THE MELASMA MAP

No idea how to navigate this super-common skin condition? We’ll be your compass…

What is it?

The exact cause of melasma remains up for debate, but here’s what we know for sure:

• It can be connected to hormonal changes or medications — many women first experience the onset of the condition when they begin taking birth control pills or during pregnancy

• People with darker skin and/or a family history of the condition tend to be more susceptible

• Sun exposure aggravates its intensity and appearance

• It typically appears on the face as splotchy, uneven patches of discoloured skin, but can also show up on other parts of the body

• It predominantly affects the forehead, cheek and nose area, so is difficult to hide

• Early treatment helps yield better results

Types of melasma

There are three variations of the condition. We can tell which type you have by using a special type of light that discerns the depth of the pigmentation.

• Epidermal melasma is dark brown with a well-defined border, and usually responds well to treatment as it affects only the skin’s uppermost layer

• Dermal melasma is lighter in colour, but the border is feathery and indistinct; this type tends to be more resistant to treatment

• Mixed melasma, a hybrid of the two, is the most common and is also very treatable

Treatment 

Melasma can be treated in a variety of ways:

Creams
Certain products can go a long way in treating melasma topically. Stringent application of proper sunscreen is a great first step that can help you avoid the condition in the first place, and SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic consistently ranks very highly in its ability to lighten dark patches and other stubborn instances of hyperpigmentation. SkinCeuticals Advanced Pigment Corrector, is also great at treating epidermal melasma with no further intervention. 

Our dermatologists may also recommend stronger topical prescription remedies to help alleviate hyperpigmentation.   

Lasers  

Our Picoway laser is quite amazing when it comes to treating hyperpigmentation, especially when it comes to conditions like melasma, which are isolated and benign. Part of what makes this particular laser so effective is that its power is concentrated into a small spot size, allowing it to lessen discolouration in fewer treatments and with practically no downtime.  It also works wonders with acne scarring, so be sure to check out our Picoway specials this month.

The CO2RE laser is also a great option to deal with hyperpigmentation caused by sun damage — and it can be done in a single treatment, with clinically proven, long-lasting effects (we’re taking years)! Downtime usually lasts about a week, but the noticeable improvement to your skin’s tone and smoothness are worth every minute. 

Microdermabrasion 

This cosmetic approach tackles hyperpigmentation by removing dead skin, thereby evening out any pigmentation discrepancies and improving skin texture. Learn more about our microdermabrasion treatments here. 

Chemical peels 

Peels of different strengths can also be very effective against melasma, contributing to better hydration and tone and making skin look clearer and more even. While peels often perform better on lighter skin, we’ve got some fantastic options — including the RevePeel — that are recommended for all skin types and show fantastic results as quickly as one week later! 

The thing to remember about melasma is — like any skin condition — there is no one best way in which to treat it. The best treatment is often as unique as you are, and often involves a combination of sun protection, products or medications, treatments, and time. Give us a call or schedule a consultation and we’ll help you figure about the best approach for you.