What is Melasma?
Melasma is a common skin condition characterized by the overproduction of melanin, the natural pigment responsible for skin color. These pigmentations appear as brown to gray-brown patches mostly on the forehead, nose, cheeks, chin, and upper lip.
Melasma is not harmful; however, it may cause confidence issues that can lead to psychological problems, affecting the quality of life.
What are the Risk Factors of Melasma? (1,2)
- The Female Gender: Women are more prone to melasma than men.
- Darker Skin Color: Melasma occurs in 50% of high-risk groups.
- Pregnancy: Melasma is also known as “the mask of pregnancy” because pregnancy increases the production of estrogen and progesterone, which can contribute to over-pigmentation.
- Hormonal Medications: Such as birth control pills.
- Sun Exposure: Direct sunlight can cause melasma.
Can Melasma Be Removed in One Day? (3)
Treating melasma is challenging, and there is no single best treatment for this condition. Management of melasma in one day is not possible for the following reasons:
1. Depth of Pigmentation
Melasma reaches the deep layers of the skin. Therefore, treatment needs time to penetrate and be effective.
2. Multifunctional Risk Factors
The causes of melasma are various and may include hormonal changes and other complex risk factors that need time to be assessed and evaluated for optimal therapy.
3. Treatment Duration
Treatment of melasma gradually improves symptoms of pigmentation and requires consistency to ensure optimal results, This includes using topical creams over months for full improvement.
4. Sun Exposure
Sunlight is a major contributor to melasma, and it is crucial to prevent direct contact with sunlight and to use sunscreens. This preventive approach requires a long-term dedication, and a single day is not enough.
Treatment of Melasma (4)
Melasma can resolve spontaneously within a few months. However, if the causes are hormonal, such as taking hormone birth control pills, they need treatment approaches, including the following:
1. Topical creams
Topical treatment is essential in reducing pigmentation caused by melasma. This approach requires commitment and adhering to a daily routine to achieve the desired results. Treatment products often contain hydroquinone, tretinoin, or corticosteroids. Skin-lightening agents also help, such as:
- Azelaic acid: It is applied twice daily and is safe for pregnant women.
- Ascorbic acid (vitamin C).
- Kojic acid.
2. Chemical Peels
Exfoliating the top layers of the skin with chemical peels helps reduce pigmentation and smooth the skin. This process requires multiple sessions and usually takes months for optimal results.
3. Laser Therapy
Another treatment approach is laser therapy, which targets melanin in the skin to help lighten pigmentation caused by melasma.
4. Microneedling
Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that involves tiny micro-injuries in the skin. As the skin heals, it promotes collagen production, resulting in enhanced skin tone.
5. Preventive Measures
Avoid direct sun exposure and apply sunscreens containing zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or iron oxide, with an SPF of 50 or above every two hours. Sunlight can exacerbate pigmentation or cause it to return. Additionally, tanning beds, LED screens, and irritating soaps can cause skin pigmentation.
References
- https://www.healthline.com/health/melasma-home-remedies
- https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/melasma-treatment
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21454-melasma
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/melasma-what-are-the-best-treatments-202207112776
Read More: Click Here
