeds
Women need 1.6 milligrams of B6 every day, and men need 2 milligrams. Taking regular high doses of vitamin B6 over 250 milligrams per day may cause nerve damage. In addition pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should not take more than the recommended daily amount of vitamin B6 because too much pyridoxine can cause harm to the developing fetus or infant.
Sources of Vitamin B12
Meat
Milk products
Eggs
Cheese
Chicken
Fish
Both adult men and women need 2.0 micrograms of vitamin B12 each day. B12 deficiency can cause a type of anemia marked by fewer but larger red blood cells that's called pernicious anemia. It can also cause walking and balance problems, sore tongue, weakness, confusion and, in advanced cases, dementia. Vegetarians who eliminate all animal sources from their diet (also known as vegans) may benefit from taking a vitamin B12 supplement. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, do not take vitamin B12 in doses greater than the RDA for pregnant (2.6 micrograms/day) or breastfeeding women (2.8 micrograms/day). Some people who have problems with absorption or have had bowel surgery may need injections of Vitamins B12 to prevent deficiency because their bodies can't absorb oral supplements properly. People over age 50 may also need B12 supplements because the aging process diminishes the body’s ability to absorb vitamin B12 from natural food sources.
I started taking B6 and B12 because I felt I may be low in these vitamins, which may be affecting the function of my liver. Adrenal glands are next to kidneys associated with stress. From my research both B5 and B12 supports the adrenal. Since I am a vegetarian, I don’t get enough B12. Evidently, “[adrenal fatigue is more common in individuals who] tend to eat less meat, tend to digest it poorly if they do eat it and generally absorb poorly (http://www.drrind.com/scorecardmatrix.asp). Hyper-pigmentation and acne can be caused if deficient in both B5 and B12.
Guess what? I purchased B6 instead of B5…but at least, I didn’t forget the B12. I’ve been taking both the B6 and B12 daily. It looks like I would have needed the B6 in any event because sources of B6 (see below from www.lifeclinic.com) included foods which I don’t intake often.
Sources of Pantothenic Acid (B5)
Peas and beans (except green beans)
Lean meat, poultry, fish
Whole-grain cereals
Lack of pantothenic acid in the diet is rare, so there is no recommended daily intake for this vitamin. Often, pantothenic acid is included in B-complex multivitamins. Normal daily intake of pantothenic acid for adults is 4 to 7 milligrams. Pantothenic acid does not usually cause any side effects, although pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should be careful to consume only the normal daily intake.
Sources of Vitamin B6
Poultry
Pork
Fish
Eggs
Soybeans
Oats
Whole grains
Bananas
Nuts and seeds
Women need 1.6 milligrams of B6 every day, and men need 2 milligrams. Taking regular high doses of vitamin B6 over 250 milligrams per day may cause nerve damage. In addition pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should not take more than the recommended daily amount of vitamin B6 because too much pyridoxine can cause harm to the developing fetus or infant.
Sources of Vitamin B12
Meat
Milk products
Eggs
Cheese
Chicken
Fish
Both adult men and women need 2.0 micrograms of vitamin B12 each day. B12 deficiency can cause a type of anemia marked by fewer but larger red blood cells that's called pernicious anemia. It can also cause walking and balance problems, sore tongue, weakness, confusion and, in advanced cases, dementia. Vegetarians who eliminate all animal sources from their diet (also known as vegans) may benefit from taking a vitamin B12 supplement. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, do not take vitamin B12 in doses greater than the RDA for pregnant (2.6 micrograms/day) or breastfeeding women (2.8 micrograms/day). Some people who have problems with absorption or have had bowel surgery may need injections of Vitamins B12 to prevent deficiency because their bodies can't absorb oral supplements properly. People over age 50 may also need B12 supplements because the aging process diminishes the body’s ability to absorb vitamin B12 from natural food sources.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Herbal Tinctures, Green Vibrance, B-Complex and Ti-Silc
Within the last couple weeks, my research about melasma has led me to believe it is not only an external matter (sun exposure). Sunblock can do so much but since the skin is also an organ, I believe that a weak liver can cause melasma.
How did I come to this hypothesis especially for someone who has never had a drink, do drugs or smoke? Quite simple…for many reasons.
- I don’t eat enough nutrients from my food. I eat very little and graze throughout the day and have had this eating habit since I was 26…now over 10 years. At 5’3”, I weigh approximately 105 pounds but I also work out 5 times a week. My liver could be weak from not having enough nutrients.
- I am also a vegetarian…and have been a vegetarian for three years; however, I do consume seafood, eggs and milk…but very little.
- I have read on the internet that “The liver is the most emotion sensitive organ and its weakness is often connected to emotional sensitivity. Individuals who are emotionally sensitive are more prone to weak liver even if they do not have a poor diet or are not taking medication regularly.” (sensiblehealth.com) And I should begin right now to tell you that….ask any one of my close friends and they will tell you I am highly emotional.
- Additionally, “Estrogen replacement therapy and birth control pills are common contributing factors to these problems because they weaken the liver and gallbladder.” (sensiblehealth.com) For over 10 yeas, I was taking birth control pills to control my acne. During this time, I began to notice the appearance of my melasma.
Evidently, I have reasons to believe that my liver and gallbladder is weak. If my liver is weak, it cannot detox my blood, which in turn, leaves the toxin deposits on my skin (in my case – my cheekbones to be exact). It makes sense to me. So I along with the continued use of my Pomada de la Compana, I plan to purchase the liver/gallbladder flush kit from Sensible Health (sensiblehealth.com). For those of you who may be raising an eyebrow out of curiosity…the answer is “No, I am not here to promote Sensible Health.” What she has written in detailed on her website makes perfect sense to me. I invite you to read her website as it is very comprehensible. I have asked a couple of my friends who are in the medical profession and they confirm that it is possible for all the above to happen.
In addition to the above, I had an opportunity to compare notes with a vegetarian who suggested I get on a green supplement to assist me in getting the nutrients I need. I contacted several holistic and natural food stores and “Green Vibrance” was highly recommended. I ended up purchasing a family size online because it was much more reasonable than in stores. I also purchased B-12 and B-5 vitamins and plan to take those regularly with my vitamin-C.
A month ago, I noticed one of my girlfriends no longer had melasma on her cheeks. I asked her if it was her concealer? She indicated that it was this sunblock she had been using for over 2 months called Ti-Silc. I recently ordered the product a couple weeks ago and it finally arrived a few days ago. I’ve been using the Ti-Silc, which is SPF 45 UVA and UVB protected. Uncertain if the Pomada de la Compana provides enough sunblock with its ingredient of zinc oxide, I have been applying the Ti-Silc after Pomada de la Compana. I basically use the Ti-Silc once a day but the Pomada at least twice a day.
Talking about Pomada de la Compana...it will be one week this coming Tuesday. The melasma, which was recently burned from my use of Solage, has now lightened to its original shade before the Solage. When I applied the Pomada last night, I noticed flakes of my skin in the moisturizer as I was smearing the Pomada over the rest of my face. I took a fresh piece of tissue paper to wipe the flakes off and noticed it was dark brown in color, which indicated that my burnt skin from the melasma area (which was burnt from the use of Solage) was coming off.
While I believe the Pomada is providing me with great results thus far, I also believe it is as equally important to discover the underlying cause of my melasma. I want give myself equal care - externally as well as internally. The thing to keep in mind is that our skin is also an organ and the liver is comparable to the "General" and "Chief of Staff". If it's weak or not functioning properly...all else struggles.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Pomada de la Campana
On Tuesday, February 20th, I had researched on the internet various forums discussing treatments for melasma. There was one product in particular I was hoping to get more info: Pomada de la Campana. I had connected with Faith, a lady online who mentioned she tried most everything for the past 3 months and nothing had worked. However, she had started to use Pomada de la Campana and her melasma is the lightest in years (since 1992).
My search began that evening for more information about this product. I came across skincarerx.com, which is an amazing site for the discussion of skin disorder. There – I came across a string on the topic of Pomada de la Campana. It had over 136 entries on this subject matter because women were scrambling to get a hold of this very inexpensive product. Alondra, a lady who originally posted the entry, shared her sister’s miraculous recovery from melasma just by using this product. Her sister swears by it. The more I read about her testimonies I felt it may actually work for me. I soon discovered from reading the entries that I could purchase the product at Walmart, Walgreens and/or Savons. Not to mention…I found that the product was also sold on eBay for a very reasonable amount of money (approximately $2).
It was 20 ‘til 9pm and I felt I could make it to Walmart before the store closed. Go figure…I couldn’t find it at Walmart. I remember there was a Walgreens down the street so I arrived 5 minutes before closing. A young lady behind the counter gave me specific instructions to the whereabouts of that product. I went looking for the product as instructed and found the last one on the shelf! When I paid for the product ($2.50), the young lady and I had a conversation about the moisturizer. She tells me that her mom used to have spots on her face – like mine but the spots has disappeared with the use of this product. She told me it takes time but it eventually goes away. Evidently, her mom swears by this product and uses it religiously morning and evening. I asked if her mom applied it only on the spots or all over – all over but to give it a good gentle rub on the spotted areas. And so…I felt this product and the lady behind the counter was meant to cross my path that evening.
The pomade/moisturizer made in Mexico has the ingredients of Petrolatum, Zinc Oxide, Paraffin, Fragrance, Allantoin. I reviewed the ingredients with a dear friend, Lane, who has been like a second dad to me for over 7 years and he suspected the purpose of the ingredients were as follows:
Petrolatum: Moisturizer
Zinc Oxide: Sunblock
Parafin: Wax to seal in the moisturizer
Fragrance: Fragrance (but be forewarn…the moisturizer is a bit strong in smell)
Allantoin: A botanical extract of the comfrey plant and is used for its healing, soothing, and anti-irritating properties. Allantoin helps to heal wounds and skin irritations and stimulate growth of healthy tissue.
I started my use of this product that night. Ughhhh…can I just say the smell gave me a slight headache. It smells like petroleum. The consistency was that of Vasoline but thicker. I didn’t mind the consistency but the smell. Oh well…I caked it on my face before I went to bed. Can I just say that when I woke up the next morning…my face was soft and the melasma area, which was previously burned for two weeks from the use of the Solage product, was pinkish in color and a bit puffy? I was concerned but it didn’t hurt or burned. I suspected that the moisturizere was healing the wounded skin.
The next couple days, the pinkish area lessened with no puffiness and my skin was just soaking up the pomade. Yes, it is a bit greasy but I don’t mind as I feel my skin needs the moisture. I try to avoid putting too much on near the base of my nose as that is the area where I am oily so I didn’t want my pores clogged. I apply this product about 3 times a day – morning, after work and before bed. Just last night, Friday, February 23rd, I noticed my skin from the burn of the Solage product started to flake as I applied the pomade. Ohhhh…I was so excited. My skin was healing from the wound!!!
The best thing about discovering this product is that I have actually made contact with Alondra whose sister had miraculous recovery from melasma with Pomada de la Campana. She shared with me that she also tried Obaji and it did nothing for her. Alondra, who is also a melasma sufferer, has personally been on the product for 3 months now and it has lightened her dark melasma to brown. She is very excited and suspect that it will be a year on this product before she completely rids of melasma.
And so…my usage on the product will continue and so will my online research.
My search began that evening for more information about this product. I came across skincarerx.com, which is an amazing site for the discussion of skin disorder. There – I came across a string on the topic of Pomada de la Campana. It had over 136 entries on this subject matter because women were scrambling to get a hold of this very inexpensive product. Alondra, a lady who originally posted the entry, shared her sister’s miraculous recovery from melasma just by using this product. Her sister swears by it. The more I read about her testimonies I felt it may actually work for me. I soon discovered from reading the entries that I could purchase the product at Walmart, Walgreens and/or Savons. Not to mention…I found that the product was also sold on eBay for a very reasonable amount of money (approximately $2).
It was 20 ‘til 9pm and I felt I could make it to Walmart before the store closed. Go figure…I couldn’t find it at Walmart. I remember there was a Walgreens down the street so I arrived 5 minutes before closing. A young lady behind the counter gave me specific instructions to the whereabouts of that product. I went looking for the product as instructed and found the last one on the shelf! When I paid for the product ($2.50), the young lady and I had a conversation about the moisturizer. She tells me that her mom used to have spots on her face – like mine but the spots has disappeared with the use of this product. She told me it takes time but it eventually goes away. Evidently, her mom swears by this product and uses it religiously morning and evening. I asked if her mom applied it only on the spots or all over – all over but to give it a good gentle rub on the spotted areas. And so…I felt this product and the lady behind the counter was meant to cross my path that evening.
The pomade/moisturizer made in Mexico has the ingredients of Petrolatum, Zinc Oxide, Paraffin, Fragrance, Allantoin. I reviewed the ingredients with a dear friend, Lane, who has been like a second dad to me for over 7 years and he suspected the purpose of the ingredients were as follows:
Petrolatum: Moisturizer
Zinc Oxide: Sunblock
Parafin: Wax to seal in the moisturizer
Fragrance: Fragrance (but be forewarn…the moisturizer is a bit strong in smell)
Allantoin: A botanical extract of the comfrey plant and is used for its healing, soothing, and anti-irritating properties. Allantoin helps to heal wounds and skin irritations and stimulate growth of healthy tissue.
I started my use of this product that night. Ughhhh…can I just say the smell gave me a slight headache. It smells like petroleum. The consistency was that of Vasoline but thicker. I didn’t mind the consistency but the smell. Oh well…I caked it on my face before I went to bed. Can I just say that when I woke up the next morning…my face was soft and the melasma area, which was previously burned for two weeks from the use of the Solage product, was pinkish in color and a bit puffy? I was concerned but it didn’t hurt or burned. I suspected that the moisturizere was healing the wounded skin.
The next couple days, the pinkish area lessened with no puffiness and my skin was just soaking up the pomade. Yes, it is a bit greasy but I don’t mind as I feel my skin needs the moisture. I try to avoid putting too much on near the base of my nose as that is the area where I am oily so I didn’t want my pores clogged. I apply this product about 3 times a day – morning, after work and before bed. Just last night, Friday, February 23rd, I noticed my skin from the burn of the Solage product started to flake as I applied the pomade. Ohhhh…I was so excited. My skin was healing from the wound!!!
The best thing about discovering this product is that I have actually made contact with Alondra whose sister had miraculous recovery from melasma with Pomada de la Campana. She shared with me that she also tried Obaji and it did nothing for her. Alondra, who is also a melasma sufferer, has personally been on the product for 3 months now and it has lightened her dark melasma to brown. She is very excited and suspect that it will be a year on this product before she completely rids of melasma.
And so…my usage on the product will continue and so will my online research.
Friday, February 23, 2007
Hydroquinone, Fraxel, Obaji, Lustra and Solage
If anyone is familiar with any of the above products and/or procedures then you must be one of the "lucky" few who have melasma or something quite similar. As my profile stated, I noticed I had melasma when I was in my late 20’s. At that time, my melasma was manageable as it was only less than half a dime in size. It rested on both of my cheekbones but, more so, on the left side. I didn’t give too much thought since I was just so damn happy that I no longer had to deal with acne EVERY month. The acne was painful in feel and look.
Back then...I also assumed that maybe the sun was aggravating my left cheekbones, which was the side exposed to the sun when I was driving. The years would go by and I wouldn’t pay too much attention to it. I spent time in the sun and my melasma was basically the same color as my skin tone. It wasn’t until I was in my early 30’s did I decide to spend less time in the sun. I also tried to wear sunblock each time I went outdoors. It wasn’t until early 2006 (age: 35) did I notice my skin lightened naturally from my decrease in sun exposure; however, my melasma was more noticeable now because it didn’t lightened as easily as my unaffected skin area...STUBBORN!!
In May 2006 I decided to have several laser treatment (Fraxel) to remove my melasma, which is now bigger than a quarter in size. I was informed that the treatment was the first safe treatment for people of color skin. I’m an Asian female with a skin tone which seems tanned during the winter months. During the first few months after the treatment, my skin looked youthful and pores were tighter; however the melasma was still evident. There goes $3k. My dermatologist wanted me to go on the Obaji system and so I did. I cannot tell you what happened next. My entire face was beautifully lightened with an even and smooth tone; however, the melasma looked twice as pronounced because it didn’t lightened one bit. Damn stubborn thing!!! When you looked at my face, you saw the map of the world – with the melasma being the continents on the world map, of course.
My dermatologist had me stop the Obaji system and then put me on Lustra, Lustra AF and Lustra Ultra in combination with Finacea. A little over a month and my melasma was very resistant in moving residence. It was happy right there on top of high cheekbones. To top it off, he had me stop the Lustra and Finacea and had me on Solage. I was instructed to only apply the Solage on the melasma. Bad decision. Let’s just say within two weeks of using it, the solution had burned my melasma and made it WORSE because what do burns do? They become darker before they heal. I cried like I haven't cried in a long time.
Consequently, I walked into the office after a three-day weekend (President’s Day) and the people’s reaction to my face was enough to keep me in my office and away from attending my meetings that day. I read body languages very well and that day…I could count the number of eyes dropping after viewing my burnt melasma on my cheekbones. I cannot tell you how devastated I was. I had a 36th birthday a couple days after President’s Day and that was very difficult for me. I cancelled birthday lunches and dinners because I couldn’t bare to be seen by my friends. It was a very challenging day and week for me.
I found myself for the very first time in my life wearing concealer. It was so awkward because I didn’t even know how to put it on properly. I never thought that this skin disorder could change my life like it has. During this week, I have spent my evenings researching and researching melasma – its causes, various treatments and prevention. There are sooooo many different possible treatments!!!!! Where do I begin? Most importantly...which one?
From research, I have discovered that what may work for one may not work for another. Some women reported great success on the Obaji; whereas others, like me, did not experience any positive results. While I do have my moments of despair, I truly believe I will have those beautiful cheekbones again!
Back then...I also assumed that maybe the sun was aggravating my left cheekbones, which was the side exposed to the sun when I was driving. The years would go by and I wouldn’t pay too much attention to it. I spent time in the sun and my melasma was basically the same color as my skin tone. It wasn’t until I was in my early 30’s did I decide to spend less time in the sun. I also tried to wear sunblock each time I went outdoors. It wasn’t until early 2006 (age: 35) did I notice my skin lightened naturally from my decrease in sun exposure; however, my melasma was more noticeable now because it didn’t lightened as easily as my unaffected skin area...STUBBORN!!
In May 2006 I decided to have several laser treatment (Fraxel) to remove my melasma, which is now bigger than a quarter in size. I was informed that the treatment was the first safe treatment for people of color skin. I’m an Asian female with a skin tone which seems tanned during the winter months. During the first few months after the treatment, my skin looked youthful and pores were tighter; however the melasma was still evident. There goes $3k. My dermatologist wanted me to go on the Obaji system and so I did. I cannot tell you what happened next. My entire face was beautifully lightened with an even and smooth tone; however, the melasma looked twice as pronounced because it didn’t lightened one bit. Damn stubborn thing!!! When you looked at my face, you saw the map of the world – with the melasma being the continents on the world map, of course.
My dermatologist had me stop the Obaji system and then put me on Lustra, Lustra AF and Lustra Ultra in combination with Finacea. A little over a month and my melasma was very resistant in moving residence. It was happy right there on top of high cheekbones. To top it off, he had me stop the Lustra and Finacea and had me on Solage. I was instructed to only apply the Solage on the melasma. Bad decision. Let’s just say within two weeks of using it, the solution had burned my melasma and made it WORSE because what do burns do? They become darker before they heal. I cried like I haven't cried in a long time.
Consequently, I walked into the office after a three-day weekend (President’s Day) and the people’s reaction to my face was enough to keep me in my office and away from attending my meetings that day. I read body languages very well and that day…I could count the number of eyes dropping after viewing my burnt melasma on my cheekbones. I cannot tell you how devastated I was. I had a 36th birthday a couple days after President’s Day and that was very difficult for me. I cancelled birthday lunches and dinners because I couldn’t bare to be seen by my friends. It was a very challenging day and week for me.
I found myself for the very first time in my life wearing concealer. It was so awkward because I didn’t even know how to put it on properly. I never thought that this skin disorder could change my life like it has. During this week, I have spent my evenings researching and researching melasma – its causes, various treatments and prevention. There are sooooo many different possible treatments!!!!! Where do I begin? Most importantly...which one?
From research, I have discovered that what may work for one may not work for another. Some women reported great success on the Obaji; whereas others, like me, did not experience any positive results. While I do have my moments of despair, I truly believe I will have those beautiful cheekbones again!
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