Managing Melasma

Managing Melasma

Do you suffer from Melasma? Although harmless, this condition can have negative impacts on self-esteem.
Regain your confidence, by learning how to manage Melasma.
Here is your helpful guide to what Melasma is, what can cause it, and how to treat it.

What is Melasma?

Melasma is a chronic skin pigmentation disorder that can cause dark patches on the skin, often on the face and upper lips. This disorder, also known as ‘chloasma’, is more commonly seen in females, and those with darker skin.

While it does not typically cause painful or irritable symptoms, Melasma can have a negative impact on self-esteem for those who have it.

What does Melasma look like?

Melasma occurs when the skin produces excessive amounts of melanin. The primary symptom of melasma is the development of discoloured, darker patches of skin.

The most common areas for melasma to appear on the face include:

• the bridge of the nose
• the forehead
• the cheeks
• the upper lip

Less commonly, melasma can also occur on the body in such areas as the arms and the back.

Is Melasma the same as Hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation and Melasma are two very common skin conditions. Each pigmentation type is slightly different and each one responds differently to certain treatments.

Melasma is characterized by darkened patches, most commonly on the face. Melasma is also directly related to hormones and can be influenced during pregnancy, menopause, thyroid conditions, medications ( birth control pills) , sun exposure, and heat.

Hyperpigmentation is the general darkening of specific areas of the face and is usually caused by sun exposure, acne scarring, genetics, and skin trauma.

What causes Melasma?

Melasma can be caused by a combination of factors including:

• Internal factors include genetics (family history), having naturally darker skin, and hormone changes.
• External factors include UV light exposure, skin inflammation, irritation from certain toiletries or cosmetics, certain medications, and oral contraceptives.
• Pregnancy can also trigger this skin condition, earning melasma the nickname the ‘mask of pregnancy’.

Excess sun-exposure stimulates melanocytes (colour-producing cells in the skin) to produce too much pigment, resulting in grey-brown patches on the face. Sun damage is a very common cause of pigmentation cases.

Hormones are another trigger for Melasma. Up to 70% of pregnant women suffer from melasma, and this condition has been referred to as the “mask of pregnancy”. Oral contraception and other hormone therapies can also instigate melasma.

How to treat Melasma

Melasma can be more difficult to treat that other types of pigmentation. This is because it is a form of hormonal pigmentation. The treatment of Melasma will be dependent on your skin type and the severity of the condition. We always recommend booking in for a complimentary consultation to see what treatment the best for you is.

• Cosmelan Peel – this treatment significantly reduces freckles, age spots and pigmentation by utilising a powerful two phased approach. The process involves applying a custom peel formula to the superficial and damaged outer layer of skin. The skin then, in some cases, crusts, scales, and peels over several days. You’re also given a specially formulated skin routine to follow during this process.
• Chemical Peels cause exfoliation of the superficial layers of skin (or deeper if required and indicated) in a controlled fashion. The skin cells regenerate within 3-5 days. Multiple sessions are required. Peels can be used alone but have shown most benefit when used in combination with a topical treatment.
• Laser Therapy is usually reserved for the most severe cases of melasma, and only when other options have been unsuccessful. There are a number of different laser treatment options available eg Fraxel 1927/1550, Clear+Brilliant Laser, Revlite Qswitch Laser, which should be recommended and used only by our qualified Cosmetic Physicians. Like chemical peels, multiple sessions are usually required.

Prevention is the Best Medicine

Melasma is a recurring skin condition. Treatment may improve the condition for a time, but further exposure to triggers such as sun and hormones (including through multiple pregnancies), may signal recurrence.

We recommend discontinuing any underlying causes of melasma. Where possible – adhere to sun protection guidelines with the use of sunscreen, protective clothing, and hats, avoid exposure to direct sunlight and artificial UV rays, and discontinue the use of hormone treatments.

If you are suffering from Melasma, book in for a complimentary consultation to find out what treatment is the best option for you.