Melasma Management: Big River Silk Skincare's GlycoShea Face&Neck Kits
Melasma, sometimes called “the mask of pregnancy,” is a facial or neck skin condition with deposition of additional skin pigment or melanin, common among Latinos and Asians, particularly those who have been on birth control pills or pregnant, or who have been in the sun. The good news is that Dermatologists have new options to manage melasma.
First, it’s a great idea to start by getting a professional opinion for any specific skin condition by locating a Dermatologist for a consultation. My own Dermatology practice is with Rheumatology and Dermatology Associates, Cordova, TN (1-901-753-0168; www.Rheumderm.com). You can find a Dermatologist in your own area by going to the American Academy of Dermatology web site, AAD.org, then plugging your zip code into the “Find a Dermatologist” tab.
We Dermatologists commonly use combinations of effective sunscreens with topical (meaning “on top of” the skin) agents like Vitamin A Creams (Retinoids), bleaching creams (called “hydroquinone), and what are called Alpha-Hydroxy Acid (AHA) Creams for melasma. One such AHA is Glycolic Acid, first discovered in pineapple and sugarcane. Glycolic Acid is present in both prescription and over-the-counter creams, washes, and lotions.
Having practiced Dermatology in the sunny South for over 25 years, in 2016 I became President of Big River Silk Skincare Inc., to manufacture and distribute skincare products helpful for melasma. We offer two Face and Neck Kits: one for Oily Skin/Combination Skin and one for Dry Skin.
Big River Silk Skincare's GlycoShea Cream Kit for Oily Skin/Combination Skin:
Big River Silk Skincare's GlycoShea Cream Kit for Dry Skin:
Both kits contain a Glycolic Acid-containing cream - GlycoShea Cream - generally helpful for melasma, skin wrinkling, and skin roughness (both kits: $78.89, plus applicable tax).
These kits also contain a mild moisturizer called HypoShea™ Moisturizer Cream, and a cleanser – either Ambersoy™ Soap Gel (for people with Oily Skin) or Vanicream® Bar Soap (for people with Dry Skin).
When first using these kits, it’s often best to use the active cream – the GlycoShea Cream– only every second night – to alternate with the milder product – the HypoShea Moisturizer Cream – to prevent too much peeling. After using the kits for 1-2 months, it’s often possible to use the active GlycoShea Cream two nights out of every three, once the skin adapts to the Glycolic Acid.
For management of melasma, it’s essential to combine use of an AHA-containing cream like GlycoShea Facial&Neck Cream with use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF rating (Sun Protection Factor) of 30 or higher. A personal favorite is Vanicream® Sunscreen Sport SPF 35, being water resistant, so less likely to run into one’s eyes (now available at www.Bigriversilkskincare.com: 4 oz: $17.95).
In summary, if you suffer from melasma, there is effective therapy available, so consider seeing a Dermatologist for options possibly including prescription agents like Retinoids or over-the-counter options like GlycoShea Facial&Neck Cream Kits (www.Bigriversilkskincare.com).
Big River Silk Skincare’s products are available for purchase at our headquarters. We also ship nationally in the U.S. and Canada ($5.00 shipping/handling for orders under $40.00).
George Woodbury Jr. M.D.
President of Big River Silk Skincare (www.Bigriversilkskincare.com) and
8143 Walnut Grove Road
Cordova, TN 38018 1-901-753-0168
07/06/2020
