Melasma refers to a skin condition that can cause discoloration of your skin in the form of grayish or brownish spots. Although it’s not dangerous to your skin, it can be frustrating cosmetically. Melasma is most common in sun-exposed areas on your skin, such as:
cheeks
upper lip
chin
forehead
Other sun-exposed skin
Melasma occurs when melanocytes in the skin create extra pigmentation. Women with darker skin are more likely to get it because they have more melanocytes. Sun exposure is the key factor in the development melasma.
Melasma is also linked to hormonal changes in the female body. This is why it is more common for women who are pregnant and use hormonal birth control. Genetics and medications can also lead to melasma.
Melasma occurs more frequently in women than in men. Melasma can be experienced by people with dark brown skin in regions that have high levels of sun exposure.
It’s estimated that the United States has 8.8% of Latino Americans, 13.4%-15.5% for Arab-Americans in Michigan, and 40% of women from Southeast Asian countries. It is important to remember that this condition may also be caused by the stress of dealing with discrimination, racism, and other racist systems. This condition does not have a link to skin cancer, and it doesn’t pose a danger of developing melanoma.
There are home remedies that can be used as melasma treatment.
Aloe vera can be applied to your skin
ingesting glutathione
High SPF sunscreen
There are also OTC (over the counter) lightening products. Chemical peels can also be used.
Laser treatment is not a common option, even among dermatologists. Laser treatment can be considered when the condition doesn’t respond to topical therapies as a first treatment and chemical peels second. High risk of inflammation and hyperpigmentation. Because of the small sample sizes, trials involving laser treatments have been limited.
A 2012 research review revealed that many lasers can be used to treat melanomas.
PicoSure
PicoSure uses laser energy to create pressure, not heat. It quickly treats melasma below the skin’s surface. The procedure is fast and very comfortable. It is possible to feel a sensation similar to a rubberband snapping on your skin. PicoSure was found to reduce melasma, without any side effects such as hyperpigmentation.
Fractional
Fraxel, also known as fractional laser, creates tiny holes in your skin to encourage the growth of healthy new skin cells. It is uncomfortable and can be painful. A topical anesthetic may be applied before the procedure.
The first day, your skin appears reddish and rough. Your skin will become more even and brighter after three to five days of recovery.
IPL
Intense Pulsed Laser (IPL) uses multiplespectrum lasers in different wavelengths in order to target certain colors. Some skin tones may be more affected by this treatment than others.
Q-Switch
The Q-Switch, also known as The Spectra, delivers energy into the skin to break down melanin and then is removed by your own body. Q-Switch could also bleach your hair. This can lead to a stinging sensation.
Lasers are often recommended for those who need quick and long-lasting results.
Lasers can be used to treat melasma. One 2017 study concluded that the Q-Switch laser was the most effective, particularly for those with darker skin.
According to another 2017 research, laser treatment is a good option for people who are pregnant and have not had melasma. People with resistant melasma or those who are looking for faster results are good candidates for laser therapy.
There should be some improvement within the first session. However, you will see the most results if you have three to four sessions that are spaced approximately 30 days apart. Full results should be seen within three to six months. Follow-up treatments may be necessary. Melasma can sometimes clear up in days following laser therapy. It usually returns within 3 to 4 months.
There are possible side effects to laser therapy for melanomas, as with other cosmetic procedures. These side effects are:
Redness or discoloration
The burning
Itching
Potential for infection
Topical anesthesia for allergies
Lasers such as vascular lasers do not seem to be able to treat melasma. Other lasers have the potential to worsen melasma, particularly if they cause hyperpigmentation.
For several days, after laser procedures, you might feel these sensations:
Itching
The burning
Itching
Your skin might also be:
Discolored or red
A little swelling
In some cases, blistered
In the recovery phase, protect your skin against the sun. Avoid direct sun exposure. Treatments will not be successful if you do.
The best aftercare products should be recommended by a healthcare professional.
High-sun protection sunscreens are essential to protect melasma against recurrence or worsening post-treatment. A doctor might recommend that you continue to use skin-lightening treatments after treatment.
There are many other treatments available for melasma, including lasers. These include:
Skin-lightening agents
A moisturizer or lotion is usually included with skin-lightening agent. Hydroquinone is often the active ingredient. This bleaches the skin by reducing melanocytes. Hydroquinone must be prescribed by your doctor. It was previously sold over the counter, but this status has been changed by the FDA in 2021.
Chemical peels
Research from 2012 showed that chemical peels can be used in various strengths. They use acids as well as other ingredients, such tretinoin, to gently remove the outer skin layer. Side effects can feel and look similar to sunburns but may diminish once your skin is healed.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion, which is minimally invasive, is performed by a licensed esthetician. She uses an abrasive tool or vacuum suction to remove your outer layer.
Talk to your doctor if you still have melasma after pregnancy or hormonal changes. Also, if you feel any pain or itching. A health professional should be consulted if the skin doesn’t respond to the laser within one week. You should also get advice on the best time to use skin-lightening products and when you should stop using them to avoid hyperpigmentation.
Lasers can be used to treat melasma which is resistant to conventional treatments like chemical peels and skin-lightening agent. Lasers penetrate your outer skin layer, stimulating cell renewal and a healthier, brighter skin.
In certain cases, laser treatment for melasma can cause hyperpigmentation.
