The Day After 1st Miami Peel

Yesterday I headed to my dermatologist for my one month visit. He was very impressed at the lightening of my melasma. He took pictures and then proceeded to start the "Miami Peel".

First they cleaned my face completely, placed a cold gel like mask on my face and in the background started up relaxing music. After about five minutes he came back and did a "Gentle Peel" which was a fast sweep with a sandpaper type machin to clean my skin deeper and probably take away and dead skin cell layers. He then placed the cold gel like mask again, for 5 minutes. Afterwards he came in with a cotton gauze and applied the chemicals, the smell was a bit strong. He sweeped it across my face but dedicated more time on my cheeks where I have darker spots, it kind of hurt as it felt he was scrubbing away. He then placed the cold gel pack on my face again so it wouldn´t sting so much, the stinging was just like a light sunburn. After a few minutes he came back and applied a second coat of the acid. He placed the cold gel pack again and after about another 5 minutes the stinging sensation was gone. The assistant placed sun cream on my face and I was allowed to put makeup on that she provided.

My skin felt like I had a sunburn but it was not red. I proceeded with the same skin treatment as before.

I still am not peeling, my skin feels dry and a little cracked around my nose area.

He has sent me another cream that the pharmacist has to prepare, with 6% hydroquinone and 0.025 retinoic acid.

I have to go back in 2-3 weeks for another peel.

The Day Before

Tomorrow I go in for my first Miami Peel to the dermatologist, and my first visit since I started treatment a little over a month ago.

I am very pleased with the results thus far and am just happy to see the fading, my makeup routine has simplified and diminished in application time.

Just Whiter

There´s a relative I see only once a year during the summer. Yesterday we met up. She looked great, relaxed and tan. She on the other hand said to me, " you look the same only whiter" ....of course!!! She´s use to seeing me during the summer in my better, sunloving days. I use to love getting that golden tan especially on my face, it made me look healthier, prettier... I thought.

So I wonder, if whiter meant, I looked pale and sickly and then I thought looking at myself in the mirror how much better I felt without that dark tan on my face. I do miss a little golden on my arms and face, but overall I feel better.

By the way, I instantly explained to her that I was going through a skin treatment for my melasma and that I had to keep away from the sun. Hydroquinona and the sun don´t mix...ever, neither during or after treatment.

Back from Vacation

Well I just got back yesterday from almost a month away, even though I´v managed to post a few times or maybe just once.

My parents noticed a big change, my mom says my skin looks a lot better in general. I do have to say that I did not vacation at the beach, I live near a beautiful beach. I also got very use to using an umbrella because hats just give me a bad hair day.

I have my one month appointment on Tuesday with the dermatologist and my first Miami Peel. I will post pictures before then.

Overall I am optimistic but still cautious about the whole process I am going through. I am wary of any rebound effects and am taking one day at a time.

Almost a Month

It hasn't even been a month since I started my skin treatment followed very closely by a dermatologist. Although I started out skeptical I have become more optimistic, taking in my families suggestions of a positive attitude. Maybe I just don't want to hope for too much, I know the possible side effects or rebound effect of hydroquinone.

I usually jump out of bed every morning to look in the mirror in hopes of finding that my melasma its on its way out of my life... at night I look forward to wiping away my makeup to see how much my skin has improved... as opposed to before when I dreaded taking off my makeup. I could hardly stand to see my reflection in the mirror.

Tonight as I washed the makeup off my face, I noticed a big change. The first closeup picture is of my right cheek at a different angle and with less flash and the second one is my left cheek. If you click on the pictures you can see them bigger, by the way I can't wax my upper lip so please don't look too closely!

I think the darkness of my spots also depends on the angle and lighting because the full frontal picture looks about the same. To tell you the truth I do see a change even though it's not that apparent in the last pictures, my daughters also see the change.

What do you think?

Ever Since Melasma....

I miss being able to swim in the ocean with my daughters and not worry what my face looks like coming out of the water without makeup.

I miss not being comfortable talking to people in plain daylight where my spots are more visible.

I miss my quick makeup routine in the morning.

I miss, which is bad to miss, but I miss it....the feeling of the warm sun on my body.

I also kindof miss being tan...which is probably one reason I am where I am...but not the only reason, genetics, hormones, they all play factors.

Don't Forget Your Hat!

"Oh! You forgot your hat!", my little niece said while we were in the car. Even she takes care of my face. She knows what I'm going through as does the rest of my family. They are all very supportive and helpful, optimistic and encouraging. It helps to have that support.

I was at an outdoor event the other day and even popped open an umbrella. I thought I would feel weird but it felt very normal. It was a bit uncomfortable but I guess I just have to get use to it. I have already ordered my special anti-uv umbrella. I'll let you know what it's like when it arrives, I ordered it in an olive color, so I can blend into the scenery!

About 20 more days until my next visit to the dermatologist and first chemical peel.