Melasma is a common skin condition characterized by brown or gray-brown patches, primarily on the face. It often occurs due to hormonal changes, sun exposure, and genetic factors. While melasma is not harmful, it can affect self-esteem and confidence. Here’s a look at various treatments available for managing melasma effectively.
What precautions can be taken to prevent the appearance of melasma?
The best treatment for melasma is actually prevention. Taking good care of your skin goes beyond aesthetics. It is about taking care of your health. Therefore, it is worth reinforcing the importance of taking caution when exposing your skin to the sun, artificial lights and harmful light
Using sunscreen is a way to do this without having to significantly restrict your habits. Therefore, this should be a daily care, even on rainy days or when the sun is not so visible. In addition, it is important to remember that visible light can also increase melasma, which requires the application of specific sunscreens for this type of light.
Of course, if you already have the condition, there are other alternatives that provide more aesthetic and physical comfort. Therefore, it is time to learn more about the possible treatments for melasma.
What are the main treatments for melasma?
There is a consensus that it is necessary to use sunscreen and lightening creams, but the ideal treatment for each case must be individualized. In addition, some procedures can speed up the lightening process of the spots. What you can find are alternatives that, when combined, minimize the effects of the disease and prevent it from reappearing with such intensity, and procedures that speed up the action of lightening creams. Find out more!
1. Know about whitening creams
One of the mainstays of treatment for melasma on the face are lightening creams that can be based on some classic active ingredients such as hydroquinone, retinoic acid, glycolic acid or new active ingredients such as cysteamine and nicotinamide. 3 The results vary for each case and the important thing is that the treatment does not cause too much inflammation as this can have a rebound effect! 4 Therefore, it is necessary to choose a quality product that combines lightening agents with new and effective active ingredients, such as cysteamine and nicotinamide. 5,6
2. Micro needling
Micro needling is one of the promising treatments for melasma. It destroys spots but generates little inflammation because it does not depend on a heat source. When combined with so-called drug delivery , which involves the use of active ingredients after the session, it is even more effective. 7
Another option among melasma treatments is peeling . It is a minimally invasive treatment that causes a controlled loss of skin integrity, generating little inflammation . When associated with the so-called drug delivery, which characterizes the use of active ingredients after the session , the procedure is even more effective, since it enhances the mechanisms of action on melanin synthesis, enhancing the lightening of spots.
4. Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive procedure that exfoliates the top layer of skin, helping to reduce the appearance of melasma. It’s often recommended for mild cases and can be combined with other treatments.
5. Sun Protection
Sun exposure can exacerbate melasma, making sun protection crucial. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher daily, wear protective clothing, and avoid direct sunlight during peak hours.
6. Lifestyle Changes
Incorporating certain lifestyle changes can also help manage melasma:
- Diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in antioxidants can support skin health.
- Hydration: Staying hydrated helps maintain skin elasticity and overall health.
- Stress Management: High stress can trigger hormonal changes that worsen melasma.
What precautions are necessary during treatment?
Treatment for melasma requires a series of precautions aimed at not worsening the appearance of the spots while they are being altered. In this case, it is essential that the patient pays extra attention to sun exposure, as this area can become sensitive and more susceptible to burns and regimentation.
Therefore, throughout the treatment process (regardless of the method used), the patient must reinforce the use of sunscreen, always with a protection factor (SPF) of 50 or higher . The following are also recommended:
- the use of protective clothing, with UV protection or long clothing;
- restricting sun exposure, preventing the condition from worsening.
But be careful: a conventional sunscreen will not protect the skin against visible light, leaving the individual vulnerable anyway. Therefore, it is also important to look for a tinted sunscreen, with iron oxide (foundation effect) or large particles of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide , which are more effective in blocking different types of light.
A complementary treatment for melasma can be nutritional supplementation with Polypodium leucotomos , taken orally, which also reinforces the protective effect.
What is melasma treatment like and how long does it last?
Melasma treatment presents results in varying amounts of time for each patient. In fact, each organism responds differently, depending on the person’s lifestyle, the intensity of the spots, the skin complexion and post-procedure care habits. 13
Furthermore, it is important to understand that each type of treatment has a different impact on the problem . In some cases, patients begin to notice the difference within a few days (30 to 60). In others, however, the changes take a little longer to become apparent. 1,13
In any case, it is not a quick or definitive treatment, regardless of the method. The disease is remitting in nature and, therefore, it is difficult to predict when the spots may reappear. Remember that the chances of this happening are much higher for people who are exposed to the sun and visible light for long periods. 8,14
There are also cases in which, even with treatment sessions, the use of topical medications and the intake of oral medications, the remission of the spots is not complete. They fade over time, but they cannot always reach a completely imperceptible tone .
Conclusion
Treating melasma often requires a combination of methods tailored to individual skin types and conditions. Consult a dermatologist for personalized advice and treatment options. With the right approach, you can effectively manage melasma and regain your skin’s natural radiance.
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