Melasma

Melasma is a skin condition in which brown patches occur around the cheeks, forehead, upper lips, nose, chin and jaw-line. It may develop in association with menopause, hormonal imbalance, and skin inflammations from allergic reactions or waxing of facial hair, especially above the lip. More than 30% of sufferers have a family history of this condition. A factor that does seem to be essential to the development of Melasma is sunlight.

Rule number one is that nothing will be effective if you are still trying to tan.

DERMAL SKIN AND LASER CENTRE offers the following solutions:

• Sunscreen with a broad spectrum. UVA & UVB protection are essential, containing both physical blocks of titanium dioxide or zinc oxide and chemical blocks with an SPF of 45 or higher.
• Hydroquinone 4% is considered the most effective lightening agent used to lighten hyper pigmentation.
• Kojic Acid is a more recent remedy for the treatment of pigment problems and age spots. Kojic Acid has a similar effect as hydroquinone. Kojic Acid is derived from a mushroom and studies have shown that it is effective as a lightening agent, inhibiting production of melanin.
• TCA Chemical Peel can greatly reduce melasma as they are superficial to medium depth. Peels will exfoliate the epidermis to decrease the number of melanin granules present.
• Microdermabrasion can be used as a vehicle in combination with other in-office treatment therapies as it is an excellent exfoliator.
• IPL Laser is excellent treatment as it can penetrate deeper, picking up discoloration. The chromophores of darker color are brought to the surface of the skin and turn darker until they gradually slough off over a 7 – 14 day period. Results can be dramatic.