Melasma Treatment

How can we define melasma?

Melasma is an acquired hypermelanosis of sun-exposed areas. It shows as symmetric hyperpigmented patches of skin, which can be confluent or punctate.

The most common locations where you can develop melasma are: The cheeks, the upper lip, the chin, and the forehead. It can occasionally occur in other sun-exposed locations.

Is there a relation between melasma and Chloasma? Well, chloasma is a synonymous term used to describe the occurrence of melasma during pregnancy.

What factors trigger melasma?

• Pregnancy.
• Female hormonal activity.
• The use of oral contraceptive pills.
• Photosensitizing medications.
• Mild ovarian dysfunction.
• Thyroid dysfunction.
• Exposure to sunlight.

Who can develop melasma? Here we divide it into 5 different factors:

Race: Persons of any race can be affected. However, it is much more common in darker skin types, and even more common in light brown skin types, (Hispanics and Asians).

Sex: Melasma is much more common in women than in men. Women are affected in 90% of cases. When men are affected, the clinical and histologic picture is identical.

Age: Melasma is rare before puberty and most commonly occurs in women during their reproductive years.

Causes: A genetic predisposition is a major factor in the development of melasma. It is much more common in women than in men. Persons with light brown skin types from regions of the world with intense sun exposure are much more prone to the development of melasma. More than 30% of patients have a family history of melasma. Identical twins have been reported to develop melasma, while other siblings under similar conditions did not.

Another major factor is exposure to sunlight. Ultraviolet radiation can cause peroxidation of lipids in cellular membranes, leading to generation of free radicals, which could stimulate melanocytes to produce excess melanin.

One study found a 4-fold increase in thyroid disease in patients with melasma when compared with matched controls. Exactly which hormones and what mechanisms are involved in the development of melasma are yet to be determined. Genetic and hormonal influences in combination with ultraviolet radiation are the 2 most important causes of melasma, yet phototoxic and photoallergic medications and certain cosmetics have been reported to cause melasma in rare instances.

Treatment

Melasma can be difficult to treat. The pigment of melasma develops gradually, and resolution is also gradual. Resistant cases or recurrences occur often and are certain if strict avoidance of sunlight is not rigidly heeded. All wavelengths of sunlight, including the visible spectrum, are capable of inducing melasma.

Quick fixes with destructive modalities (eg, cryotherapy, medium-depth chemical peels, lasers) yield unpredictable results and are associated with a number of potential adverse effects, including epidermal necrosis, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, and hypertrophic scars. The precise manner in which these modalities can be used has not been fully delineated. More careful study is needed before they can be recommended as a standard treatment.

A number of studies have shown that treating melasma with superficial chemical peels and a bleaching agent is safe and effective. Whether superficial chemical peels versus bleaching agents alone actually hasten the resolution of pigment is debated. Studies comparing bleaching agents alone to the combination of bleaching agents and superficial chemical peels are ongoing and may help to resolve the debate.

Activity: Regardless of the treatments used, all will fail if sunlight is not strictly avoided. Prudent measures to avoid sun exposure include hats and other forms of shade combined with the application of a broad-spectrum sunscreen at least daily. Sunscreens containing physical blockers, such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, are preferred over chemical blockers because of their broader protection. UV-B, UV-A, and visible light are all capable of stimulating melanogenesis. In addition, patients should be forewarned that resolution is gradual and may take many months.

A new solution

We want to introduce you to our new product, BIO SKIN REJUVENATION ™ cream, a natural alternative that absorbs quickly and gets rid of the excess of melanin that causes melasma. The cream is made with a substance gathered from live creatures (snails of the species Helix Aspersa Müller) which use their secretions to quickly repair their own skin and shell whenever damaged.

This natural cream restores the normal color of healthy skin and speeds skin regeneration & the replacement of damaged cells. Opens clogged pores, allows for normal shedding off dead skin cells, softens skin and helps to remove scars and skin imperfections. It also prevents scarring and acts as a natural remedy against skin infections, including acne.