Melasma

Introduction

Achieving flawless, blemish-free skin is a goal many aspire to. However, despite diligent skincare routines, one may eventually notice the emergence of scattered, deep brown spots on the face. These spots gradually connect, forming larger patches on areas like the cheeks, cheekbones, and forehead. These yellow-brown patches usually manifest on the face, featuring a butterfly-like symmetric distribution on both cheeks, commonly referred to as "butterfly patches." While the hue resembles that of liver spots, these patches, known as melasma, are not liver-related.

Types of Melasma

Melasma generally appears on the face, particularly in the central facial region, such as the cheeks, cheekbones, bridge of the nose, forehead, and jawline. In rare instances, it can extend to the forearms, neck, upper chest, and more. Melasma is not confined to a specific gender, affecting both men and women. However, it's more commonly observed in pregnant women, middle-aged women, and those on long-term contraceptive medication. Individuals with darker skin tones are also at an increased risk of developing melasma.

Based on the distribution of melanin deposits, melasma can be classified into three histological types:

Epidermal Melasma

When melanin is present in the epidermis or the superficial dermis, the colour is generally lighter, often appearing brown. Melanin is distributed in the lower layers of the epidermis.

Dermal Melasma

When melanin is located in the dermal layer, it typically appears bluish-grey.

Mixed Melasma

Combining characteristics of epidermal and dermal melasma, mixed melasma features darker and deeper spots, making it the most common type.

Factors Contributing to Melasma

While the medical community may not agree on a single cause for melasma, several factors can trigger its occurrence.

Genetic Predisposition: Genetics play a significant role in melasma development. Research indicates that individuals with darker skin tones are more prone to melasma, and having a family history of melasma increases one's susceptibility.
UV Exposure: Sunlight's ultraviolet (UV) rays not only darken the skin but can also induce melasma. Extended UV exposure exacerbates the colouration of melasma. However, UV rays are not the sole cause.
Hormonal Factors: Conditions such as pregnancy, oral contraceptive use, and hormonal medications can lead to imbalanced hormone levels, which may contribute to melasma. In some cases, melasma may gradually fade after pregnancy or discontinuation of contraceptive use.
Impaired Skin Barrier Function: A weakened skin barrier allows UV radiation to penetrate the skin, lowering its resistance to the effects of UV rays. Consequently, melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) secrete more melanin to protect the skin, leading to melasma.
Hyperactive Melanocytes and Increased Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF): Studies have shown that individuals with melasma have more active melanocytes than those with normal skin. Researchers have also confirmed increased microvascular density in the dermal layer of melasma-affected skin. VEGF, a factor responsible for angiogenesis (blood vessel formation), plays a direct role in melasma development.

Treatments

Melasma Treatment

Melasma is one of the most challenging facial pigmentation concerns due to its recurrent and intrinsic nature. Beyond medical treatments, sun protection is crucial in preventing melasma from worsening. We offer customized melasma treatment solutions based on the severity of your condition, including at-home skincare products, chemical peels, and laser therapies.

Chemical Skin Peels:

Chemical peels are suitable for patients with mild to moderate melasma. These medical acid agents disrupt melanin production, eliminating old epidermal layers, effectively reducing superficial melasma. With multiple sessions, this treatment can gradually eliminate melasma pigment in the upper skin layers, renew rough epidermal layers, diminish fine lines, and refine pores, resulting in youthful, blemish-free skin. It's essential to maintain rigorous sun protection measures following chemical peels to prevent the skin's melanin from becoming active again and forming new pigment deposits or melasma.

At Oceanaconte Spa & Clinic, we're dedicated to helping you address melasma and achieve healthier, clearer skin. Reach out to us to explore the best melasma treatment options tailored to your specific needs.