Melasma, a pigmentation disorder, mainly affects women with darker skin. Dark spots and patches with irregular borders can be commonly seen on the face. Though the condition is physically harmless, it can lead to low self-confidence and poorer quality of life because it negatively changes a person’s appearance.
Causes of Melasma
There are no exact causes of Melasma. It happens when the pigment-producing cells in our skin produce too much pigment. Anyone can get it, but it primarily affects young women. This skin disorder is also associated with female hormones estrogen and progesterone.
Birth control pills, hormonal replacement therapy, or pregnancy increase the risk of developing Melasma. Excessive sun exposure also leads to the development of the condition. Melasma is most common among people with dark skin living in tropical climates.
Best Treatment Options for Melasma
There are many treatment choices available for Melasma. They can be used individually or in conjunction with each other. A doctor or skincare specialist can guide you regarding the best treatment for your skin type and needs. Here are the most common and effective treatment options for Melasma.
Dr Nadja Haub says
Before you start embarking on expensive treatments, we know from several studies and from what we see in everyday practice that Kilgman solution works very well for this difficult to treat skin condition.
This is a cream that contains a unique combination of vitamin A, a steroid and hydroquinone. You can apply it daily to your skin for 3 to 4 months, and after that, you can continue using it every 2 to 3 days to prevent melasma from reoccurring. It is important that you have regular follow up by a doctor while you are using this cream.
And the prescription drug tranexamic acid is also showing promising results in the treatment of melasma. This is a commonly prescribed medication to treat heavy periods and is fully FDA-approved for that. But it is not approved for treating melasma as yet. For that reason, it is important that you see a doctor to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug.
Chemical Peels
A chemical peel is a solution that peels off the topmost layer of skin. This process eliminates the discoloured patches and spots. In addition, it promotes the growth of new unpigmented cells. Chemical peels work effectively in combination with topical skin anti-pigmentation skincare routine. It ensures the uniform penetration of the peeling solution and reduces the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Microneedling
Microneedling involves using tiny needles that create pores in the uppermost layer of skin. It allows the ingredients of topical treatments to go deeper into the skin, where blood vessels and pigmented cells are located. It is one of the most efficient treatments with topical creams.
The micro-needling activates the fibroblasts in the dermis. The topical creams containing vitamin C, retinoid, or hydroquinone work great with micro-needling and help improve stubborn Melasma. It makes sense when we consider that micro needles create pores in the topmost layer to deliver the ingredients into the dermis, where it can have maximum effect.
Cosmelan
Cosmelan is a two-part procedure involving two chemical peels that are spaced three weeks apart. It is a reliable and effective treatment for all skin types to reduce facial Melasma. It also helps to improve skin luminosity, smoothen texture, and eliminate acne scars.
Cosmelan works on both light and dark skin tones. The active ingredients of Cosmelan include Kojic acid, Azelaic acid, Phytic acid, Arbutin, and Ascorbic acid. They regulate melanin activity, causing the pigment-producing cells to slow down the overproduction of melanin.
Add Retinol to Your Skincare Routine
Retinol increases cell turnover, boosts collagen production, and rejuvenates the complexion. Depending on your level of Melasma, the doctor may suggest retinol of variable potency. The regular use of retinol aids in removing superficial hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and acne scars.
Add Vitamin C to Your Skincare Routine
Since the overproduction of melanin causes discolouration, it is beneficial to use skincare products that reduce pigmentation and treat excess melanin. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that lightens dark spots and rejuvenates the skin. In addition, it fights free radicals and brightens the overall skin.
Never Skip on Sunscreen
Sun exposure makes Melasma worse.UV rays trigger the pigment-producing cells to produce more melanin and make the dark patches more noticeable. Therefore, it is essential to wear sunscreen daily. Always choose broad-spectrum zinc or titanium-based sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30. It will help you protect against the damaging effects of UV rays and prevent hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
How Long Will it Take to Eliminate Melasma?
No treatment can work overnight. It will take a few weeks to see some improvement and several months to achieve desired results. Patients suffering from Melasma for a long responds to treatments slowly. Sun exposure and exercise contribute to melasma reoccurrence.
Consistent melasma treatments, including a prescribed skin lightening regimen and in-office procedures, effectively reduce dark patches’ visibility. In addition, regular sun protection further speeds up the efficiency of treatment.
So What is the Ideal Treatment for Melasma?
Whatever treatment option you try to eliminate Melasma, it is crucial to remember that Melasma responds slowly to treatments. But it does not mean it cannot be treated.
Prescription medications are generally considered ideal for Melasma. Yet everyone has a unique skin type, so consulting a doctor is the best step. You can book a consultation at Satini Cosmetic Clinic, where Dr Nadja Haub provides a complimentary skin assessment and recommend an ideal treatment according to your skin type and concerns.
