What is Melasma?
Melasma is a common skin condition in which brown patches appear on the skin. Melasma most often affects the skin on the face. It can also develop on the forearms and neck. Melasma is not a serious condition. But it can affect your appearance and the way you feel about it.
Symptoms
Melasma causes dark patches on the face. Brownish colored patches appear on
Cheeks
Forehead
Bridge Of The Nose
Chin
Causes
UV exposure
Hormonal imbalances
Birth control pills
Pregnancy
Melasma is also referred to as 'mask of pregnancy', because dark patches that appear on the nose, cheekbones and jaws are prevalent while women are expecting.
Treatment for Melasma
A. Topical Treatments
Topical treatments for melasma include Iron oxide, Hydroquinone, Azelaic acid, Kojic acid, Tretinoin, Corticosteroids, Ascorbic acid and niacinamide.
1. Hydroquinone:
Hydroquinone (HQ), also known as dihydroxybenzene, is a hydroxy phenolic compound. Hydroquinone functions by lightening the skin. It is available in the form of a cream, lotion, gel or liquid.
Hydroquinone is found in over-the-counter formulas, but higher strength versions can only be obtained through a prescription.
HQ preparations are commonly used at concentrations varying from 2-5% and can be applied once daily. It inhibits the activity of Tyrosinase, a biological catalyst that triggers melanin production in melanocytes.
2. Azelaic Acid:
Azelaic acid inhibits the synthesis of hyperactive melanocytes, and has an antityrosinase activity.
Free radicals are known to contribute to hyperpigmentation and azelaic acid functions by reducing free radical production.
3. Kojic Acid:
Kojic acid (5-hydroxy-2-hydroxymethyl-4-pyrone) is a naturally occurring, hydrophilic fungal product. It is derived from certain species of Acetobacter, Aspergillus, and Penicillium.
It acts by inhibiting the production of free tyrosinase; it is also a potent antioxidant.
4. Tretinoin:
Tretinoin is a Retinoid that affects multiple steps in the melanization pathway. It promotes the rapid loss of pigment.
5. Corticosteroids:
Corticosteroids decrease the epidermal turnover and thus, may have a depigmenting effect. Corticosteroids have been combined with other agents in the treatment of melasma for years. They lead to epidermal atrophy (thinning and flattening of the epidermis).
6. Ascorbic Acid:
Ascorbic Acid has antioxidant properties. It affects melanogenesis by preventing free-radical production and absorption of ultraviolet radiation.
Because it is almost devoid of side effects, it could be used alone or in combination therapy.
7. Niacinamide:
Niacinamide prevents the transfer of melanosomes from melanocytes to the keratinocytes. It could have some side effects like upset stomach, dizziness and rash. Consult your doctor before using it.
B. Oral Treatments
Oral treatments for melasma include Tranexamic acid, Polypodium leucotomos and Glutathione.
1. Tranexamic Acid (TXA):
When skin is exposed to sunlight, it leads to the synthesis of a plasmin activator, which thereby increases plasmin activity in keratinocytes.
TXA prevents pigmentation by interrupting the plasminogen that binds to the keratinocyte.
2. Polypodium Leucotomos:
Polypodium leucotomos is a tropical fern. It contains antioxidants that protect the skin from free radical damage.
3. Glutathione:
Glutathione has one of the most powerful antioxidants produced by cells in the human body and is a tripeptide of glutamate, cysteine and glycine. It induces the lightening of the skin by inhibiting the function of tyrosinase.
C. Procedural Treatments
Procedural treatments include chemical peels, laser and light-based treatments, and microneedling.
1. Chemical Peels:
They function by removing the outermost layers of the skin that contain the discoloration. They are frequently used in combination with other topical products.
Glycolic acid is one of the most effective chemical peels. A combination of such chemicals are also being used to treat melasma in recent times.
2. Laser And Light-Based Treatments:
Laser and light-based treatments are the next line of defense after topical therapy or chemical peels.
This treatment is faster as it speeds up the removal of pathways for melanin.
3. Microneedling:
Microneedling technique uses fine needles to create many small incisions in the top layers of the skin.
This is a minimally invasive treatment performed by a dermatologist using a derma roller (a small, handheld paint roller coated in tiny needles). It results in cell turnover and gets rid of the pigmented cells.
Recommended Products:
Exfolwhite Toner
NLIGHTEN Kojic Soap
Secret Day Cream
Secret Night Cream
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