Melasma (GA Version)

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How To Treat melasma

Kelly
#Melasma
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Kylie
#Melasma
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Elin
#Melasma
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Pat
#Melasma
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Charlotte
#Melasma
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Kristine
#Melasma
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You’re NOT Alone!

If you’re like others suffering the frustration of melasma you know how distressing this skin condition can be. Studies show that melasma can negatively affect your confidence, both professionally and socially.

Maybe you’re noticing that the hyperpigmentation on your cheeks, forehead, or nose has returned, is spreading to other areas, or getting darker, and you’re finding it harder to cover with makeup.

Perhaps you’ve felt confused by conflicting advice about how to treat melasma and wonder what the most safe and effective treatment is.

And, you may be tired of spending thousands of dollars on skincare products, supplements, and treatments that make big promises, only to see your melasma return afterwards.

You’re not alone. We see many melasma sufferers, and they tell us their similar frustrations with treating their pigmentation. But, there is an answer. And it begins by understanding that melasma is a chronic skin condition that can be managed long-term using a topical cream.

QR8 Mediskin is a doctor-prescribed and nurse-supported skincare service designed to address your specific melasma challenges with evidence-based topical melasma treatments that are simple to use (just a few minutes each day).

We help you:

  • Get a medical assessment of your skin – not all hyperpigmentation is melasma.
  • Get an at-home treatment cream that fades current hyperpigmentation and minimises new pigment forming using gold-standard medical ingredients, customised at a dose for you
  • Understand what causes melasma, that it’s a chronic disease, and how to manage it in the long-term (including the type of sun protection that makes the biggest difference to pigment returning)
  • Use evidence-based melasma treatments with minimal burning, redness, and peeling
  • Find skincare products that support your skin, and a sunscreen that science has demonstrated makes the biggest difference when managing melasma
  • Get treatment that is more affordable than many in-clinic treatments like peels and lasers

Our online skincare team gets to know you and your skin (using a detailed questionnaire combined with a secure video consultation) and prescribes a science-backed treatment from a choice of 20+ evidence-based ingredients that are targeted and blended for your specific skin condition.

As part of your treatment you also receive a comprehensive Skin Plan, including detailed instructions to keep side effects to a minimum, skincare product recommendations, and ongoing support from our dermatology nurse via SMS, phone, email, and or video call.

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LILY’S MELASMA JOURNEY

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ELIN'S MELASMA JOURNEY

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What Is Melasma

Melasma is symmetrical, patchy, brown hyperpigmentation on sun-exposed areas of the face and neck (and sometimes the chest and arms). It is more common in females, people with darker skin tones and can run in families.

Unlike chronic hyperpigmentation from our harsh Australian and New Zealand sun, which appears as random spots or freckles, melasma often (but not always!) appears in symmetrical patterns. Most commonly, melasma hyperpigmentation appears down the centre of the face, on the forehead, cheeks, upper lip (the dreaded ‘sun-stache’), nose and chin. The jawline and neck are other common places for dark melasma pigment, especially as we age.

If you suffer from melasma pigmentation you’ll know how frustrating and emotionally distressing it is. Melasma treatment is difficult and expensive as melasma often reoccurs after fading treatments, even with diligent sun protection. Because of this, melasma is considered a chronic skin disorder, and there is unfortunately no cure, but it can be very effectively managed long term.

Over-the-counter melasma skincare products are ineffective, and lasers or chemical peels for melasma are an expensive way to continually remove melasma hyperpigmentation. You can read more about the difference between Qr8 treatment (which is not a peel) and a Cosmelan peel HERE.

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What Causes Melasma ?

The exact cause of melasma is a mystery. But exposure to UV radiation from sunlight, as well as blue light from the sun’s visible rays, are the major triggering and aggravating factors.

Because of our culture of sun-exposure in Australia, melasma is one of the most common skin disorders we treat.

Hormones are also involved. You may have heard melasma called ‘the mask of pregnancy’ because it often makes its first appearance during pregnancy. Oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy are other culprits.

Get Your Personalised Melasma Treatment In Four Simple Steps

01

Detailed
Questionnaire & Photos

Tell us about your health and the challenges you’re having with your skin. Snap 3 photos of your skin following our simple instructions HERE

 

02

Online Consult

Schedule a Secure Video Consultation with one of our Aussie Doctors to diagnose your skin. Consults available 7 days a week, 7am-9pm.

03

Receive Treatment

If you’re suitable for treatment, your very own custom treatment will be made-to-order just for you, and shipped within a week.

04

Expert Support

Receive your personal skincare routine and recommendations from our expert nurses and dermal therapists, get access to our exclusive Support Hub and evidence-based resources and virtual events, join in live discussions, and receive ongoing personal support via SMS, phone, email, or video call during your 3-month treatment cycle.

Pregnancy-Safe Skin Care For Melasma

Some pigment fading treatments for melasma are not recommended during pregnancy. We have several effective, pregnancy-safe melasma skincare options that can be personalized for you.

Read more about pregnancy skincare in a special edition of Gritty Pretty Magazine HERE

Myths About Melasma

We discussed this with UK dermatologist, Dr Natalia Spierings in our Instagram Live Series. Click HERE to watch.

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Does QR8 actually treat melasma? See our results

Thousands of customers are thrilled to finally discover pigment fading skincare that works. Some even say using QR8 Mediskin has eliminated the need for expensive salon treatments, uncomfortable laser therapies, and oral medications. Here are some of the untouched before-and-after images we’ve received from our incredible community.

Kylie
#Melasma
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Elin
#Melasma
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Helen
#Melasma #Pigmentation
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Ellie
#Melasma
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Amelia
#Melasma
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Michael
#Melasma
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Pat
#Melasma
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Eleanore
#Melasma
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Charlotte
#Melasma
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Freya
#Melasma
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Rach
#Acne #Melasma
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Keeley
#Melasma
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Your Biggest
Questions Answered

What conditions can QR8 treat?

We have customisable medical solutions for:

  • Skin ageing concerns/Sun Damage (lines & wrinkles, enlarged pores, pigmentation)
  • Acne
  • Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)
  • Melasma
  • Texture, congestion, enlarged pores
  • Rosacea
  • Perioral Dermatitis
  • Hair Loss
  • Perimenopausal/Menopausal Skin Concerns (Lines & wrinkles/Hyperpigmentation/Sun Damage)

Our doctors only prescribe skin treatments where it is safe and appropriate to do so. You may be advised during your consult that it is in your best interests to see a dermatologist, or other medical professional in person.

How much does it cost?

Our 3-month service is supportive, all-inclusive, and convenient – no more trips to the pharmacy or GP, no waiting in line, no unexpected costs, and no more wasted money on skincare products that don’t work. Just effective, evidence-based results with minimal wait time.

A video consultation with one of our trained and experienced doctors to assess your suitability for treatment is $50.

Then, the one-off cost of $220 / 3 months includes:

  • 50g treatment cream with a customised blend of active ingredients sufficient for 3 months of once-daily application. Our ingredients are the gold-standard for treating skin concerns like acne, sun damage, pigmentation, melasma, rosacea, lines & wrinkles, sun damage, and perioral dermatitis. The concentration and inclusion of active ingredients will be customised to suit your specific skin requirements and allergies/intolerences. We can generally treat multiple concerns in a single cream but sometimes you may require more than 1 cream to address your concerns. Your doctor will discuss this with you, and provide treatment options to fit with your goals and budget. The cost for 2 creams purchased in a single transaction is $380 (discounted from $440).
  • A detailed Skin Plan with evidence-based educational content plus supporting skincare product recommendations
  • Australia Post Express delivery to your door
  • Unlimited SMS, email and phone support with our expert support team for your 3 month treatment cycle
  • A video skincare routine consult with our dermatology nurse to answer your questions personally
  • Access to our Support Hub private community and live discussions
  • Virtual masterclasses
  • Discounts, gifts and giveaways exclusive to our patients

PLEASE NOTE: There is no government Medicare or private health telehealth rebate currently available for our service. You may be able to claim the drug component of the service on your private health (and we can provide a receipt for this upon request.

Can I claim it on private health insurance?

Yes, you may be able to claim the drug component of your treatment using Extras cover on your private health insurance.

The rebate amount will differ depending on your fund and level of cover, but we’re happy to provide you with a pharmacy receipt that you can present to your insurer to help you claim your rebate.

Unfortunately, neither Medicare nor private health insurers currently offer rebates for the telehealth or support components of our service. However, we believe that our support services are an essential part of your treatment plan and we’re committed to providing you with the best possible care and attention.

How long does it take to arrive?

Our team is dedicated to processing your order quickly, so you can start seeing the benefits as soon as possible.

Once our Qr8 admin team receive your payment, we’ll process your order within 24 working hours and confirm with you via text message. Then the pharmacy will work hard to compound your treatment promptly. Please allow 2-5 working days for your treatment to be compounded and then shipped express to you.

Do I have to subscribe?

We want you to feel completely in control of your treatment, and ensure that you are properly assessed in real-time before dispensing treatment, which is why we’re not a subscription service. You’ll never have to worry about us taking money from your account without your permission.

Instead, you’ll be the one in charge of your payments. Every three months, we will remind you to book with your doctor for a video progress and treatment review, and you can decide when the pharmacy dispenses your treatment.

Then we’ll take care of all the logistics for you, so you can focus on what matters most – getting the results you want.

How do I pay?

After your video consult, if you’re suitable for Qr8 treatment, your doctor will send you an email confirming the recommended treatment plan you both discussed during your consultation and provide a quote. We want to make sure you have all the details you need to make an informed decision about your treatment.

If you are ready to move forward, simply log into your profile using the link in the email, and pay the invoice within 30 days of your consult. We process all orders within 24 working hours of payment being cleared into our account.

To make the payment process as easy as possible, we accept online payments via Visa and Mastercard, and we also offer Afterpay. You can also pay by direct debit. The choice is yours!

If you have any questions or concerns about payment or the treatment process, please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team HERE, or phone us on (07) 3325-9700 M-F, during QLD business hours.

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Meet our Founder

Dr Michele Squire

PhD, BSc (Hons), BBus

Dr Michele Squire, PhD scientist and former healthcare executive and Registered Nurse, recognised the crucial synergy between medicine, science and skincare in treating chronic skin concerns. In 2019, she established Qr8 (pronounced ‘curate’), a ground-breaking venture aimed at offering video telehealth-delivered medical consultations and uncomplicated skincare guidance rooted in scientific evidence. By promoting evidence-based medicine and combining it with the kind of expert support known to significantly improve treatment outcomes for patients, Qr8 empowers patients to make informed decisions about their skin and get results.

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Meet our Clinical Team

Image of Qr8 Doctor, Dr Ambi Sud

Dr Ambi Sud

MBChB, BSc AHPRA Registration Number:MED0002129607

Having experienced acne in her late teens and twenties, Dr Ambi can relate to patients experiencing chronic skin conditions. She finds it incredibly rewarding when patients are satisfied with the care they have received, and also loves to see the happiness that comes when her patients receive good results.

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Dr Yeshika Naidoo

MBBS, FRACGP AHPRA Registration Number:MED0000962959

Dr Yeshika focusses on what the patient is trying to achieve and adapts their treatment according to their individual lifestyles. She loves to see long-term and returning patients who are happy with their results, and she finds this to be the most rewarding part of her practice.

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Dr Jeremy Chou

MChD, FRACGP AHPRA Registration Number:MED0002066673

Dr Jeremy is holistic, thorough, and willing to take the necessary time and care to ensure his patients are empowered to take charge of their health. He specifically enjoys seeing patients enjoy positive results and become empowered to make better decisions for their skin and wellbeing.

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Dr Sheila Manmathan

BSc, MBBS, MRCGP INT, FRACGP AHPRA Registration Number:MED0001762480

Dr Sheila is compassionate and collaborative, and passionate about empowering patients to understand and feel in control of their health. With a focus on education, collaboration, and open communication, she creates a supportive environment where patients can make informed decisions at every stage of their health journey.

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Dr Danielle ten Brink

MD BMedSci AHPRA Registration Number:MED0002308228

I enjoy truly listening to a patient’s concerns and creating a relaxing environment where they feel heard and valued. My kind & approachable nature allows me to build strong relationships and trust, while my eagerness to help and offer support ensures each patient receives personalized and compassionate care tailored to their needs.

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Dr Sarah Newby

MD AHPRA Registration Number:MED0002066429

Dr Sarah has a warm and empathetic approach to her practice and listens deeply to ensure that she can work with patients to get to the root of the problem and arrive at an effective solution together. She finds being trusted with her patient’s stories and seeing how simple changes can make a world of difference to be the most rewarding part of her practice.

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Dermal Therapist Reneé Sickle

CIDESCO Diplome Internationale AHPRA Registration Number:ertification no. 03196.20

With a deep passion for skin health at any age, Renee is an experienced Advanced Dermal Therapist dedicated to helping Qr8 patients achieve radiant, healthy skin. She combines evidence-based treatment with a personalised approach to skincare, and is specialised in prescription skincare, as well as advanced skin treatments, such as laser therapy, chemical peels, and dermal needling.
Renee gets the most satisfaction from seeing patients regain their confidence as they achieve visible, lasting results. She loves educating people about their skin and crafting tailored treatment plans that make a real difference. For Renee, skincare isn’t about beauty—it’s about empowerment, self-care, and enhancing overall well-being.

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Nurse Kristen Meiklejohn

EEN AHPRA Registration Number:NMW0001612708

Kristen is an integral part of our Qr8 MediSkin Skincare Support Team. If you have questions, need skincare product recommendations, or help setting up a simple but personalised skincare routine to support your prescription treatment, Kristen is your skincare guardian angel.⁠⁠

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Pharmacist Matthew Belgrove

BPharm AHPRA Registration Number:PHA0000982524

I have been a pharmacist for 14 years, owned and worked in a variety of Pharmacies including NCC for the last 10 years. When not working, I enjoy spending time with my wife, 4 kids & dog and also swim, bike and running. I find compounding pharmacy a rewarding profession because of NCC’s ability to customise medicine for any type of patient. I often find ourselves solving challenges which standard medicine couldn’t and the gratitude from Patients is very humbling.

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References

1. Spierings NMK. Melasma: A critical analysis of clinical trials investigating treatment modalities published in the past 10 years. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2020. PMID: 31603285.
2. Kwon SH, Na JI, Choi JY, Park KC. Melasma: Updates and perspectives. Exp Dermatol. 2019. PMID: 30422338.
3. McKesey J, Tovar-Garza A, Pandya AG. Melasma Treatment: An Evidence-Based Review. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2020. PMID: 31802394.
4. Handel AC, Miot LDB., Miot HA. Cosmetic Approach for Melasma. In: Issa M., Tamura B. (eds) Daily Routine in Cosmetic Dermatology. Clinical Approaches and Procedures in Cosmetic Dermatology, vol 1. 2017. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-12589-3_25

Your Customised Melasma Treatment

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You’ve heard the science that enables QR8 Mediskin to work so well. You’ve seen the difference in real customers. Isn’t it time to try QR8 Mediskin for yourself? Click the button below to get started.

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