Melasma Mastery: Navigating Causes, Prevention, and Treatment
Understanding Melasma
Melasma is a common skin condition characterized by the appearance of dark, irregular patches on the face, typically on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, and chin. It primarily affects women, although men can also develop melasma. While the condition is harmless and doesn't cause any physical discomfort, it can have a significant impact on an individual's self-esteem and confidence.
What is Melasma?
Melasma, also known as chloasma, is a skin disorder that manifests as brown or grayish-brown patches on the face. The condition occurs when there is an overproduction of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. Melasma typically affects the sun-exposed areas of the face and is more prevalent among individuals with darker skin tones.
Causes of Melasma: The exact cause of melasma is still not fully understood. However, several factors have been identified as potential contributors to its development:
Hormonal Factors: Hormonal changes, particularly during pregnancy, can trigger melasma. The condition is commonly referred to as "the pregnancy mask” due to its prevalence among expectant mothers. Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels seem to stimulate the production of melanin, leading to the appearance of melasma patches.
Sun Exposure: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is a significant contributing factor to melasma. Sun exposure stimulates the production of melanocytes, the cells responsible for melanin production. Individuals with melasma often find that their condition worsens after prolonged sun exposure without adequate protection, such as sunscreen or hats.
Genetic Predisposition: There appears to be a genetic component to melasma, as it tends to run in families. If you have a close relative with melasma, you may be more likely to develop the condition.
Hormonal Medications and Treatments: Certain medications and hormonal therapies, including birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy, can trigger melasma or worsen existing patches. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional about potential side effects before starting any new medication.
Here are some common treatment options for melasma:
Topical Treatments
Hydroquinone & Lightening agents: Although, we are NOT a fan of the popular bleaching creme Hydroquinone, this is a skin-lightening agent that can be effective in reducing the appearance of melasma since it works by inhibiting the production of melanin. However, we prefer using lightening serums with ingredients like kojic acid, licorice root or marshmallow extract. These ingredients prevent the amino acid and enzyme that come together to form melanin from coming together at all. And, it won’t compromise the barrier of the skin like hydroquinone will.
**You can find the lightening serums we love by clicking here…**
Tretinoin, retinols and retin-A’s: These can be used in combination with any lightening agent to enhance its effectiveness. Since retinols are used for its exfoliating properties and ability to boost collagen and elastin production, it can be very effective in exfoliating the pigmentation off of the top layer of the epidermis.
**You can find the retinols we love by clicking here…**
Chemical Peels
Glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid (TCA), and alpha hydroxy acids: These chemical peels can help improve the appearance of melasma by removing the top layer of skin. It’s good to keep in mind that any professional grade treatment will only work as good as the homecare being done in conjunction with it.
6 Layer Remodeling Peel: We love doing DMK’s 6 layer peel! This works magic on melasma. This invasive peel takes 6 months worth of results and compacts it into 6 weeks. This is a heavy shedding peel with downtime lasting between 5-7 days. To see if you're a good candidate for the treatment, you can schedule a consultation with one of our Paramedical MD training estheticians.
**Click here to book Consultation**
Sun Protection
Sun exposure can worsen melasma. Using broad-spectrum, mineral based sunscreen with a high SPF, wearing hats, and avoiding peak sun hours can help prevent melasma from worsening. You always want to be sure you are using a sunscreen whose active ingredients are zinc and/or titanium dioxide. These mineral sunscreens reflect UV rays away, unlike chemical sunscreens which absorb UV rays and convert them to heat making pigmentation darker.
**You can find the sunscreens we love by clicking here**
Hormonal Therapy
For women whose melasma is triggered or worsened by hormonal changes (such as pregnancy or birth control pills), adjusting or discontinuing hormonal medications may be considered. A supplement we love to help with hormonal imbalances are essential fatty acids (Omega 3, 6 and 9.) EFAs are essential for the synthesis of hormones in the body. Hormones, such as prostaglandins, are derived from fatty acids and play a role in regulating inflammation, blood clotting, and the menstrual cycle. We recommend DMK’s EFA’s because they are botanically sourced Omega’s coming from evening primrose & seabuckhorn oil.
It's crucial to approach a melasma treatment with patience, as results may take time, and consistency in your treatment plan is essential. Additionally, protecting the skin from sun exposure is a key component in preventing further pigmentation.
