Caused by numerous factors, melasma is a pigmentary skin disorder characterized by dark spots. It is much more common on the face but can appear on other parts of the body as well.
Being mainly in a region of greater visibility (the face), it is a fact that these spots bother and are of concern among the people who have them. Therefore, most of them make no effort to treat the problem.
Flávia de Oliveira José, pharmacist at Doce Flora, professor of Cosmetology and coordinator of the technical course of Pharmacy at Esaup (Piracicaba Health School), points out that melasma (dark spots on the skin) is caused by numerous problems, such as hormonal disorders, medicines and the most common: wrong exposure (no use of sunscreen, inadequate or insufficient use of it) and excessive sun.
And one product that has stood out today in treating melasma is Vitacid Plus. But is it really effective? How does it work to reduce stains? Who can use it?
Flávia points out that Vitacid Plus is a medicine and not a cosmetic (over-the-counter product). That is, it requires prescription and medical supervision to be used as it may cause serious adverse effects if used improperly.
Read also: Cicatricure gel: Is it really effective against stretch marks?
How does it work and who is Vitacid Plus indicated for?
Renata Domingues, dermatologist, a member of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD), professor of dermatocosmiatry at the Institute of Dermatological Graduate Studies (IMS), comments that Vitacid Plus is a traditional formula that was only obtained through manipulation a few years ago. Until then it was known as the "Kligman formula". The arrival of this drug on the market was a great advance ?, he says.
Vitacid Plus is composed of retinoic acid (tretinoin), which stimulates collagen production and increases penetration of other actives through microsfoliation; hydroquinone, active with whitening effect; and a low dose of corticosteroid, which has a soothing action, to lessen the effects of the other two actives, as well as lighten the skin. Is it suitable for patients who want to lighten their skin, especially in the case of melasma or post-inflammatory blackening ?, explains Renata.
Helena Costa, a member of the Brazilian Laser Society for Medicine and Surgery and dermatologist at the Helena Costa Clinic in Rio de Janeiro, points out that the retinoid present in Vitacid Plus promotes: cell renewal, epidermis thinning, collagen stimulation, oil control, pore reduction, fine lines smoothing, skin texture improvement. Hydroquinone works by lightening the spots. That is why the product is suitable for aged, stained, rough, oily skin ?, he adds.
Where to buy Vitacid Plus?
The drug can be found in most drugstores. Through the internet we find the lowest price of Vitacid Plus at Drogaria Onofre where it sells for about 67 reais. However, it must be sold only with a prescription. "The pharmacy does not have to withhold the prescription, but it must be presented at the time of purchase," says Flavia.
The pharmacist points out that there are still similar to Vitacid Plus, such as Tri-Luma from the American laboratory HILL LABORATORIES, INC and Trilunox from the EMS laboratory.
Read also: 10 Commandments for Beautiful, Clean and Healthy Skin
It is noteworthy that these similar drugs should not be used without medical indication either.
Buy Vitacid Plus at the Lowest Price!
How to use Vitacid Plus?
Flávia reminds that, as Vitacid Plus is a medicine, its use must be done according to medical or pharmaceutical guidelines. Generally speaking, you should first cleanse the face gently and dry it. The drug should be used at night. Before bedtime, about 30 minutes before, a thin layer of Vitacid Plus should be applied to the areas of melasma (pigmented area). Massage lightly and evenly on the skin. In the morning, the face should be washed for total removal of the cream ?, explains the pharmacist.
Flávia adds that it is essential to use a sunscreen of SPF 30 / PPD 10 as a minimum. • Avoid exposure to the sun, beach and pools (should stop 15 days before using the cream and it is recommended not to expose yourself excessively to the sun). Remember that the sun is the biggest villain, causing melasma ?, says.
Dermatologist Helena explains that, applying the drug every night all over the face, initially, it is possible that the skin is a little sensitive. "And then we have to apply every other day until the skin adapts," he says.
Read also: How to get rid of pimples: tips and recipes to leave your skin smooth
Renata points out that the ideal is for the patient to seek medical advice to see the real indication and use the medicine according to his indications. • It is usually indicated to use at night. To reduce the chances of side effects such as irritation, peeling and redness, it is advisable to apply a very thin layer to the skin ?, adds the dermatologist.
Buy Vitacid Plus at the lowest price!
Who has used Vitacid Plus
In the blogosphere, some women have reported their experiences with Vitacid Plus. This is the case of Hiana Santana, from the blog Vanity Curious. In the video below, Flávia Koloske also talks about using Vitacid Plus:
It may be interesting to check the bloggers' opinion about the drug and to know what were the results they obtained with the treatment. But, remember, each case is a case.
Vitacid Plus should only be used when directed by a dermatologist, and should always be used only as directed by your doctor (not by a friend, acquaintance or blogger you have used).
Are there any other uses for Vitacid Plus?
Flávia points out that, as Vitacid Plus is a medicine and not a cosmetic, the only indication on the package leaflet should be respected, as it is the one registered by the laboratory with ANVISA and which guarantees and knows the effects.
• In this case, Vitacid Plus is indicated for short-term melasma treatment only. But some doctors prescribe acne treatment, especially for people who have hyperchromia (increased skin pigmentation) at the acne sites, the drugmaker adds.
Vitacid Plus Contraindications
Professionals Helena, Renata and Flávia talk about Vitacid Plus contraindications:
- It is contraindicated for people under 18 years;
- For patients with allergy and / or sensitivity to formula components;
- For very sensitive skin;
- For people who tend to have teleangectasia (vessels);
- For pregnant women.
Care during treatment
The professionals talk about the care that Vitacid Plus treatment requires:
- Renata explains that the person should always use a thin layer of the product at night.
- Renata adds that the person should discontinue use three days before epilating or cleaning the skin in the area that is being used.
- Helena points out that the skin tends to be sensitized by the use of acid, so it is very important to use sunscreen and avoid sun exposure.
- Flávia adds that, besides these precautions, it is essential not to do abrasive treatments, such as chemical or physical peel.
Tretinoin and Hydroquinone against stains
Flávia explains that hydroquinone interferes mainly in the production of new melanin, inhibiting tyrosinase activity (enzyme that oxidizes melanin). Melanin is a pigment that protects our body from solar radiation. When it is produced, it is colorless, but when it reacts with tyrosinase, it gets a brownish color?
"Second, more slowly, hydroquinone causes structural changes in the membranes of melanocyte organelles (melanin-producing cells), accelerating the degradation of melanosomes (organelle where melanin synthesis and deposition occurs)," the pharmacist explains.
But tretinoin, adds Flavia, has keratolytic action. That is, it breaks down keratin, the main constituent of the first layer of skin, where it disperses melanin. This way the stain is removed faster, by the Peeling effect (cell renewal) and thus allowing a deeper penetration of hydroquinone ?, he says.
Fluocinolone, in turn, explains Flavia, is a corticoid. It therefore promotes an anti-inflammatory action to alleviate the irritating effects that tretinoin can cause. So reducing the redness and edema ?, says.
"So we can say that Vitacid Plus acts in many ways?" What makes it a product of great and fast efficacy ?, emphasizes the pharmaceutical.
Vitacid Plus Handled: Is It Worth It?
Flávia explains that Vitacid Plus formula can be manipulated as long as it is prescribed by a doctor.
On the bright side, according to the pharmacist, is that the value of the handled product is usually lower than the value of processed products. It also has the benefit of being able to customize the formula according to the person. In this case, as for the oil free or gel base, the essence or not, or even the packaging ?, highlights.
Therefore, it is always best to talk to your doctor about the best option for you.
Now you have all the information you need about Vitacid Plus. But remember: It should only be used when directed by a dermatologist. So if you are bothered by dark spots on your skin, do not hesitate to look for a professional who will indicate the best type of treatment for you!
❌Fungal Acne Skincare Routine • Tiny Little Bumps on the Forehead (May 2024)
- Skin
- 1,230
