Dermatologist Reveals 3 Skincare Practices to Avoid for Melasma Management

New York, NY – Dr. Shereene Idriss, a renowned dermatologist, recently shared crucial insights on managing melasma, a common skin condition characterized by dark, discolored patches. In a recent video, Dr. Idriss, who also experiences melasma, highlighted three practices she personally avoids to keep her condition under control. Dr. Idriss warned against activities that significantly increase skin temperature, such as hot yoga, steam rooms, and saunas. She explained that 'heat, steam, sauna can all cause an increase of blood flow to your skin, stimulating your melanocytes and making your melasma trigger and get worse in the process.' She emphasized the importance of keeping the skin cool and calm. Furthermore, Dr. Idriss advised against relying solely on laser treatments for melasma. While acknowledging her profession, she stated, 'I do not believe laser treatments are a way to get your melasma under control. For the most part, you need to be on a maintenance routine, a skincare routine that’s gonna keep your melasma at bay, and laser treatments should not be viewed as a means to an end.' Finally, she addressed the use of LED light therapy, specifically red light LEDs. Dr. Idriss cautioned that 'red light LEDs are not gonna help you in the long run... can trigger and stimulate your melanocytes and make your skin look worse.' She shared her personal experience, noting that after just 10 minutes under red light, her skin looked 'speckled and worse than before going in.' She suggested green light LEDs as a potentially beneficial, though harder to find, alternative.

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