Melasma is a skin condition characterised by brown spots or patches on the face, especially the cheeks, nose, chin, upper lip and forehead.
These patches can also be found on other parts of the body, such as the forearms, neck and shoulders.
Anyone can develop melasma, but 90% of those with the condition are women.
Melasma is of three types:
This type of melasma occurs in the top layer of the skin (epidermis). The melanocytes (cells that make the skin pigment melanin) produce excess melanin, which results in brown patches. Epidermal melasma is more responsive to treatments.
This melasma is found in the deeper skin layer (dermis). The excess pigmentation is caused by the accumulation of melanophages (cells that absorb and store melanin). Dermal melasma is more persistent and challenging to treat. The melasma patches appear bluish-grey or greyish-brown.
This is the most common type of melasma, which is a combination of dermal and epidermal melasma. Patches of mixed melasma are due to the accumulation of melanin in the dermis and epidermis. Since this melasma has a dual nature, it usually requires a combination of treatments.
What Causes Melasma? The exact cause of melasma is unknown. However, a few possible factors that can trigger this condition are:
Changes in hormone levels throughout a woman’s reproductive life- pregnancy, menopause, taking oral contraceptives and regular monthly fluctuations can cause or aggravate melasma.
Exposure to UV rays of the sun stimulates the body to produce more melanin, giving rise to melasma.
Stress triggers excessive production of the hormone cortisol, triggering melasma.
Heat causes vasodilation and increased melanin production, triggering melasma.
Some people are more prone to develop melasma
Most often, melasma is found to occur in women during their reproductive years.
What Causes Melasma? The exact cause of melasma is unknown. However, a few possible factors that can trigger this condition are:
Changes in hormone levels throughout a woman’s reproductive life- pregnancy, menopause, taking oral contraceptives and regular monthly fluctuations can cause or aggravate melasma.
Exposure to UV rays of the sun stimulates the body to produce more melanin, giving rise to melasma.
Stress triggers excessive production of the hormone cortisol, triggering melasma.
Heat causes vasodilation and increased melanin production, triggering melasma.
Some people are more prone to develop melasma
Most often, melasma is found to occur in women during their reproductive years.
Melasma can be treated by in-office treatments performed by a trained dermatologist. The most commonly used procedures to manage and treat melasma are:
It is a non-invasive treatment that reduces melasma with minimal downtime. During this procedure, the other layer of the skin is removed and renewed, thereby decreasing the pigmentation. We recommend combining microdermabrasion treatment with chemical peel for more effective results.
One of the best and most effective treatment options for melasma, PICO Genesis uses three highly effective wavelengths in ultra-short pulses to break down the pigmentation. Since it is a non-thermal laser, it does not harm the surrounding tissues.
<b>Laser resurfacing</b> is another popular treatment for melasma. It improves skin texture and reduces patches.
These peels contain mild acids that remove the top layer of the skin, uncovering new, healthy skin. This reduces the melasma's coloured and patchy appearance.
Anyone at high risk of developing melasma should apply strong SPF sunscreen whenever they head outdoors. To prevent a flare-up, apply sunscreen adequately to all exposed parts of the body.
Bid goodbye to those pesky spots on your skin! If you have melasma, work closely with your dermatologist, who will suggest the most suitable treatment options based on your needs, skin concerns, and desired goals. All you need to do is book a consultation with our dermatologist.
The best treatment for melasma depends on many factors and varies from individual to individual. However, the most commonly used treatment is topical applications of skin-lightening medications.
While melasma patches fade or disappear with time, you must apply adequate sunscreen to prevent a flare-up. However, there is no definitive cure or treatment for melasma.
Lasers are an excellent treatment option for melasma that is resistant to skin-lightening agents and chemical peels. They remove the upper affected layers and uncover healthy, fresh, brighter skin.
Vitamin C is excellent for treating abnormal pigmentation. However, since it is difficult for vitamin C to penetrate the skin barrier, it is not as helpful in treating the condition.
Laser therapy is better for treating melasma when traditional treatments like topical creams and chemical peels do not work effectively.
Laser therapy for melasma is usually the third -line of treatment and is recommended when the other options, like topical creams, peels, etc., do not work. Treatment-resistant melasma cases are ideal for laser therapy. Women who develop melasma during pregnancy can opt for laser treatment if they do not plan to get pregnant soon.
Here are some ways to reduce the occurrence of melasma:
Chemical peels, topical lotions and creams, and laser therapy can fade melasma discolouration or pigmentation. However, these treatments are not a cure for melasma.
Yes, sunscreens prevent the occurrence of melasma patches.
Everything we do is tailored to your needs, this is why we take our time to take care of you and answer all your questions.
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