When pigmentation goes wrong – Melasma
Melasma
Cause: Melasma is a chronic skin condition that results in brown or gray-brown patches, typically on the face. It is strongly linked to hormonal changes, particularly during pregnancy (often called “the mask of pregnancy”), use of birth control pills, or hormone replacement therapy. Genetic predisposition also plays a significant role, as melasma is more common in individuals with darker skin types and those with a family history of the condition.
Why It Occurs: The increase in estrogen and progesterone levels during hormonal changes stimulates melanocytes (the cells that produce melanin), leading to hyperpigmentation. Sun exposure further aggravates melasma because UV rays boost melanin production. The combination of these factors results in the dark, blotchy patches characteristic of the condition.
Effective management of melasma requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses both superficial and deeper pigment layers, while also preventing future pigmentation. Here’s how you can achieve a brighter, more even complexion:
Depigmenting Skincare: The Foundation of Treatment
The hero products for pigmentation reduction are included in our skin care kit for pigmentation and includes: Mesoestetics’ brightening foam, melan tran3x gel cream, age element brightening concentrate and melan 130+ SPF.
brightening foam which contains AHAs, to exfoliate the skin’s surface, promoting the shedding of pigmented cells and revealing fresher, lighter skin underneath. Regular use of AHAs helps in the gradual lightening of melasma and enhances overall skin texture.
melan tran3x gel cream which is Indicated for reducing pigmentation imperfections of any origin and to boost and maintain the results of depigmentation treatments, and prevent repigmentation.
age element brightening concentrate, a concentrated serum with brightening action and antioxidant active ingredients. Reduces melanin accumulation though the use of tyrosinase inhibitors and provide protection from free radicals.
Tyrosinase inhibitors method of action: Tyrosinase is an enzyme crucial to melanin production. By using products containing tyrosinase inhibitors you can significantly reduce the production of melanin, thus minimizing dark spots and preventing new ones from forming.
Free Radical protection method of action: Antioxidants, within the age element brightening concentrate, neutralise free radicals and prevents them from causing oxidative damage. By protecting the skin’s cells from oxidative stress, antioxidants help to maintain the normal function of melanocytes, reducing excess melanin production and pigmentation formation. Free radicals also promote inflammatory responses in the skin. Chronic inflammation can exacerbate pigmentation issues by stimulating melanocytes and encouraging the formation of hyperpigmented areas. Antioxidants help reduce inflammation by neutralizing free radicals and mitigating their harmful effects, thereby contributing to a more even skin tone. Additionally, oxidative stress can impair the skin’s ability to repair itself, which can prolong the presence of pigmentation and dark spots. Antioxidants support skin repair and regeneration processes, aiding in the faster healing of pigmented lesions and promoting a clearer complexion.
melan 130+ pigment control SPF, a tinted facial sunscreen with very high photoprotection indicated for skin with pigmentary imperfections. It helps regulate melanin synthesis by providing a preventative pigmentation action. Sun exposure is a primary trigger for melasma. To prevent further pigmentation and protect your skin, daily application of SPF protects against both UVA and UVB rays, helping to prevent the worsening of melasma and maintain the results of your treatment.
In Clinic Treatments
Cosmelan:
Cosmelan is widely regarded as one of the most effective treatments for melasma. This multi-step depigmentation system works by inhibiting melanin production and accelerating the turnover of pigmented skin cells. The treatment includes an intensive in-clinic mask followed by a tailored home care regimen, ensuring significant and lasting improvements in pigmentation. Its proven efficacy and safety make it a top choice for those seeking substantial results.
Cosmelan before and after Melasma
Microneedling:
Microneedling involves the use of fine needles to create micro-injuries in the skin, which stimulates collagen production and enhances the absorption of topical treatments. By combining microneedling with the application of tyrosinase inhibitors or brightening serums, you can achieve deeper penetration of these active ingredients, leading to more effective lightening of melasma.
As you can see, at Oasis Wellbeing Clinic, we offer a selection of comprehensive melasma treatments with integrated advanced skincare technologies with proven solutions, to address pigmentation from every angle. We offer personalised consultations with a focus on both immediate results and long-term prevention, be ensured that you will receive a treatment plan tailored specifically to your skin type and concerns.
Chemical Peels:
Chemical peels are a powerful treatment option for melasma. By applying a solution to the skin, chemical peels promote the exfoliation of pigmented layers, revealing a more even complexion. Treatments with the Melanostop range are specifically designed to reduce pigmentation and are particularly effective in targeting melasma, with varying depths and strengths customized to your skin’s needs. The Melanostop range also contain ingredients that directly impact melanin production, which help to reduce melanin production in the skin. By inhibiting the activity of melanocytes (the cells responsible for producing melanin), these peels can help to lighten existing pigmented lesions and prevent the formation of new ones.
NEXT – Part Four. Freckles