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What is Melasma?
Melasma (also called chloasma) is a common skin condition that causes dark patches on sun-exposed areas. These patches appear as brown or tan spots on your face, typically on the cheeks, upper lip, forehead, nose, and chin. This condition mainly affects women of childbearing age. People with darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick Skin Types III-V) are more likely to develop the skin condition.
What Causes Melasma?
Doctors aren’t sure exactly what causes it. However, several factors may trigger it:
- Hormonal changes – Pregnancy hormones like estrogen and progesterone can overstimulate the cells that produce skin pigment.
- Medications – Birth control pills, certain antibiotics, and blood pressure medications can increase pigment production in women.
- Sun exposure – UV light can worsen the condition by triggering more pigment production.
- Medical conditions – Thyroid disease, pregnancy, and diabetes can all increase skin pigmentation.
- Genetics – Family history may play a role in who develops the skin condition.
How Can Melasma Be Treated?
Treating melasma can be difficult and typically involves a combination approach using multiple treatment modalities. The gold standard for treatment is hydroquinone cream, a common prescribed medication that helps control melanocytes. For optimal result, hydroquinone cream is used for six weeks. Other topicals include tretinoin, azelaic acid, kojic acid, tranexamic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin C. Chemical peels and platelet rich fibrin or plasma microneedling treatments can also be safely perform to help remove pigmentations. Three to five treatments is recommended depending on the severely of the skin condition. Last but not least, daily use of sunscreen is crucial. Sun protection of SPF 50+ or more decreases effects of UV rays and infra-red exposure.
Caution With Laser Therapies
Melasma can last for years and can take a longer time to treat. With a customized treatment plan, results can take a few months to a year. Diligent use of sunscreen and daily use of non-irritating skin care products improves result. Reducing heavy sun exposure decreases exacerbation of melasma.
At AIVI Aesthetics Skin Health Clinic, we treat melasma with platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) microneedling, chemical peels and medical grade skin care. With a combination approach, we can target melasma and hyperpigmentation. Book a consultation today.
