Confessions of a Dermatologist

May 5, 2010 at 10:16 pm Dr. Kathy Fields 5 comments

By Dr. Kathy Fields

I am the proud mother of two boys and I am reminded of them every time I look in the mirror. This derm’s confession … no, I didn’t get their names tattooed on my forehead … I have melasma. Also known as “the mask of pregnancy,” melasma is a hormonal disorder causing dark patches in the skin that often appears for the first time during pregnancy. It’s a disfigurement for me and one that I will always need to treat, protect and conceal to look my best, especially as an outdoor enthusiast. I’ve had to make some major lifestyle changes as a result. I used to be carefree about time spent in the sun (and always applied sunscreen). These days, even sunscreen isn’t enough, and I’ve had to pick up new summer hobbies, like scuba diving far underwater where the sun “don’t shine”.

To avoid the visible signs of melasma, I’ve had to change my habits and commit to hydroquinone-based treatments. On days where my melasma is in full swing, I apply mineral peptide treatment to help even skin tone. Whether you are experiencing melasma yourself, or know someone who is, this is a lifelong condition that ebbs and flows. Consistency is the key to management; I’ve learned to be forever vigilant about sun protection and lifestyle choices.

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5 Comments

1. Anne Potter | May 7, 2010 at 9:05 pm

I have the same problem across my cheeks and its quite visible. It’s the reason I started using REVERSE in the 1st place. I’ve been on the regimen for 2 months and I’m so pleased the marks are breaking up and fading. I still need to use a concealer for now. I’d like to use it under my mineral peptides. Can you recommend a good concealer for an olive complexion? I’ve heard conflicting info. Shade lighter than your skin tone, one with a yellow base etc. Thanks!
- 2. Derm RF | May 7, 2010 at 9:43 pm
  
  Finding the right concealor is a tricky challenge because melasma needs more coverage than the less pigmented skin. Dense pigment formulations with full coverage can draw attention to the area due to the unnatural waxy appearance. But light coverage allows the shadow to show.
  
  We suggest that you visit a cosmetic counter and have the professional makeup artists try their best combinations on your skin. Ask to step outside with a mirror to examine their work in natural light. Then you can choose what appears to be the most natural. The best bet is to layer light coverage cosmetics over the problem area and finish with a mineral powder.
  
  You may try our Rodan + Fields ENHANCEMENTS Mineral Peptides SPF 20 to soothe skin and provide sun protection while still creating a more even-toned complexion with light-deflecting minerals. The lightweight, complexion-enhancing formula is ideal for all skin types and conditions and can be used with any Rodan + Fields Regimen.
3. Randy DeTurk | May 6, 2010 at 5:43 pm

Great little article. Thank you for your willingness to share. I was able to read this to my wife and hope it will help her to be more dilegent about her use of the products.
4. Nisha Zenoff | May 5, 2010 at 10:26 pm

How can I forward this article to a customer without losing the photos on it? Thank you .
- 5. Derm RF | May 5, 2010 at 10:42 pm
  
  The easiest way to share this article is to email your Customer a link to dermrf.com where she/he can access today’s article and all past articles.

Derm RF