18 Feb Epidermal Melasma Unmasked: Triggers, Treatments and Tips
Pigmentation is a pesky problem. All skin types are susceptible and treatments vary widely in effectiveness from person to person.
For many, dermal melasma, in particular, is unpredictable, unsightly and embarrassing. It can significantly impact a person’s mental health, including their confidence and self-esteem. Finding the best treatment for melasma is also extremely tricky.
In this blog, we’ll help you with the management of melasma. We’ll cover identifying your triggers to treatment options for melasma to achieve a clearer, brighter complexion.
Understanding Melasma
What Is Melasma?
Melasma presents as patches or spots that are darker than a person’s normal skin tone. Dermatologists and doctors define it as a skin condition with patchy brown or grey-brown discolouration that mainly affects the face.
Most people develop melasma on the cheeks, the bridge of the nose, the forehead, the chin or the upper lip (dubbed the “melasma moustache”).
Who Does Melasma Commonly Affect?
Melasma is more common in women than men, especially those aged 20-50. It can affect all skin types, but it’s more likely to come out in women who tan easily. Women with medium to dark skin tones, such as those with Black, Hispanic, Asian or Indigenous heritage, are most at risk.
Pregnant women have a high chance of developing melasma in their third trimester.
What Causes Melasma?
Sun exposure is the leading cause of melasma. When UV light hits our skin, it triggers the production of melanin. This natural substance in the body is responsible for the colour of our hair, eyes, and — you guessed it — our skin!
As previously mentioned, pregnancy is another key contributing factor (often referred to as the “melasma pregnancy mask”). This is because a woman has increased hormones during this period, which is a common trigger of pigmentation problems.
Melasma can also be a stubborn side effect of hormonal medications like birth control pills or HRT.
The Importance of Sun Protection
Frequent exposure to sunlight, as well as visible light, exacerbates melasma. This is why shielding yourself from the sun’s harmful rays, every day, is so important.
The best form of defence against sun damage and skin cancer is a broad-spectrum, tinted sunscreen. Choose mineral and physical sunscreen varieties that contain either zinc oxide or iron oxide. These ingredients are the best at filtering out damaging UVA and UVB rays.
As well as wearing and reapplying sunscreen daily, it’s good to wear protective clothing too. This includes sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, long sleeves, and keeping in the shade during the heat of the day.
Topical Melasma Treatments
When it comes to finding the right treatment for melasma, the first thing to try is a topical remedy.
The best products for melasma contain brightening ingredients to reduce pigmentation. These include kojic acid, arbutin, vitamin C, liquorice extract, niacinamide, azelaic acid, and glycolic acid. Applied regularly, it can take 4-8 weeks for brown patches to start to fade.
For those after stronger skin-lightening agents, look for creams with hydroquinone and tretinoin. However, they do come with potential side effects, including dryness, redness, itching, peeling, and burning.
In Australia, products with more than 4% hydroquinone require a prescription and must be made up by a compounding chemist.
Medical Treatments for Melasma
For a more targeted and tailored approach, the next step is laser for melasma.
At Zecca, we start low and slow with a wide range of skin treatments for melasma. We’ll help you find the best treatment depending on your tolerance levels and desired outcome.
Our services include a chemical peel, microdermabrasion, a facial mask, and three types of light and laser therapy for melasma.
Pico lasers and fractional lasers are considered the safest and most effective so far.
Lifestyle and Maintenance Tips
As well as sunscreen, topical creams and laser treatment for melasma, you need a long-term approach to maintain results and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Consistency is key, so stick to a skincare routine, as directed. Prioritise sleep and incorporate stress-reducing activities and exercise into your day to maintain hormonal balance. (Discuss alternative birth control or HRT options with your doctor if you suspect hormonal treatments are contributing to your melasma).
While diet can’t prevent melasma, certain habits may help. Foods rich in antioxidants can combat oxidative stress. Fruits containing vitamin C support skin brightening, and omega-3 fatty acids will reduce inflammation.
Smoking contributes to skin discolouration, so if that’s a habit you’ve been trying to kick, this is another reason why you should.
Talk to the team at Zecca today for a comprehensive and personalised approach to melasma management. Our experts will assess your unique skin concerns and develop a tailored treatment plan using advanced medical therapies, skincare solutions, and lifestyle recommendations. Whether you’re looking to prevent recurrence or achieve long-term results, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Book a consultation and take the first step toward clearer, healthier skin.