Understand how Vitacid Plus works against skin blemishes

Caused by numerous factors, melasma is a pigmentary skin disorder characterized by dark spots. It is much more common on the face, but it can appear on other parts of the body as well.

Because they are mainly in a region of greater visibility (the face), it is a fact that these spots bother and are a cause for concern among people who have them. Therefore, most of them do not measure efforts to treat the problem.

Flávia de Oliveira José, pharmacist at Doce Flora, professor of Cosmetology and coordinator of the Pharmacy technical course at Esaup (School of Health in Piracicaba), highlights that melasma (dark spots on the skin) is caused by numerous problems, such as hormonal disorders, medications and the most common: wrong exposure (not using sunscreen, inadequate or insufficient use of it) and excessive exposure to the sun.

And a product that has currently stood out in the treatment of melasma is Vitacid Plus. But is it really effective? How does it work to reduce blemishes? Who can use it?

Flávia points out that Vitacid Plus is a medicine and not a cosmetic (over-the-counter product). In other words, it needs a prescription and a medical follow-up to be used, as it can cause serious adverse effects if used inappropriately.

How does Vitacid Plus work and for whom is it indicated?

Renata Domingues, dermatologist, member of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD), professor of dermatocosmiatry at the Dermatological Graduate Institute (IMS), comments that Vitacid Plus is a traditional formula, which a few years ago was only obtained through manipulation. “Up until then it was known as the ‘Kligman formula’. The arrival of this drug on the market was a major breakthrough,” she says.

“Vitacid Plus is composed of retinoic acid (tretinoin), which stimulates collagen production and increases penetration of other actives through microexfoliation; hydroquinone, active with whitening effect; and a low dose of corticoid, which has a calming action, to reduce the effects of the other two actives, and also to lighten the skin. It is indicated for patients who want to lighten their skin, especially in the case of melasma or post-inflammatory darkening”, explains Renata.

Helena Costa, member of the Brazilian Society of Laser in Medicine and Surgery and dermatologist at Clínica Helena Costa, in Rio de Janeiro, points out that the retinoid present in Vitacid Plus promotes: cell renewal, thinning of the epidermis, collagen stimulation, oil control, reducing pores, smoothing fine lines, improving skin texture. “The hydroquinone works by lightening the spots. That’s why the product is suitable for aged, blemished, rough, oily skins”, she adds.

Where to buy Vitacid Plus?

The drug can be found in most pharmacies. On the internet we found the lowest price of Vitacid Plus at Drogaria Onofre where it sells for around 67 reais. However, it should only be sold with a doctor’s prescription. “The pharmacy does not need to retain the prescription, but it is necessary to present it at the time of purchase”, says Flávia.

The pharmaceutical company points out that there are still similar products to Vitacid Plus, such as Tri-Luma from the American laboratory HILL LABORATORIES, INC and Trilunox from the EMS laboratory.

It is worth mentioning that these similar drugs should not be used without medical advice.

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How to use Vitacid Plus?

Flávia recalls that, as Vitacid Plus is a medication, its use must be done according to medical or pharmaceutical guidelines. “In general, you should first clean the face gently and dry it. The medicine should be used at night. Before going to bed, around 30 minutes before going to bed, apply a thin layer of Vitacid Plus in the areas of melasma (pigmented area). Massage lightly and evenly over the skin. In the morning, the face should be washed to remove the cream completely”, explains the pharmacist.

Flávia adds that it is essential to use a sunscreen of SPF 30/PPD 10 at least. “It is essential to avoid exposure to the sun, beach and swimming pools (you should stop using the cream 15 days before and it is still recommended not to expose yourself excessively to the sun). It is worth remembering that the sun is the biggest villain, causing melasma”, she says.

Dermatologist Helena explains that, applying the drug every night to the entire face, initially, it is possible that the skin becomes a little sensitive. “And then we have to apply it every other day, until the skin adapts”, she says.

Renata points out that the ideal is for the patient to seek the specialist doctor to see the real indication and use the drug according to his indications. “Usually, it is recommended to use it at night. To reduce the chances of side effects, such as irritation, peeling and redness, it is recommended to apply a very thin layer on the skin”, adds the dermatologist.

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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 Vanidade Curiosa. In the video below, Flávia Koloske also talks about the use of Vitacid Plus:

It may be interesting to check the opinion of bloggers about the drug and find out what the results they obtained with the treatment were. But remember, each case is different.

Vitacid Plus should only be used when indicated by a dermatologist and, in addition, its use should always be done according to your doctor’s guidelines (and not a friend, acquaintance or blogger who used it).

Are there other uses for Vitacid Plus?

Flavia points out that, as Vitacid Plus is a medicine and not a cosmetic, the only indication on the leaflet must be respected, as it is the one that the laboratory registered with ANVISA and that guarantees and knows the effects.

“In this case, Vitacid Plus is only indicated for the treatment of short-term melasma. However, some doctors prescribe it for acne treatment, especially in people who have hyperchromia (increased skin pigmentation) at the acne sites”, adds the pharmacist.

Vitacid Plus contraindications

Professionals Helena, Renata and Flávia talk about the contraindications of Vitacid Plus:

• It is contraindicated for people under 18 years of age;
• For patients with allergy and/or sensitivity to the components of the formula;
• For very sensitive skin;
• For people with a tendency to have telangiectasia (vessels);
• For pregnant women.

Care during treatment

Professionals talk about the care that treatment with Vitacid Plus requires:

• Renata explains that the person should always use a thin layer of the product at night.
• Renata adds that the person should stop using it three days before doing hair removal or skin cleansing in the area where the drug 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, in addition to these precautions, it is essential not to undergo abrasive treatments, such as chemical or physical peeling.

Tretinoin and Hydroquinone against blemishes

Flávia explains that hydroquinone mainly interferes with the production of new melanin, inhibiting the activity of tyrosinase (an enzyme that oxidizes melanin). “Melanin is a pigment that protects our body against solar radiation. When it is produced, it is colorless, but when it reacts with tyrosinase, it acquires a brownish color”, he comments.

“Secondly, more slowly, hydroquinone causes structural changes in the membranes of melanocyte organelles (cells that produce melanin), accelerating the degradation of melanosomes (organelle where melanin synthesis and deposition occurs)”, explains the pharmacist.

Tretinoin, on the other hand, adds Flávia, has keratolytic action. “That is, it breaks down keratin, the main constituent of the first layer of the skin, where it disperses melanin. In this way, the stain is removed more quickly, due to the Peeling effect (cellular renewal) and by allowing, in this way, a deeper penetration of the hydroquinone”, he says.

Fluocinolone, in turn, explains Flávia, is a corticosteroid. “Therefore, it promotes an anti-inflammatory action to mitigate the irritating effects that tretinoin can cause. This reduces redness and swelling,” he says.

“That’s why we can say that Vitacid Plus acts in several ways – which makes it a product of great and rapid effectiveness”, emphasizes the pharmacist.

Vitacid Plus manipulated: is it worth it?

Flavia explains that the Vitacid Plus formula can be manipulated, as long as it is prescribed by a doctor.

The positive side, according to the pharmaceutical company, is that the value of the product handled is usually lower than the value of industrialized products. “In addition, it has the benefit of being able to customize the formula according to the person. In this case, as for the oil free base or gel, the essence or not, or even the packaging”, he highlights.

Therefore, the ideal is always to talk to your doctor about the best option for your case.

You now have all the information you needed about Vitacid Plus. But remember: it should only be used when indicated by a dermatologist. So, if you are bothered by dark spots on your skin, don’t hesitate to look for a professional who will indicate the best type of treatment for you!