Melasma
Melasma refers to brown splotches on the face affecting the sides of the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip. This can be mild or particularly facially disfiguring, if extensive and dark. Trigger factors include sun exposure, pregnancy, hormones including birth control pills, and a family tendency. While it can affect both genders, women are more frequently affected.
Melasma is more prevalent in women, particularly those with darker skin types, and it often develops during pregnancy (chloasma or “mask of pregnancy”) or in response to hormonal changes, such as those associated with oral contraceptive use or hormone replacement therapy.
The exact cause of melasma is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of factors, including hormonal changes, sun exposure, genetics, and skin type. Hormonal fluctuations, such as those during pregnancy or while taking hormonal contraceptives, can stimulate the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color, leading to the development of melasma. Sun exposure exacerbates melasma by triggering the production of melanin and darkening existing patches.
Consultation & Assessment
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Customized Treatment Plan
After your initial consultation we will suggest a personalized and custom tailored treatment plan to fit your needs.
Check Ups & Support
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Melasma Treatment Options
Sun Protection
Sun protection is essential for managing melasma and preventing further darkening of the skin. This includes wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF (30 or higher) daily, seeking shade, wearing protective clothing (such as wide-brimmed hats and long sleeves), and avoiding peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.).
Topical Treatments
Topical medications containing ingredients such as hydroquinone, tretinoin (retinoids), corticosteroids, kojic acid, azelaic acid, or glycolic acid may be prescribed to lighten hyperpigmented areas and inhibit melanin production. These medications are typically applied directly to the affected areas and may require several weeks to months to see results.
Jessner Peels
Chemical peels involve applying a chemical solution to the skin to exfoliate the outer layers and promote cell turnover, leading to the improvement of melasma. Superficial to medium-depth peels containing ingredients such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or trichloroacetic acid (TCA) may be used to treat melasma.
Hydrafacial™
HydraFacial® is a skin treatment utilizing patented technology to exfoliate, extract, and hydrate the skin through three simple steps.
This latorprocedure involves gentle cleansing, exfoliation with a mild glycolic peel, painless extractions, and application of hydrating antioxidants.
Fraxel®
A non-ablative fractional skin resurfacing treatment that improves the texture of pitted scars and address discolouration that lingers around pitted acne scars. This treatment creates laser micro columns that penetrate the skin. These areas of microscopic damage result in skin remodeling with an increase in collagen and elastic tissue; resurfacing your skin by stimulating the growth of new healthy tissue from the inside out.
Laser Therapy
Various types of lasers, such as fractional laser therapy or intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy, can target and break down melanin pigment in the skin, leading to the improvement of melasma. Laser therapy may be used alone or in combination with other treatments and typically requires multiple sessions for optimal results.
It’s vital to consult with a dermatologist or skincare professional to determine the most suitable treatment approach for melasma based on individual skin type, concerns, and medical history. Consistent sun protection and adherence to prescribed treatments are crucial for managing melasma and preventing recurrence.
Over the Counter Recommendations for Melasma
Cleanse & Tone
LRP Toleriane Dermo Cleanser
Soothing and hydrating face cleanser/makeup remover for sensitive skin
LRP Effaclar Micro Peel
Gentle exfoliating face and body cleanser with 2% Salicylic Acid
SkinC LHA Cleanser
Gel cleanser exfoliates skin with 3.5% Glycolic Acid + Salicylic Acid and LHA
SkinC Gentle Cleanser
Non-foaming, mild cleanser is made with an emollient-rich surfactant and key ingredients to soften and restore skin’s surface
Protection & Correction
LRP Effaclar Duo+
Global action acne treatment and 24H hydrating face lotion with Salicylic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide
SkinC Phloretin CF
Daytime vitamin c face serum with antioxidants that diminishes the appearance of fine lines and the look of uneven skin tone with 2% Phloretin and 10% Vitamin C
SkinC LHA Serum
Serum to reduce excess sebum, minimize blemishes and reduce hyper-pigmentation
SkinC Retinol 0.5
Pure retinol to minimize pores, stimulate cell turnover, and reduce blemishes, especially hormonally triggered acne.
Vivier Advanced Skin Lightening Serum
A powerful, multi-purpose antioxidant serum designed to target advanced skin tone issues while reducing the signs of aging with 2% Hydroquinone and 10% Vitamin C
Vivier Corrector 2
An effective skin brightening cream for lightening moderate to severe dark spots, age spots, sunspots, and uneven skin tone with 2% Hydroquinone
SkinC Discolouration Defense
A serum to targets the look of uneven skin tone to achieve brighter, more even-looking skin with 3% tranexamic acid, 1% kojic acid, 5% niacinamide, and 5% HEPES
Vivier Retinol 1%
A powerful yet gentle microencapsulated retinol 1% complex designed to target advanced skin concerns and achieve the most dramatic results in the least amount of time
Moisturize
SkinC Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment
Lightweight moisturizer that helps soothe and correct out-of-balance skin to improve brightness, texture, and clarity with 3% Azelaic Acid
SkinC Triple Lipid Repair 2:4:2
A lipid correction cream contains cholesterol, ceramides, and fatty acids to improve hydration, restore skin elasticity and improve skin texture
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