Melasma is a chronic pigment condition normally brought about by hormonal changes and exacerbated by environmental stimuli.

This leads to an overproduction of the pigment melanin which gives skin its colour, leading to patches of darker pigmentation on the face. This condition is chronic and needs proper management in order to reduce symptoms and approve the appearance of pigmentation.

As this is mostly caused through hormonal changes, many people find relief in symptoms when the changes are reduced. This could be after pregnancy or changing or stopping hormonal birth controls.

There are still a lot of options to aid in the condition if this is not possible.

The sun can be a major factor involved therefore one of the greatest tools we can utilise for the treatment and prevention of pigment production (hyperpigmentation) is wearing a SPF daily. 

Other skincare products can also be added in to regulate this function such as a group of ingredients known as tyrosinase inhibitors. These work to regulate the melanin producing cell, the melanocyte, and aid in the prevention of symptoms. Overall skin health such as cleansing and moisturising the skin is also important as any unnecessary inflammation can make symptoms worse.

Which treatments can I get done to help with Melasma?

The treatments which are most effective in treating and preventing melasma include chemical peels as they are able to exfoliate pigment in the outer layer of the skin and regulate melanocyte function, without causing lots of heat and inflammation within the skin. Skin needling is also effective as we can reach into the dermal layer of the skin to aid in the removal of pigmentation. Near Infrared LED can also aid as it enhances cellular function and provides support to the cutaneous system.