Melasma, discover effective treatment options

Melasma is an aesthetic disorder caused by the appearance of brown and irregular spots on the skin. Melasma on the face is generally the most common, and can extend to the neck, arms and chest, mostly affecting women. There is no defined cause, it is known to be related to genetic and hormonal factors, use of medications, cosmetics, endocrinopathies and especially sun exposure.

Not every dark spot on the face is melasma, so a good assessment can help you understand the type of spot and the best treatment. Here at the Clinic we use a resource called wood light, which is equipment that can evaluate the inserted layer of the stain, and thus, in evaluation we are able to define better treatment and control strategies.

Melasma is also called chloasma when it occurs during pregnancy due to a hormonal spike.

The melanocyte, one of the different cells in our body, is responsible for giving pigmentation to melasma and other types of coloring in our body such as skin and hair. When there is hyperactivity of this cell, melasma arises.

Melasma is usually associated with hormonal spikes that end up interfering with pigment production. Pregnancy is a time when every woman becomes anxious and worried as it is common for these spots to appear during this period of life.

In a facial harmonizationWe observe the blemishes that give a non-satin touch to the skin, and that is why we recommend bleaching them so that they remain very discreet and enhance the natural beauty of the face.

Men can have melasma, however in women the incidence is very high.

• Epidermal melasma: When there is increased deposit of pigment through the epidermis (most superficial layer of the skin).

• Dermal melasma: Characterized by the deposit of melanin around superficial and deep vessels.

• Mixed: When there is excess pigment in the epidermis in certain areas and in the dermis in other regions.
  

There are three common types of facial melasma pattern, malar (cheekbones), centrofacial (forehead, cheeks, above the lip, nose and chin) and mandibular.

Even if we don’t know for sure what the cause of melasma is, it is possible to work on preventing it with photoprotection. It is essential to use physical and chemical protectors, such as sunscreen, preferably colored, as these are capable of protecting against visible light, reapplying during the day, using hats, sunglasses, umbrellas and any measure that avoids sun exposure. .

Treatment consists of a set of measures that aim to stabilize and alleviate the melasma, among them are:

Acids based on hydroquinone, glycolic acid, retinoic acid, azelaic acid, among others. Here at Clínic we work with Vulcan Ice, a chemical peeling specifically for melasma. It is made up of a set of acids divided into three steps:

• PHASE 1: VULCAN ICE MAX Premium – Chemical Exfoliant

• Active Ingredients: Volcanic Acids, Mandelic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Phytic Acid and Butylresorcinol

• PHASE 2: VULCAN ICE MAX Premium – Acts on skin renewal and whitening

• Active Ingredients: Glycolic Acid, Tranexamic Acid, Wonderlight, Belides, Vitamin C Nanocapsules, Nanoencapsulated Retinol, Mandelic Acid, Volcanic Acids, Phytic Acid, Salicylic Acid and Butylresorcinol.

• PHASE 3: VULCAN ICE MAX Premium – Provides whitening, renewal and uniformity to the skin Active Ingredients: Alpha Arbutin, Kojic Acid, Albatin, TGP-2, Glycolic Acid, Wonderlight, Belides, Vitamin C Nanocapsules, Nanoencapsulated Retinol, Mandelic Acid, Acids Volcanics, Phytic Acid and Butylresorcinol.

We also work with injectable acids, they are a blend of acids that treat melasma pigmentation from the inside out.

A good adjunct in the treatment are skinboosters, our formulation is composed of antioxidant and whitening active ingredients, as well as moisturizers, a very important factor in the prevention, treatment and maintenance of melasma.

Perhaps the simplest and most accessible treatment and prevention is in this topic, Food, eating foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals are essential for any human being, in the case of those with melasma, reinforce it with oral capsules based on substances such as Polypodium Leucotomos and Pycnogenol would be indicated.

The laser is a very modern treatment that emits a millipulse that reaches the pigment and causes it to implode. From then on, each organism’s immune system will capture these pigment fragments so that they can be removed.

Currently, new studies are researching the action of botulinum toxin, better known by the commercial brand Botox, on its effect on and improving blemishes. The mechanism of action has not yet been well defined, but we have interesting results.

Use sunscreen with high factors, preferably one that has protection against ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, Lasers and Intense Pulsed Light.

There are some types of devices that emit light energy and are capable of acting on

process of melasma degradation, however, great care is needed in looking for a properly qualified professional as heat used incorrectly is one of the activators of melasma.