Melasma Or Hyperpigmentation
Melasma is a common skin condition that occurs primarily in women. It affects millions of individuals worldwide and tends to be most prevalent in individuals with light brown skin tones.
Because the sun plays a part in the development of Melasma, it is more prevalent in the summer than the winter.
Chloasma or "mask of pregnancy", is the name given to the condition when associated with pregnancy.
Because the sun plays a part in the development of Melasma, it is more prevalent in the summer than the winter.
Chloasma or "mask of pregnancy", is the name given to the condition when associated with pregnancy.
What Does Melasma Look Like?
Melasma appears as hyperpigmented areas of skin on the face. Both sides of the face tend to be involved and dark patchs will be visible. The cheeks, bridge of the nose, forehead and upper lip area are most commonly affected.
Apart from skin discoloration, individuals with Melasma don't have any other symptoms.
Apart from skin discoloration, individuals with Melasma don't have any other symptoms.
What Causes Melasma?
Scientists are still not sure as to the exact cause of Melasma. However, hormonal changes brought about by perimenopause, pregnancy or the use of birth control pills is thought to be implicated. As well, a genetic predisposition and exposure to UV rays are known to play a role in its development.
The factors involved in the development of Melasma work by stimulating melanocytes, or pigment producing cells in the skin. It's thought that this is one reason why Melasma tends to affect darker skinned individuals more as they tend to have more melanocytes than lighter skinned individuals.
The factors involved in the development of Melasma work by stimulating melanocytes, or pigment producing cells in the skin. It's thought that this is one reason why Melasma tends to affect darker skinned individuals more as they tend to have more melanocytes than lighter skinned individuals.
Melasma Treatment
Sunscreen Is Your First Line of Defense
Skin discoloration associated with Melasma may disappear once hormonal changes resolve or birth control pills are discontinued. However, it may also remain for years.
A multi pronged approach using ingredients that work in different, but complementary ways is the most effective way to treat and manage Melasma. And, sunscreen, is one of the most important elements of a Melasma management program.
The sun should be avoided at all costs. Wear big sunglasses, wide brimmed hats, seek shade. Always wear a sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 protection that blocks against UVA and UVB rays. UV rays stimulate pigmentation in a matter of minutes.
Choose a broad spectrum UVA and UVB blocking sunscreen that delivers maximal protection from the sun's rays. Look for a minimum of SPF 30 and wear it everyday, year round, regardless of the weather or whether you are indoors or out. UVA rays can penetrate through clouds and windows. Anthelios sunscreens are a good choice. If you have sensitive skin, consider a physical blocker like Cotz SPF 58 Total Block, which incorporates zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
A multi pronged approach using ingredients that work in different, but complementary ways is the most effective way to treat and manage Melasma. And, sunscreen, is one of the most important elements of a Melasma management program.
The sun should be avoided at all costs. Wear big sunglasses, wide brimmed hats, seek shade. Always wear a sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 protection that blocks against UVA and UVB rays. UV rays stimulate pigmentation in a matter of minutes.
Choose a broad spectrum UVA and UVB blocking sunscreen that delivers maximal protection from the sun's rays. Look for a minimum of SPF 30 and wear it everyday, year round, regardless of the weather or whether you are indoors or out. UVA rays can penetrate through clouds and windows. Anthelios sunscreens are a good choice. If you have sensitive skin, consider a physical blocker like Cotz SPF 58 Total Block, which incorporates zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
Melasma Treatments
Exfoliants, Skin Lighteners and Cell Communicating Agents
In addition to sunscreen, a number of agents can be used to treat Melasma:
1. Bleaching creams - Lighten skin by decreasing the activity of melanocytes at various stages. Bleaching creams can include a range of ingredients including hydroquinone, arbutin, Rumex occidentalis, Gigawhite and kojic acid.
2. Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) - work by exfoliating the top layer of skin and removing pigmentation. They are often added to bleaching agents to increase their penetration as well as remove pigmentation. Consider products such as Lustra and Glyquin XM, which include hydroquinone plus alpha hydroxy acid. MaMa Lotion is a unique combination of mandelic and malic acids and is particularly suitable for dark or sensitive skin types.
3. Vitamin C - Has been shown to have skin brightening properties at higher concentrations (5% or higher).
4. Retinoids - Increase cell turnover and are often combined with hydroquinone to effectively lighten skin.
5. Chemical Peels and Laser Treatments - Always work with a qualified professional if you choose to undergo either of these procedures. Individuals have had mixed results and there is the potential for injury.
1. Bleaching creams - Lighten skin by decreasing the activity of melanocytes at various stages. Bleaching creams can include a range of ingredients including hydroquinone, arbutin, Rumex occidentalis, Gigawhite and kojic acid.
2. Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) - work by exfoliating the top layer of skin and removing pigmentation. They are often added to bleaching agents to increase their penetration as well as remove pigmentation. Consider products such as Lustra and Glyquin XM, which include hydroquinone plus alpha hydroxy acid. MaMa Lotion is a unique combination of mandelic and malic acids and is particularly suitable for dark or sensitive skin types.
3. Vitamin C - Has been shown to have skin brightening properties at higher concentrations (5% or higher).
4. Retinoids - Increase cell turnover and are often combined with hydroquinone to effectively lighten skin.
5. Chemical Peels and Laser Treatments - Always work with a qualified professional if you choose to undergo either of these procedures. Individuals have had mixed results and there is the potential for injury.
Treatments: What To Expect
Melasma will not resolve quickly. Treatment can take months and you may have to try a number of products before finding a regimen that works for you.
Once desired results are achieved, continue using a sunscreen daily. In addition to helping to prevent more skin discoloration, you'll be protecting skin from free radicals and the breakdown of collagen and elastin. Consider continuing on with other products including alpha hydroxy acid, retinoid or botanical brighteners such as Vitamin C. These ingredients deliver additional skin benefits beyond skin lightening and are an important part of any anti aging skin care regimen.
Once desired results are achieved, continue using a sunscreen daily. In addition to helping to prevent more skin discoloration, you'll be protecting skin from free radicals and the breakdown of collagen and elastin. Consider continuing on with other products including alpha hydroxy acid, retinoid or botanical brighteners such as Vitamin C. These ingredients deliver additional skin benefits beyond skin lightening and are an important part of any anti aging skin care regimen.
by Sharmani
As the president and founder of pharmacymix.com, an online store, I sell Anthelios, a very effective range of mexoryl based sunsc...
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