What is Melasma
Melasma is a form of pigmentation, meaning it creates brown or grey patches on the skin, predominantly on the face. The cheeks, nose, forehead and upper lip are most commonly affected. However, it can also appear on the neck, forearms and shoulders.
Even though the majority of people with melasma are women, it can still affect men. Women who are pregnant and those with darker complexions have a higher risk of developing melasma.
There are a few opinions about what causes melasma. Some experts believe it’s linked to the malfunction of melanocytes, which are the cells that give your skin its colour. Others believe it’s linked to sun exposure, certain skincare products or the hormonal changes that take place during pregnancy. Some birth control pills have also been linked to an increase in pigmentation. Lastly, if women in your family have it, chances are you will develop it too.
Regardless of the underlying cause, melasma can be treated with a personalised treatment plan and the right skincare regime.
Melasma Treatment Options
At Skin Confidence Clinic, one of our qualified and experienced clinicians will evaluate your skin, medical history and discuss your concerns. From there, we can tailor a treatment plan to meet your specific requirements.
A treatment plan will always include sun protection. Without using a high-quality sunscreen on a daily basis, the likelihood of the melasma returning is very high. Patients may also require hormone balance management, pigment fading cream and oral skin lightening medication, all of which require a prescription.
Without using a high-quality sunscreen
on a daily basis, the likelihood of the
melasma returning is very high
Additional treatments that are offered at Skin Confidence Clinic, include:
Medical Grade Chemical Peels
Chemical peels exfoliate the skin at a deep level to improve tone and texture. Medical grade peels resurface the skin, unblock pores and remove any damaged skin cells that cause discolouration. Patients are left with smoother, healthier skin after just one peel.
During treatment, the peel is applied to the skin for around five minutes. Patients can expect to feel a slight burning sensation that’s similar to mild sunburn. Once the peel is removed, the skin will appear slightly red, tight and shiny but this is completely normal and will dissipate. Some flaking might occur over the course of the next week as your skin rejuvenates and repairs.
It will be determined whether multiple peels will be needed during your consultation. To maximise the benefits of a peel, it should be combined with the right home care products and routine.
Melasma can be treated with a personalised treatment plan and the right skincare regime
Picosure
Picosure laser technology uses ultra-short pulses to rejuvenate the skin from deep within. Once the damaged, pigmented skin cells have been destroyed, they’re naturally eliminated by the body.
Prior to treatment, a topical numbing cream will be applied to the skin, ensuring your session is comfortable. You will also need to wear protective eyewear before treatment commences. The treatment doesn’t take longer than 20 minutes and patients may feel a slight snapping sensation as the applicator moves across the face.
In most instances, multiple sessions spaced four to six weeks apart will be required to achieve the desired outcome.
Your skin will feel sensitive and some mild redness will be present following your Picosure session. The face will need to be kept clean and free of makeup for at least a day or two, giving the skin time to heal. It’s for this reason that patients choose to take a day or two off work.
Prolonged sun exposure, tanning beds and self-tanning products should be avoided for at least a month prior to treatment. In fact, sun exposure makes melasma worse, so a high SPF sunscreen is always necessary.
Cosmelan Melasma Peel
Cosmelan is a depigmentation peel that helps decrease melanin in the skin. It does this by inhibiting an enzyme called tyrosinase.
Along with applying the Cosmelan peel to the face, treatment can also be paired with home care products to enhance the results.
There are two different types of Cosmelan peels that can be applied, one of which results in slightly less peeling. We will take you through both options during your consultation.
The treatment works the same as a medical grade peel in the sense that once it’s applied, it needs to stay on for up to eight hours. This means that you will remove the peel at home yourself. A secondary cream will then need to be applied to the skin for several days until the skin has healed completely.
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