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For the last three years fairly large brown spots have formed on my forehead and temples. I am very fair skinned, currently taking birth control, and have spent a significant amount of time in the sun with countless sunburns over the years (I’m ashamed to admit).

As any one with a skin condition will know, treating the skin can be frustrating. Products are expensive and the results are often minimal all the while our self-esteem suffers. But for me the fight is only just beginning. I’m willing to spend the money and the time to have a face that I want (and once had) and I’m willing to share the experience with you.

I’ve purchased Clarins Bright Plus Intensive Age-Control Brightening Program and will for the next 21 days be applying their two step system to my face every night. The photos posted here were taken prior to having applied any of the product. Each week for the next three I’ll post more photos so that you and I can see the progress in my melasma removal–hopefully.

In addition to Clarins Bright Plus system, my current skin care regimen has for the last year included a morning and night cleanse with Murad Clarifying Cleanser, followed by a layer of aloe and Murad Skin Perfecting Lotion for moisture. Last, I apply DDF Organic Sunblock SPF 30 every day regardless of whether I think I’ll have a lot of exposure to the sun or not. I also use a strong exfoliating scrub three times a weeks, and take many supplements including folic acid, vitamin A, vitamin C all of which have skin fitness benefits. You can see there are no other skin brightening products in my routine.

Check back next week to see my progress.

For some, melasma disappears after pregnancy or discontinued use of the birth control pill. This is because there is less estrogen in your body encouraging the production of melanin. If going off birth control is not an option for you, yet you’d still like to get rid of your melasma, ask your doctor about low-level estrogren or progestin (POP) pills. Here are some brands that may be helpful: Alesse, Demulen, Estrostep, Loestrin, Micronor, and Nor-QD.

Many of you are well aware that Neutrogena’s popular Multi-Vitamin Acne Treatment is discontinued. Many acne sufferers are upset about this since they did find it useful in moisturizing, clearing up existing acne, preventing outbreaks, and reducing the appearance of acne scars.

Although it is sad for some that this product is no longer exists, there is still hope. Here are a few moisturizers that include some of the same ingredients a Neutrogena Multi-Vitamin Acne Treatment, which are just as effective and available for purchase.

• pH Advantage Acne Treatment, AM Clarifying Hydrator contains butyl ether (one of the main ingredients in Neutrogena Multi-Vitamin Acne Treatment) and grape seed extract
• Murad Skin Perfecting Lotion includes both grape seed and honey extract
• Pevonia Problematic Skin Care Cream contains glycolic acid
• TESS Put On Your PJs and… Vanilla Oil-Free Moisturizer has oat extract as an ingredient