Melasma Treatments
Treat and Prevent skin hyperpigmentation
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What is Melasma?
Melasma, also known as "chloasma" or "pregnancy mask," stands out as the leading cause of hyperpigmentation. This condition arises when the melanin-producing cells in the skin become overly stimulated, resulting in patches of brown or greyish discoloration on the skin's surface. While it is more commonly observed in individuals with darker skin tones, it can affect people of all backgrounds. Typically, melasma first appears in one's 20s to 40s. There's a strong genetic component to melasma, with approximately one-third of individuals reporting affected family members. Hormonal fluctuations, such as those occurring during pregnancy, and genetic predisposition can exacerbate the condition. Moreover, exposure to sunlight and UV radiation can worsen existing melasma or prompt its onset. Treatment strategies for melasma often involve a multifaceted approach, including the use of topical medications and diligent sun protection practices.
What Does Melasma Look Like Clinically?
Melasma typically manifests as flat brown blotches primarily on the faces of females. These discolorations commonly affect specific areas, including the upper lip, cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin. The pigmentary alterations tend to occur bilaterally, meaning they affect both sides of the face, and often exhibit a symmetrical pattern.
What Causes Melasma?
Melasma typically intensifies in the summer and tends to improve during the winter, underscoring the aggravating influence of sun exposure. Hormonal shifts, especially in females, can trigger the sudden emergence of melasma. Around 25% of women using combined oral contraceptives and 50% of pregnant women develop this condition. Although melasma primarily affects females, it's also present in approximately 10% of male cases, indicating the involvement of factors beyond female hormones and UV light. Despite considerable research efforts, the exact underlying cause of melasma remains unidentified.
How does MySkinClinic.ca treat Melasma?
Individuals with melasma typically receive a customized treatment cream containing a blend of evidence-backed ingredients tailored to effectively address the condition and maintain its remission. Initially, this may include a mix of: Hydroquinone Tretinoin As treatment progresses, adjustments may be made to the cream formulation, incorporating: Tretinoin Azelaic Acid Niacinamide These ingredients are carefully calibrated to suit individual requirements and are prescribed for long-term use to prevent the recurrence of melasma patches. This gradual approach is considered the most effective strategy for melasma management. Given the significant influence of sun exposure on melasma, regular application of high-factor sunscreen is essential for optimal treatment outcomes. Sunscreens with SPF50+ and broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays are recommended.
How long does it take to treat?
While individual results may vary, it's typically anticipated that improvement in melasma pigmentation patches will be noticeable within two months of using the Hydroquinone, Tretinoin, and Hydrocortisone solution nightly. Once your skin clears, we'll transition your treatment to a personalized solution aimed at sustaining your results and preventing the emergence of future patches. Throughout your treatment process, we're dedicated to offering guidance, addressing any questions or concerns, and adjusting your formulation as necessary. Regular check-ins will enable us to monitor your progress and determine if any modifications to your treatment plan are required. Your satisfaction and skin well-being are our top priorities, and we're here to provide ongoing support every step of the way.