To put it lightly, Melasma is a skin tan that you never need. On a more serious note, it’s a condition resulting in brown, grayish-brown or bluish patches spanning the forehead, nose, chin, cheeks and lips. Bizarrely enough, there’s a growing number of people who advocate for ‘ ‘embracing’ your appearance with this condition, because it is generally harmless. If you’re reading this article, we’re certain you’re not part of that brigade, and are looking for solutions to restore your skin’s texture and vitality. We will be discussing key melasma treatments that you can take up alongside various factors that trigger this condition.
What Causes Melasma?
Experts are in consensus that Melasma in women is often a by-product of pregnancy. Referred to as the ‘mask of pregnancy’, there’s growing evidence to support that hormonal imbalance in women cause this condition. However, it’s important to note that not all pregnant women develop Melasma.
If you’re someone who spends a lot of time under the sun, you could be susceptible to Melasma, because sunrays could trigger any underlying hormonal changes responsible for the onset of the condition. Not just the sun, Melasma is also exacerbated by heat and intense light. Melasma affects women more than men, and is often genetic, running through generations.
Makeup and skincare products could also result in Melasma. This is what we call a phototoxic reaction. If a product makes your skin flushed or irritated, shun the product right away and consult a specialist.
Melasma has also been diagnosed in individuals who regularly take oral contraceptive pills containing estrogen and progesterone. Those who take anti-seizure drugs are also at risk of developing the condition.
Is it Dangerous?
Melasma can be classified as a disease that harms a person’s self-esteem and confidence rather than disrupting or harming the body’s biological processes. It is not cancerous and, in most cases, not permanent either. Differing from person to person, the condition could last anywhere from three months to the entire lifespan (Chronic Melasma). The condition can be managed with proper medical care.
What are the types of Melasma?
Melasma can be broadly classified into three forms:
- Epidermal
Epidermal Melasma is characterized by a dark brownish colour, a well-defined border, and is clearly visible under black light. It’s also the type of Melasma that responds the best to treatment.
- Dermal
Dermal Melasma is marked by a light brown or bluish colour, with no well-defined boundary. It doesn’t respond that well to treatment but is likely to go away on its own.
- Mixed Melasma
As the most prevalent of the three, Mixed Melasma manifests both brown and bluish patches and responds well to treatment.
Melasma Treatments
Unfortunately, there is no definite way to fully cure the condition, however, here is what you can do to manage it:
A Healthy Diet
As a rule of thumb, your diet should consist of foods rich in Vitamin D, such as the following:
- Almond milk
- Oily fish
- Mushrooms
- Yoghurt
- Orange Juice
- Lots of eggs
Consult a Specialist
The first thing to do is to confirm with a dermatologist that the skin discolouration is indeed Melasma and nothing more serious. Once the diagnosis is made, the specialist will usually do a medical history check to look for possible triggers. Accordingly, treatments and lifestyle modifications will be prescribed.
Escape the Sun
Sun exposure is one of the leading causes of Melasma. Experts recommend using a sunscreen that’s SPF rated at 30 or higher for protection against ultraviolet rays. It’s also important to read up the product label, as you wouldn’t want a sunscreen consisting of chemical components, such as oxybenzone. Opt for one that uses physical blockers, such as zinc and titanium dioxide.
Treatment through Medication
Your dermatologist may recommend medicines or topical treatments to help lessen the effects of Melasma. Topical retinoids and retinoid treatments are two popular choices that are applied to the skin to accelerate the body’s natural cell turnover process. This may allow dark areas to clear faster than they would on their own.
In addition, some doctors may prescribe bleaching medications like hydroquinone, which acts by inhibiting melanin formation. However, while hydroquinone-containing treatments are available over the counter, they should only be used under the supervision of a doctor – and only on darkish skin.
Another way to tackle Melasma is by choosing certain medical procedures such as a ‘chemical peel’, in which the specialist will place a chemical on your face to peel off the uppermost layer of your skin. The regenerated skin will then show little to no traces of Melasma. Another option is a skin booster injection, which is composed of hyaluronic acid, powerful antioxidants and a mix of amino acids to hydrate and even out the pigmentations.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a solution to Melasma, you will come across a number of solutions online, such as Sculptra Dubai, face lifts, skin booster injections etc. But, you should always first confirm with a specialist if the condition is indeed Melasma and then follow a strict treatment plan.
If you’re diagnosed with Melasma, the good news is it will not hamper your day-to-day activities. On the flip side, it could derail your self-confidence; especially in social settings. So, it’s important to do your research and adhere to a plan that would best manage your condition.
