Melasma can cause gray-brown spots or discoloration to your skin. Melasma can affect anyone and can cause a variety of cosmetic issues. While it is not dangerous for your health, it can be annoying. Most commonly, melasma affects sun-exposed skin areas such as:
cheeks
upper lip
Chin
forehead
Other sun-exposed skin (occasionally).
Melasma is caused by skin melanocytes that produce extra pigmentation. This is why melasma frequently affects those with darker skin tones. Sun exposure is the most important factor in the development of melasma.
Melasma can also be linked to female hormones. It is more common among women who are pregnant or using hormonal birth control. Genetics and certain medications can also cause melasma.
Melasma is more common among women than it is in men. Melasma is more common in people with light brown skin who live in areas with high sun exposure.
It is thought that it ranges from 8.8% for people of Latino heritage to 13.4% to 15% in Michigan Arab-Americans, and to 40% for females from southeast Asian communities. The stress of living with racism, discrimination and racist systems, as well as the genetic factors, may be a contributing factor to the development of the condition. This condition is not linked to skin cancer and does not pose a risk for developing melanoma.
There are some home remedies to melasma, such as:
Apply aloe vera gel to your skin
ingesting glutathione
Use high-spf sunscreen
You can also buy OTC (over-the-counter) lightening creams. Another treatment option is chemical peels.
Even dermatologists are not unanimous in their opinion that laser treatment is a good choice. If the condition is not responding to topical treatment as a first-line treatment, then it can be considered. Chemical peels are an option as a second-line treatment. There is a high risk of hyperpigmentation and inflammation. Small sample sizes limit the number of laser treatments trials.
According to a 2012 review, there are many types of lasers that can be used for melasma.
PicoSure
PicoSure, a laser that converts energy into heat and pressure instead of heat, is called PicoSure. It can quickly treat melasma at the source. The procedure is very quick and not painful. The sensation of a rubber band snapping against your skin may cause a slight stinging sensation. PicoSure reduced melasma in a study without any reported side effects, such as hyperpigmentation.
Fractional
Fraxel is a brand name for fractional laser resurfacing. It creates microscopic holes in the skin to stimulate the growth and development of healthy skin cells. The procedure can cause a sensation of prickling and a topical anesthetic is usually applied prior to it.
You may notice a reddish or yellowing of the skin immediately. After 3 to 5 days of healing, your skin will appear brighter and more even.
IPL
Intense pulsed light laser (IPL), uses multispectrum lamps in different wavelengths to target specific colors on your skin. The treatment can make melasma worse for certain skin tones. It is important to consult a dermatologist prior to treatment.
Q-Switch
The Q-Switch laser is also known as The Spectra(r). It delivers energy to your skin which breaks down melanin into smaller pieces that are then removed by your body. Q-Switch can also bleach your hair and cause a stinging sensation.
People who are looking for long-term, quick results, such as lasers, should consider them.
Laser melasma treatment can be effective. A 2017 review showed that the Q-Switch is the most effective laser, especially for people with darker skin tones.
A 2017 study found that laser treatment is suitable for women who have melasma in pregnancy and are not planning to get pregnant again. Laser treatment is also a good option for people with melasma that resists other treatments or who want faster results.
Although you should notice some improvement in your condition after the first session of the program, it is best to continue with three to four sessions spread over 30 days. The full effects should be visible within 3 to 6 months. Sometimes melasma is clear within days of laser therapy. However, it can return in 3 to 6 months.
Laser therapy for melasma can have side effects, just like many other cosmetic procedures. These side effects include:
Redness or discoloration
Burning
Stinging
Potential for infection
Allergies to topical anesthesia
Melasma is not treated by some lasers, such as vascular lasers. Some lasers can make melasma worse, especially if they cause hyperpigmentation.
You may feel these sensations for several days after laser treatments:
Itching
Burning
Stinging
Your skin could also be:
Red or discolored
Slightly swollen
Some cases may be blistered
During the healing process, protect your skin from the sun. Avoid sun exposure. Any treatment that is not done in the sun will fail.
After-treatment care should be reviewed by a health professional who can advise you on the best products.
Wear high-spf sunscreens on sunny days to prevent melasma recurring or worsening. You may be recommended by your doctor to continue using a skin-lightening treatment after the laser.
Other than lasers, there are other options for treating melasma. These are:
Skin-lightening agents
Moisturizers and lotions are often included in skin-lightening agents. Hydroquinone is the active ingredient. It bleaches your skin by decreasing the number of melanocytes. Hydroquinone can only be purchased through your doctor. Hydroquinone was previously available over-the-counter, but it was banned by the FDA in 2021.
Chemical peels
According to a 2012 study, chemical peels are available in different strengths. They use acids and other ingredients such as tretinoin for gently removing the outer layer of your skin. Melasma can be seen and felt in the same way as a sunburn. However, it may disappear once your skin has recovered.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion can be performed by licensed estheticians. They use a tool with an abrasive tip or vacuum suction, to remove the outer layer of your skin.
If you have melasma that persists after pregnancy, hormonal changes or any other symptoms, talk to a doctor. Talk to a professional if your skin doesn’t heal from the laser within one week. To prevent hyperpigmentation, it is important to receive advice about how long you should use skin-lightening agent and when to stop using them.
Laser treatment can be an option to treat melasma resistant to other treatments, such as chemical peels or skin-lightening agents. Lasers penetrate the outer layer of your skin and stimulate cell renewal, which results in a brighter, healthier skin.
Laser treatments for melasma may cause hyperpigmentation in some cases. This can worsen the condition. Always consult a dermatologist to determine what is best for you.
