Treatment of Dark Spots

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Do you have embarrassing dark spots on your face? It may be melasma. If it is, you are not alone. Melasma is a common skin condition that occurs predominantly in women. In fact, about 6 million American women are estimated to have melasma. Anyone can have it, though it seems to be more common in people with light brown skin, especially Hispanics or Asians. Many use cosmetics to cover their dark, brown spots, unaware that there is an FDA-approved medication to help fade them. Experts believe melasma is caused by hormonal changes that occur when a woman begins taking birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy. It can also occur during the second or third trimester of pregnancy, which is why it is sometimes called the “mask of pregnancy.” Talk with your doctor to find out if the discoloration on your face is melasma.

What Are Dark Spots?

Melasma is a darkening of the skin caused by excessive production of melanin – the pigment that causes the skin to tan. That’s why the sun, which increases melanin production, makes melasma worse. Melasma only occurs on areas of skin that are exposed to the sun. It can be mild, moderate or severe.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tri-Luma® Cream

How fast will Tri-Luma® Cream lighten your dark spots?

Some patients had improvement of their melasma after only 4 weeks. In about 8 weeks with Tri-Luma® Cream, you should see a significant lightening of your melasma. But, remember that everyone’s skin is different. If your melasma recurs, see Dr. Sena determine if additional treatment with Tri-Luma® Cream is right for you.

Did you know Dr. Sena is Affiliated with two surgical locations?

At both the River Valley Surgery Center , 45 Salem Turnpike, Norwich, CT 06360, and Lawrence + Memorial Hospital , 365 Montauk Ave, New London CT 06320.

Where can you get Tri-Luma® Cream?

If Dr. Sena decides that Tri-Luma® Cream can help your melasma, he or she will write a prescription for you. (If you are pregnant or nursing, asthmatic, or are over the age of 65, be sure to let your doctor know.)

How should you use your medicine?

Tri-Luma® Cream should be used as instructed by your doctor.
• Using your fingers, gently wash your face with a mild cleanser. Rinse and pat your skin dry
• Apply Tri-Luma® Cream at night, at least 30 minutes before bedtime
• Put a pea-sized amount (1/2 inch or less) of Tri-Luma® Cream on your fingertip
• Rub the cream lightly and uniformly into the affected areas. It should become invisible almost at once

Do you really need to wear sunscreen every day?

Yes. Many people underestimate the amount of time they spend in the sun and are unaware of the need for daily sunscreen.Use a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 and wear a wide-brimmed hat. It takes only a small amount of sunlight to worsen dark spots. Even if you avoid sunburn, your melasma can get worse. If you do get sunburned, stop using Tri-Luma® Cream until your skin is healed. Minimizing your exposure to sunlight, even during daily activities, can help prevent further darkening of existing melasma as well as the formation of new patches. This is especially important for women who take birth control pills or hormone replacement supplements, and for people who have had melasma in the past. If you are in the sun for long periods of time, you should wear a hat to protect your face. After completing treatment with Tri-Luma® Cream, continue to protect your skin from sunlight.

Besides the sun, what should you avoid while using Tri-Luma® Cream?

Heat, wind and cold tend to dry or irritate normal skin. Skin treated with Tri-Luma® Cream may be more likely to react to them. Avoid products that may dry or irritate your skin. These may include soaps and cleansers that are rough or cause drying; certain astringents, soaps, and toiletries containing alcohol, spices or lime; or certain medicated soaps, shampoos, and hair permanent products. Do not use any other topical medicines with Tri-Luma® Cream unless you have consulted your doctor. The topical medicines and products you have used in the past may cause redness or skin peeling when used with Tri-Luma® Cream.

What have other patients said about Tri-Luma® Cream?

In a study of 1076 people with melasma, most patients treated with Tri-Luma® Cream reported improvement in their quality of life.
• 64% were less embarrassed
• 61% felt more attractive
• 60% felt younger
• 56% put less effort into hiding their skin
• 52% used fewer cosmetics

NIA 24™

Repair is never as good as prevention, particularly in skin care. Tap into skin’s own self-protective powers 24-hours a day with patented NIA 24™. Inside, this patented MicroNutrient Delivery system brings a continuous-release form of Niacin to the skin. Outside, skin’s barrier is restored and signs of damage dramatically reversed. Designed like a medical protocol in three courses of action–pre-damage action, pro-active repair, and an antidote to diagnosed problems–this system works together to prevent, repair and fight signs of damage deep in the skin NIA 24™ is ideal for any patient, who sees–or doesn’t want to see–the premature signs of aging, from lines to age spots. As a skin strengthener, it’s also a necessary companion for those undergoing serious skin care or procedures.

By stimulating skin’s natural barrier function, NIA 24™ builds stronger, better skin that’s more resilient and resistant to damage. By improving the skin’s barrier function, overall skin tone and texture improve. NIA 24™ reduces the appearance of visible brown spots, hyperpigmentation, and lines specifically associated with sun damage. Without it, skin falls prey to the daily sun and environmental stresses that slow skin’s self-protective function and speed the visible signs of again. This special form of Pro-Niacin™ delivers immediate and residual benefits, as well as continuous dermal-delivery of Niacin without vasodilation and photosensitivity.

Gentle and beneficial for nearly every patient, NIA 24™ products are a necessary daily protocol for those choosing the most effective treatment regimens or procedures, as well as anyone with a history of sensitized skin or even sun worship. For further information on NIA 24™ products visit the website at www.NIA24.com.

Frequently Asked Questions about NIA 24™

What does MicroNutrient Delivery mean?

MicroNutrient Delivery allows ingredients known to be beneficial to go beyond topical application, penetrating the epidermis in a slow, continuous-release.This allows time for the molecule to bio-convert to its working form.

How are NIA 24™ products different?

NIA 24™ products are the only comprehensive, science-based protocol to take every action–preventative, proactive and corrective. Containing Pro-Niacin™–a patented, continuous-release system of Niacin–NIA 24™ products were born from science and developed with funding from the National Institutes of Health and clinically researched at the University of Arizona Cancer Center to help the treatment of dark spots. NIA 24™ technology is so advanced, it holds 14 patents. The Pro-Niacin™ molecule breakthrough is the result of 25 years of research into cellular DNA damage in the formation of cancer. So beneficial, it’s been chosen by the National Cancer Institute for development as a potential skin cancer prevention agent.

In clinical studies, patients see dramatic differences in just 90 days:
90% reduction in hyperpigmentation
82% improved skin texture
81% increased skin smoothness
80% improved skin tone
68% reduction in fine lines & wrinkles
53% improved firmness

Dr. Sena’s recommended dark spots treatments are proven to:
• Improve the appearance of sun damage, hyperpigmentation and brown spots.
• Reduce the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles.
• Improve skin tone, texture & firmness.

Other NIA products include:

Physical Cleansing Scrub

This all-in-one cleansing scrub gently removes dead skin cells. Pro-Niasomes®, which are spherical Jojoba Beads infused with Pro-Niacin™, help wash away skin’s visible imperfections.
• Formulated with Pro-Niasomes®, spherical Jojoba Beads encapsulated with Pro-Niacin™.
• Visibly improves dry patches and uneven texture.
• Chamomile, Oat, and Sage calm and soothe skin.
• Sunflower Oil instantly hydrates skin.
• Pores are primed to receive the maximum benefits of our Skin Strengthening Complex and Sun Damage Prevention, 100% Mineral Sunscreen.

Skin Strengthening Complex Repair Cream

Neither heavy nor too light, this fortified cream visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by enhancing the skin’s barrier function, accelerating repair and delivering continual moisturization.
• Pro-Niasomes® is clinically shown to visibly improve skin tone, texture, and hyperpigmentation.
• Vitamin A helps to improve elasticity and skin texture.
• Antioxidants Green Tea and Rosemary restore and protect skin.
• Evening Primrose and Wheat Germ oils deliver moisture.
• Dermaxyl™ Peptide Complex visibly eases deeper wrinkles and expression lines.

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