Melasma is a common skin condition that can instantly dull your complexion. It is more prevalent in women, especially those with darker skin tones. Why do people develop melasma and how can they be treated? Read on to find out more.
Ultraviolet light from the sun is one of the most significant triggers of melasma. Exposure to UV rays stimulates melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, causing dark patches to form.
Hormonal changes are another major factor, particularly in women. Pregnancy, family planning pills, and hormone replacement therapy can all trigger melasma.
A family history of melasma heightens the likelihood of developing the condition. If a close relative, such as a parent or sibling, has melasma, you may be more prone to experiencing it yourself.
Medications, like some antibiotics and birth control pills, can increase your skin's sensitivity to sunlight, making melasma more likely to develop.
Some studies suggest that thyroid disease may be linked to melasma. Thyroid dysfunction can affect hormone levels in the body, contributing to skin pigmentation issues.
Devices like phones and computers emit blue light which can penetrate the skin's dermis, increasing melanin production and causing melasma.
Pollution, especially in urban areas, has a damaging impact on skin. Pollutants are known to cause oxidative stress and also stimulate melanocyte activity, contributing to melasma.
RF Gold Microneedling Treatment is a unique treatment combining microneedling with radiofrequency energy to treat deeper (dermal melasma) melasma. It delivers controlled energy into the skin to reduce pigmentation and stimulate collagen production.
RF Gold Microneedling Treatment is also effective for mixed melasma, as it addresses both superficial and deeper pigmentation issues. Patients generally experience mild redness after treatment, but recovery is fast, and the results can be long-lasting.
Oral and topical tranexamic acid can be effective in managing melasma. Tranexamic acid works by reducing the skin’s response to UV rays and oestrogen, two major triggers for melasma.
Use sunscreen diligently. Reapply every two hours, especially when outdoors.
Limit screen time to minimise blue light exposure. Pollution protection: Use serums or moisturisers with antioxidants to help neutralise free radicals, reducing oxidative stress.
If you take hormonal medications, consult your doctor for alternative options to help prevent melasma.
A diet rich in antioxidants (like berries, leafy greens, and nuts) helps strengthen your skin against free radical damage.
Melasma is distinct because it is hormonally influenced and often appears symmetrically on the face. Other pigmentation issues like sunspots or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation may not have the same hormonal triggers or symmetrical patterns.
Yellow Laser and RF Gold Microneedling Treatment are two effective treatments, but topical creams and chemical peels can also help, depending on the type and severity of melasma.
Yellow Laser is not the same as Pico Laser. Unlike Pico lasers, which deliver ultra-short bursts of energy across a broad spectrum, Yellow Laser uses a single wavelength that is finely tuned to target the melanin responsible for melasma.
While melasma can be reduced with treatment, it may not be completely cured and can reoccur, especially if the underlying triggers remain.
Improvement can take several weeks to months, depending on the treatment method and the depth of the pigmentation.
Yes, melasma can return, especially if sun protection and other preventative measures aren’t followed.
Some treatments may cause redness or irritation that eventually subside, but severe side effects are rare.
Treatments like Yellow Laser and RF Gold Microneedling Treatment are generally safe for all skin types, though individual responses may vary.
Wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, avoiding excessive sun exposure, and managing hormonal triggers can help prevent recurrence.
Topical creams can be effective for mild cases, particularly those with epidermal melasma. They often contain ingredients like hydroquinone, retinoids, and vitamin C to lighten pigmentation.
Avoiding direct sun exposure, using sunscreen, managing stress, and staying hydrated can help manage melasma.
Absolutely. Sun exposure is one of the primary triggers for melasma, and consistent sun protection is essential for managing the condition.
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