Melasma is a medical condition that can be treated with aesthetic procedures. At Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care, the Clear + Brilliant laser treatment coupled with a VI Peel is a popular two-step approach to dramatically reducing the appearance of melasma. The American Academy of Dermatology reports that around five million Americans struggle with melasma, most of whom are women. The good news is that melasma often goes away on its own, but it can take several months for this to happen. It is also commonly a chronic condition with a genetic component, so those who have melasma once are likely to have a future flare-up.
You can take steps to seriously reduce the appearance of melasma now by understanding it and working with leading professionals like Zuzana Likar, who can personalize a treatment plan. There are means and methods to minimizing melasma flare-ups and effective treatments to lessen its appearance. However, it is critical to only trust reputable professionals with years of experience treating melasma in order to yield the best results.
Treating Melasma
Melasma is often triggered by sun exposure and hormonal shifts. It is an especially stubborn type of hyperpigmentation that often appears around the eyes and across the bridge of the nose, which is why it is often dubbed the “mask of pregnancy.” The changes in hormone levels during pregnancy are a common melasma trigger, but UV exposure and other hormone fluctuations (such as during menopause) have also been linked to melasma. Melasma is not dangerous, but considering how visible it is, it can affect self-esteem and self-confidence.
However, trying to treat melasma yourself or going to a non-reputable clinic can do more harm than good. For example, some over the counter skin lighteners can actually aggravate melasma and make it worse. A Harvard Health study found that using glutathione as a skin lightener is potentially very dangerous, and at-home remedies like apple cider vinegar and lemon juice can increase skin sensitivity and make it more prone to melasma. Combining in-office treatments is usually the most effective, quickest, and safest way to treat melasma.
Laser skin rejuvenation treatments are a proven method for lessening the appearance of melasma, with Clear + Brilliant being one of the most effective. This laser creates a number of small treatment zones in the uppermost layer of the skin. Two handpieces are available with the Clear + Brilliant device, and the Perma 1927nm handpiece is ideal for mild melasma. It can also be used to deliver SkinCeutical’s tranexamic or antioxidant serums, which lighten melasma skin imperfections. Melasma is a condition that, when aggravated, can be controlled but not cured, and a Clear + Brilliant treatment is a great start.
Reducing the Appearance of Melasma
You can combine Clear + Brilliant treatments with other procedures, such as microneedling. Microneedling is a fantastic complementary treatment to a variety of procedures, and it works by harnessing the healing powers of your own body. Very minimally invasive, a special tool is rolled across the treatment area to create invisible punctures that are not painful but do tell the body to start healing and creating collagen. Microneedling is best used as a routine treatment with appointments spaced a few weeks apart.
Chemical peels can also be useful to lessen the appearance of melasma. The VI Peel is medium-depth, so it goes deeper than the superficial layer of skin. It is highly recommended for a number of hyperpigmentation types and is effective for melasma because it can reach layers of the skin that mild peels do not. The VI Peel is also safe for all skin types and tones, which is not necessarily the case with all medium-depth peels.
Creating a Melasma Plan
If you are prone to melasma, it’s just as important to reduce future flare-ups as it is to reduce current hyperpigmentation. Avoiding UV exposure by changing your lifestyle (such as opting for morning runs rather than mid-day runs), enhancing your sunscreen regimen, and talking to your OBGYN to find a different hormone therapy are all possible solutions.
Some studies have shown that blue light can aggravate melasma. Avoiding technology would be ideal, but not realistic. However, there are some sunscreens that offer blue light protection and you can also purchase special screen shields for your technology to reduce blue light exposure.
To start reducing your melasma today, connect with Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care and book a complimentary consultation.