Melasma is a common skin condition that occurs in adults. Its name comes from the Greek word melas (black), a reference to its brownish appearance.
What exactly is Melasma?
Melasma is a pigmentary condition that affects both men and women, usually appearing between the late 20s and 40s. It shows up as dark and light brown patches of pigment on the skin, often on specific areas of the face such as the upper lip, around the eyes, the nose and the forehead. It frequently first appears during pregnancy, so it predominantly affects women, though men can be affected too.
What causes Melasma to occur?
Melasma develops when pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) increase in number, or when existing melanocytes produce excess melanin (pigment), creating the discoloured patches.
Contributing factors include pregnancy, hormonal changes, some medications, sun exposure and hot climates. Because it has both internal and external causes, melasma can be challenging to treat, and it commonly recurs — even after it improves, it can return, particularly with sun exposure or hormonal changes. For this reason it is usually managed over time rather than “cured”, and realistic expectations are best set individually.
Which treatments can help with Melasma?
At MedAesthetics we use a combination of cosmeceutical-grade skin care, laser treatment and sun protection to help manage and reduce the appearance of melasma.
One option we use is the Revlite Laser Facial, which uses Photoacoustic Technology Pulse (PTP). This laser has a long wavelength that reaches the deeper (dermal) layer of the skin where pigment sits; it targets the pigment and works to break the particles down, reducing the discolouration. Because it is a non-ablative, non-thermal laser, it works without removing the surface of the skin, and temporary redness in the treated area is the most common short-term effect. Even so, laser must be approached carefully in melasma: pigment can sometimes be aggravated rather than improved, how the skin responds varies considerably between individuals and skin types, and more than one session is generally needed. Whether laser is appropriate for you is assessed individually, and any risks are discussed with you first.
Melasma is usually harmless, but many people find the patches bothersome and choose to seek treatment.
Our dermal therapists can walk you through what a treatment involves and what to realistically expect. We’ll also give you guidance on skin care and sun protection to help protect your skin going forward. Alongside treatment, steps such as pigment blockers and antioxidants can help reduce the chance of melasma returning — though recurrence is common, and ongoing maintenance and daily sun protection are usually part of managing it.
Getting the right advice for your skin is key. Individual results vary, so come in and visit our qualified Dermal Therapists for a full consultation to determine whether this treatment is suitable for you.
