Melasma Pigmentation: Causes, Treatments, and Results

If you've noticed dark patches on your skin, especially your face, you're not alone. Melasma is a common condition that causes pigmentation changes, often making people self-conscious. It shows up as brown or greyish patches on the skin, usually on the cheeks, nose, forehead, or upper lip. But don't worry; effective treatments are available to help manage it.

In this article, we'll discuss the causes of melasma, treatments and what you can do to prevent it from getting worse.

What Triggers Melasma, and Who's Most at Risk?

Understanding melasma triggers is key to managing it and preventing further pigmentation changes. Here are some of the most common factors that contribute to melasma:

• Sun Exposure: The primary cause of melasma pigmentation is sun exposure. UV rays trigger the creation of melanin (the pigment giving skin colour), leading to dark patches. This is why melasma is often more noticeable in the warmer months or after a beach vacation.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations are another significant factor. Many women experience melasma during pregnancy or when taking birth control pills. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can also trigger melasma in some individuals.
• Genetics: If your family members have melasma, you might be more prone to developing it. Genetics also influences how sensitive your skin is to melanin production.
• Medications and Cosmetics: Certain medications, like oral contraceptives and some cosmetic products, can also lead to or worsen melasma pigmentation. Be mindful of what you're using on your skin, and consult a skin specialist before starting any new treatments.

Who's Most at Risk?

While anyone can get melasma, it tends to affect people with darker skin tones, such as those of Asian, Hispanic, African, and Middle Eastern descent. Due to hormonal factors, women are also more likely to develop melasma than men. If you're pregnant or taking birth control pills, you may be more susceptible.

Is my pigmentation Melasma?

Melasma pigmentation often co-exists with other common forms of hyperpigmentation such as sun spots aka lentigo, freckles and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. An experienced doctor will be able to accurately diagnose the type of pigmentation, with the aid of skin analysis and imaging technology such as Lifeviz. 

Treatment Options

A few effective options can help treat melasma. Depending on your specific case, your skin specialist may recommend a combination of pigmentation treatments.

PicoSure Laser

PicoSure Laser is a 755nm Alexandrite Picosecond Laser that is US FDA approved for the treatment of Melasma The  755nm wavelength of PicoSure Laser sets it apart from mass market 1064nm wavelength pico lasers, allowing PicoSure to deliver significant results with minimal downtime.

PicoSure Laser is a good option for treating stubborn melasma, and most patients notice improvements after just a few sessions. PicoSure's fast treatment times and minimal downtime suit busy individuals looking to reduce pigmentation- the ideal “Lunch hour” treatment for working professionals

BBL HERO

Sciton BBL HERO (Broad Band Light High Energy Rapid Output) utilises intense pulsed light to rejuvenate skin and reverse visible signs of ageing.  BBL HERO targets the pigment in your skin, effectively reducing discolouration caused by melasma.  Forever Young BBL is a specific form of BBL treatment that focuses on skin rejuvenation, pigmentation, and anti-ageing. 

The result is a more even skin tone and smooth, youthful-looking skin. BBL HERO is known for its fast treatment times and minimal discomfort, making it a great choice for quick, effective melasma treatment.

Moxi Laser

Sciton’s MOXI Laser is a fractional 1927nm wavelength diode laser that has been shown to be effective in treating pigmentation from melasma. MOXI Laser creates controlled micro-injuries in the skin, encouraging the body's natural healing process. As a result, Moxi helps to break up the pigment and promote the growth of healthier skin.

This treatment is ideal for patients who want a significant and visible improvement of their skin tone and texture- with patients seeing results in a single treatment. BBL HERO and MOXI Laser are often combined, the BBL MOXI combo, popularised in Hollywood by A-Listers such as Kim Kardashian, uses both technologies working together in synergy for a stunning result.   

Medications & Skincare

Laser treatments like PicoSure, BBL HERO, and Moxi can do wonders for melasma pigmentation, but it's important to complement these procedures with at-home skincare to ensure the best results. Some topical treatments your skin specialist may recommend include:

• Hydroquinone: A common prescription cream that helps lighten skin discolouration by inhibiting melanin production.
• Cyspera (Cysteamine 5%) - Cyspera contains cysteamine 5%, a potent depigmenting agent which effectively improves the appearance of persistent brown patches and dark spots. Cyspera is well tolerated for long-term use and is formulated without hydroquinone or retinol
• Vitamin C: A powerful antioxidant with anti-ageing and pigment-reducing properties, Vitamin C serums such as Skinceuticals C E Ferulic can help brighten the skin and fade dark spots over time.
• Cosmelan Peel: The Cosmelan Peel has developed a cult-like following for its ability to treat stubborn melasma, especially in darker skin types. Cosmelan 1 is applied in the clinic and is maintained at home with Cosmelan 2.

When used with laser treatments, these topical products can enhance your results and help prevent the melasma from returning.

How Long Does It Take to See Results with Melasma Treatment?

Melasma pigmentation treatment is not a quick fix; patience is key. It may take four to eight weeks of consistent treatment before you start seeing noticeable improvements. This timeline can vary depending on the pigmentation severity, the treatment method used, and how well your skin responds.

For more intensive treatments like PicoSure or BBL HERO, you may notice some improvement after the first few sessions, but full results usually appear after 3 to 4 treatments.

Tips to Prevent Melasma from Worsening

Once you've started treating melasma, there are a few things you can do to ensure it doesn't worsen:

• Sun Protection: This is the most important step! Always apply a stable sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more, and reapply it throughout the day.
• Avoid Hormonal Triggers: If hormonal changes trigger your melasma, consider speaking with your doctor about alternatives to birth control or hormone replacement therapy that might be less likely to cause pigmentation issues.
• Skincare Routine: Be consistent with your skincare routine. Use products that help brighten and even out your skin tone. Avoid harsh products that irritate the skin, as inflammation can worsen melasma.
• Professional Care: Regular check-ins with your skin specialist to help you stay on top of your melasma treatment plan and make any necessary adjustments.

Melasma Pigmentation Treatment by Bay Aesthetics

Melasma can be frustrating, but with the right treatments and some lifestyle adjustments, you can diminish its appearance and prevent it from worsening.

At Bay Aesthetics Clinic and Medispa, we help you achieve clearer, radiant skin through a comprehensive and clinically backed selection of melasma pigmentation treatments. We also offer customised skincare plans using medical-grade skincare to complement your laser treatments and ensure lasting results. Our doctors are experienced with the treatment of melasma and pigmentation, having performed over 100,000 laser procedures and treated 20,000 patients over their combined 20 years of experience.
Book a consultation with Bay Aesthetics today if you're ready to start your journey towards clearer skin.