Melasma
Living with melasma can be emotionally challenging. Many patients report feelings of self-consciousness and reduced confidence in social and professional settings. The good news is that with the right treatment approach and preventive measures, you can effectively manage melasma and restore your skin’s natural radiance.
At InVogue, we prioritize your well-being and safety, specializing in expert treatment for melasma. Our trained professionals understand the significance of personalized care. We offer a variety of evidence-based approaches, each designed to address specific needs, ensuring optimal results that cater to your unique requirements.
Schedule your consultation today to explore our diverse range of services for melasma at InVogue. Take charge of your skin health and discover a more radiant you.
What Is Melasma?
Melasma is a common skin condition characterized by dark patches or hyperpigmentation that typically appear on the face, particularly on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, and chin. Compared to other forms of hyperpigmentation, melasma presents unique challenges for treatment due to its chronic nature and tendency to recur. The condition affects an estimated 5-6 million Americans, with women comprising over 90% of those diagnosed.
When melasma develops, it typically appears as symmetrical brown or grayish-brown patches on sun-exposed areas of the face. The discoloration results from an overproduction of melanin, the natural pigment that gives your skin its color, by the melanocytes in your skin.
It is more prevalent in women and can be triggered or exacerbated by sun exposure and hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy or with the use of hormonal birth control.
What Causes Melasma to Develop?
The exact cause of melasma is not fully understood, but it is believed to be influenced by a combination of factors:
- Heat exposure can stimulate melanocytes similar to UV radiation, explaining why melasma often worsens during summer months.
- Certain medications, including anti-seizure drugs and photosensitizing antibiotics, may trigger melasma in susceptible individuals.
- Skincare products containing irritating ingredients can worsen inflammation, potentially triggering or exacerbating melasma.
- Thyroid disorders have been linked to melasma in some studies, suggesting that proper thyroid function may play a role in skin pigmentation.
What Are the Different Types of Melasma?
Melasma is classified into types based on which layer of the skin is affected.
Epidermal Melasma
This type affects the outermost layer of the skin, the epidermis. It’s characterized by dark brown patches with well-defined borders. Typically, epidermal melasma responds more favorably to topical treatments.
Dermal Melasma
This type involves the deeper layer of the skin, the dermis. The patches tend to be light brown or bluish-gray with less distinct borders. Dermal melasma is often more challenging to treat, and may require more advanced procedures.
Mixed Melasma
As the name suggests, this is a combination of both epidermal and dermal melasma. It presents with a mix of brown and bluish-gray patches. Due to its combined nature, treatment usually requires a combination of approaches.
Why Does Melasma Occur During Pregnancy?
Often called the “mask of pregnancy,” melasma affects up to 70% of pregnant women to some degree. The surge in estrogen, progesterone, and melanocyte-stimulating hormones during pregnancy significantly increases melanin production, leading to the characteristic facial pigmentation.
If you’re experiencing melasma during pregnancy, it’s important to understand that treatment options are somewhat limited due to safety concerns for your developing baby. During pregnancy, we focus on prevention and gentle interventions:
- Rigorous sun protection becomes even more crucial, with frequent reapplication of physical (mineral) sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide
- Gentle, pregnancy-safe skincare ingredients such as azelaic acid and vitamin C can help manage pigmentation without risk to your baby
- Wide-brimmed hats and sun-protective clothing provide additional protection when outdoors
For many women, pregnancy-related melasma improves within several months after delivery as hormone levels stabilize. However, some women continue to experience melasma postpartum, especially if they breastfeed or begin hormonal contraceptives.
Once you’ve completed your pregnancy and, if applicable, breastfeeding, we can implement more comprehensive treatment protocols. Many new mothers find this an ideal time to address lingering melasma, as the condition often responds well to treatment once hormonal triggers have subsided.
Can Melasma Be Prevented?
While it may not be possible to prevent melasma entirely, you can take steps to minimize its development and exacerbation. Wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF, seeking shade during peak sun hours, and wearing protective clothing, like wide-brimmed hats, can help protect your skin from sun exposure, which is a known trigger for melasma.
What Is the Most Effective Way to Treat Melasma?
Research has consistently shown that combining different treatment modalities yields superior results for melasma compared to single-approach treatments. At InVogue, we develop customized combination protocols that may include:
- Topical Products: Ingredients such as hydroquinone, tretinoin, and a mild corticosteroid address multiple aspects of melasma pathophysiology.
- Oral Medications: In certain cases, we may recommend oral treatments such as tranexamic acid or glutathione supplements to provide systemic improvement alongside topical and procedural interventions.
- Maintenance Therapy: We design sustainable long-term maintenance protocols to prevent melasma recurrence after achieving initial improvement.
Is Melasma Treatment Painful?
Most topical treatments for melasma cause minimal discomfort, though some patients may experience mild tingling or irritation as their skin adjusts. In-office procedures like chemical peels and laser treatments may cause temporary discomfort during the procedure, but we take measures to ensure you remain comfortable. Most patients describe the sensation as tolerable and well worth the results.
Can I Wear Makeup During Melasma Treatment?
In most cases, you can continue to wear makeup during melasma treatment. We may recommend specific mineral-based foundations and concealers that won’t interfere with your treatment or exacerbate your condition. We’ll also advise you on when to avoid makeup application, such as immediately after certain in-office procedures.
Are Melasma Treatments Permanent?
Melasma treatments can help fade and reduce the appearance of dark patches; however, it’s important to note that complete clearance may not always be achieved. Continued sun protection and maintenance treatments may be necessary to manage melasma effectively.
What Is a Good Skincare Routine for Melasma?
A consistent daily skincare routine is essential for managing melasma effectively. The right products enhance professional treatments and provide ongoing protection and improvement.
Morning Routine
Focus on protection and prevention. Start with a mild cleanser that removes impurities without stripping moisture. Apply a vitamin C serum for free radical protection, followed by any prescribed treatments like azelaic acid. Use a non-comedogenic moisturizer to hydrate, and finish with a broad-spectrum, high-SPF sunscreen with iron oxides. Never skip this crucial step.
Evening Routine
Your evening routine should focus on repair. Double cleanse if needed, using an oil-based cleanser followed by a gentle water-based one. Apply your prescribed treatments, such as hydroquinone or tretinoin. Use products with ceramides or niacinamide to support the skin’s barrier, then finish with a nourishing night moisturizer.
Weekly Additions
Gentle exfoliation with lactic acid can enhance product absorption. Calming masks with anti-inflammatory ingredients can help reduce irritation and inflammation.
Why Choose InVogue for Melasma Treatment?
We understand that melasma can impact your self-confidence and quality of life as well as your appearance. At InVogue, we address both the physical and emotional aspects of living with melasma.
Many of our patients report feeling self-conscious about their appearance or frustrated by the chronic nature of melasma. We provide a supportive environment where your concerns are heard and validated. Throughout your treatment journey, we’ll celebrate improvements together and provide encouragement during challenging periods.
Our patients frequently share that as their melasma improves, they experience renewed confidence and freedom. Many report feeling comfortable without makeup for the first time in years and no longer feeling the need to avoid social situations or photography. We love being part of their journeys.
InVogue Is Your Trusted Provider
At InVogue, we prioritize your well-being and safety, specializing in expert melasma treatment. Our trained professionals adhere to the highest quality standards in all our services.
Whether you need melasma treatment or solutions for specific skin concerns, InVogue is your trusted partner. Our welcoming facility ensures your comfort while receiving personalized care from dedicated experts committed to rejuvenating your skin.
Schedule your consultation today to explore our diverse range of services for melasma at InVogue. Take control of your skin health and discover a more radiant you.
