Melasma – How To Treat This Common Condition

Are you in search of a solution that will permanently erase your melasma? Do you question why melasma reappears, even after successful treatments?

Melasma, a persistent skin condition, tends to recur if the underlying causes are not eliminated. For instance, one of the common triggers of melasma is the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. If adequate sun protection measures like SPF 30+ sunscreen, protective clothing, and avoidance of direct sunlight are not pursued, sun-induced melasma may recur.

Hormonal fluctuations are another frequent cause of melasma. If hormonal medications, like estrogen-based birth control, are continued, or pregnancy occurs, hormonal melasma may come back.

While melasma predominantly affects women, certain ethnic groups, such as Latinos and Asians, have a higher risk of developing melasma.

Honolulu Melasma Treatment Options

Though melasma doesn’t have a one-off solution, double-board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Susan Tan provides a comprehensive range of treatments at Hawaii Facial Plastic Surgery, her Honolulu-based cosmetic treatment and plastic surgery clinic. These treatments can help reduce and control melasma, ensuring your skin retains its improved complexion.

ZO Skin Health Pigment Control Program

A prescription-only program designed to gradually diminish hyperpigmentation by adjusting natural cellular processes that contribute to cell damage. Over time, it helps balance skin tone by slowing melanin production and significantly reducing the visibility of dark spots, melasma, hyperpigmentation, freckles, and sun damage. It also optimizes skin health to prepare for professional in-office treatments like lasers and chemical peels.

Chemical Peels

The ZO Obagi 3-step peel, administered in our clinic, targets melasma, acne, fine lines, wrinkles, rough skin texture, large pores, and dullness. Effective for all ages and skin types, it offers benefits like deep exfoliation, skin renewal, and improved complexion. The 3-step peel session is followed by a home-based retinol treatment designed to enhance dermal and epidermal stimulation, support barrier function, improve skin renewal, and provide antioxidant protection, DNA repair, and anti-inflammatory benefits.

RF Microneedling Treatments

According to a study published in the November 2020 issue of the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, patients with dermal melasma respond positively to a combination of microneedling and 4% tranexamic acid. Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a safe in-office procedure that rejuvenates the skin by stimulating collagen and elastin production. It also opens micron channels for the delivery of topical medicines like tranexamic acid or PRP.

Laser Treatments

The Q-switch Nd: YAG laser by Lutronic (Lutronic Hollywood Spectra Laser) is an FDA-approved gold standard for treating moderate to deep pigment disorders, including melasma. The laser disrupts melanosomes (pigment cells) using nanosecond pulses, breaking the pigment into tiny particles that your body can eliminate. A minimum of six treatments may be required for optimal results. Individuals undergoing treatment should always wear sunscreen outdoors and avoid sun exposure that could retrigger pigmentation.

To sum up treatment options, laser treatments represent a potent option for addressing stubborn melasma unresponsive to other treatments like skin-lightening agents or chemical peels. Lasers penetrate your skin’s top layer, causing cell regeneration for a brighter, more even complexion. Dr. Tan adopts a cohesive, personalized approach encompassing topical skincare, chemical peels, and laser treatment for treating pigmentation disorders, including melasma. Contact Hawaii Facial Plastic Surgery for more information or to schedule your melasma treatment consultation with Dr. Tan today!

Additional Tips for Managing Melasma

In addition to undergoing professional treatments, there are also several lifestyle changes and home remedies that can help manage melasma:

• Always wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, even on cloudy days.
• Use protective clothing such as hats and sunglasses when outdoors.
• Avoid direct sunlight, especially during peak hours (10 am to 4 pm).
• Use gentle skincare products and avoid harsh chemicals or exfoliants that can irritate the skin.
• Consider using topical treatments with ingredients like hydroquinone, kojic acid, azelaic acid, and retinoids.
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet rich in antioxidants and vitamins that can help improve skin health.
• Manage stress levels through techniques like yoga, meditation, or therapy, as stress can trigger melasma.

By following these tips and working closely with a qualified skincare professional like Dr. Tan, you can effectively manage and control your melasma for clearer, healthier-looking skin. Remember to always consult a dermatologist before trying any new treatments for your melasma.  So, don’t let melasma hold you back from feeling confident and beautiful in your own skin – take the necessary steps to treat and manage this common condition today!