The Thing About Melasma

Do you suffer from melasma? It pops up for some of us in the summer months, and we at Shinagawa Aesthetics can help you get a hold of any discoloration before it becomes more of an issue.

What is Melasma?

Melasma is a type of skin discoloration that causes brown or grayish patches on patients’ faces or, less frequently, other areas that have been exposed to the sun. The skin of the cheeks, forehead, nose, and skin are particularly common areas to have melasma.

What Causes Melasma?

Melasma mostly occurs in women with darker skin or women with relatives who have also had melasma. Only ten percent of people who get melasma are men. (AAD) Sun exposure only increases melasma, and as a result, people usually report an increase in discoloration during the summer months.

The exact cause of melasma is still unknown, but there are several factors that can trigger its development. These factors include:

• Hormonal changes: One of the primary causes of melasma is hormonal changes in the body. This is why melasma is more common in women than in men, especially during pregnancy, menopause, and when taking birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy.
• Sun exposure: The sun’s harmful UV rays can trigger melasma and make it worse. People who spend a lot of time outdoors, especially during peak sunlight hours, are more likely to develop melasma.
• Genetics: Melasma can be hereditary, which means that if someone in your family has it, you are more likely to develop it as well.
• Ethnicity: People with darker skin tones, such as those of African, Asian, or Latin American descent, are more prone to developing melasma.
• Skin irritation: Certain skin care products or treatments can irritate the skin and trigger melasma. This is why it’s important to use gentle, non-irritating products on your skin.

How is Melasma Treated?

Melasma is a common skin condition that causes dark, patchy areas of hyperpigmentation on the face, neck, and other parts of the body that are frequently exposed to the sun. While it is not a serious medical condition, melasma can be a source of embarrassment and self-consciousness for many people. Fortunately, there are several treatment options available to reduce hyperpigmentation and improve the appearance of the skin.

Top Treatment Options for Melasma

• Topical Creams: Topical creams are often the first line of treatment for melasma. These creams contain ingredients such as hydroquinone, tretinoin, and corticosteroids, which work to lighten the skin and reduce hyperpigmentation. However, these creams can take several weeks or months to produce results, and they may cause skin irritation in some people.
• Chemical Peels: Chemical peels involve applying a solution to the skin that causes the outer layer to peel away, revealing smoother, more even-toned skin. Chemical peels can be effective for treating melasma, but they may cause skin irritation and are not recommended for people with sensitive skin.
• Laser Therapy: Laser therapy uses focused beams of light to target and break up the pigmentation in the skin. This treatment can be effective for reducing hyperpigmentation, but it may require multiple sessions to achieve the desired results.
• Microdermabrasion: Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive procedure that uses a special device to gently exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells and revealing smoother, more even-toned skin. This treatment can be effective for treating mild cases of melasma, but it may not be effective for more severe cases.
• Combination Therapy: Combination therapy involves using two or more treatments in combination to achieve the best possible results. For example, a dermatologist may recommend using a topical cream in combination with laser therapy to treat melasma.

Can Melasma Be Prevented?

Yes. Melasma can be prevented by being responsible for sun protection. We urge all our patients to wear sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing to prevent skin cancer, discoloration, and other problems.

Call our Patient Care Lines: (+632) 7-368 5238 l (+63) 917 862 7454 l (+63) 921 217 0517 for inquiries, questions, and appointments or talk to our consultants via LiveChat at https://shinagawa.ph so we can address and answer them for you.