Melasma is a pigmentation skin disorder which mostly affects women, especially those with darker skin. It is commonly seen on the face in dark spots & patches with irregular borders. Known as the ‘mask of pregnancy’ since hormones change during pregnancy, as well as hormonal medications such as birth control pills are major triggers for excessive melanin production in the skin & sun exposure can worsen this condition as UV rays also stimulate melanin production. Although melasma is not harmful, it can however affect a person’s confidence as it changes their appearance.
Unfortunately, melasma cannot be completely prevented as individuals that are likely to develop this condition due to their genetics, skin color, hormones and can be exacerbated due to sun exposure. Avoiding hormonal medications, direct sun exposure & diligently applying a broad-spectrum SPF can help protect melasma flares & minimize the chance of reoccurrence. SPF is a non-negotiable in any skin regimen when treating pigmentation!
How to treat Melasma?
Melasma can be quite a reactive condition to treat as it is stimulated by hormonal activity. This makes the condition very unpredictable & limits the modalities used to effectively treat Melasma. Any modality that applies heat to the skin or creates trauma within the skin can stimulate the melanin production and possibly even worsen the condition.
Chemical Peels – They not only help Melasma but also improve pores, texture, tone, pigment, sun damage, fine lines, acne, and more!
Cosmelan Peel – Reduces & regulates melanin production, suitable for all skin types!
Picosecond Laser – Non-thermal laser that effectively reduces existing superficial pigment
Fractionating Laser – Lightens appearance of melasma through skin resurfacingwhile also improving skin texture, wrinkles & fine lines.
Skin Needling – Gentle/Light skin needling can breakdown melasma through resurfacing with added skin benefits! Performing this treatment too deep will stimulate melanin production and possibly PIH (post inflammatory pigmentation)
How to maintain my skin after Melasma treatments?
Maintaining Melasma at home will come down to ACTIVE yet consistent skincare regime, including skin correctors/serums that inhibit pigment production. Ensuring your skincare includes one or a combination of the following ingredients will prevent your Melasma from reappearing with vengeance.
SPF – Apply daily a SPF including zinc oxide or titanium oxide to protect from UVA & UVB rays. UVA rays are the most damaging & ageing for our skin.
Hydroquinone – Inhibits melanin production, lightening pigmentation. Perfect for melasma & post inflammatory pigment (PIH)
Tretinoin/Retinoic Acid – Reduces appearance of pigmentation while also improving skin texture, fine lines & wrinkles, hydration etc.
Kojic Acid – Treats and minimizes appearance of pigmentation along with antiaging benefits.
Azelaic Acid – A tyrosinase inhibitor that helps prevent and treat hyperpigmentation on the skin as well as even out your skin tone
Tranexamic Acid – Has a lightening effect on pigmentation especially melasma by limiting blood supply to melanocytes (pigment creation cells)
Vitamin C – Antioxidant preventing free radical damage & inhibits melanin production in the skin.
Can I treat my Melasma while pregnant or breastfeeding?
In some case’s melasma can resolve on its own after pregnancy. We suggest waiting until having your baby and/or finishing breastfeeding before commencing any melasma targeted treatments. As melasma is a reactive & unpredictable skin condition, treating while breastfeeding or pregnant can increase your risk of stimulating melasma.