Melasma: What are the best treatment? Causes and prevention
For those interested in improving their skin condition, this article offers you an overview to help you understand your condition better, what triggers it and what steps you should take to reduce the pigmented area while preventing your skin from further damage.
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Melasma, or hyperpigmentation, can be frustrating or emotionally draining for a few people. Though it is not a harmful or painful condition, some people can be really stressed over its management. This condition can, however, be improved if the proper treatment is taken.
What is the Difference Between Hyperpigmentation and Melasma?
Melasma and hyperpigmentation are terms people often get confused with. Both are some of the most common and prominent skin conditions caused by external factors like sun damage, inflammation, scarring and internal factors like intake of contraceptives, hormonal changes etc.
Hyperpigmentation is an issue where the skin gets darkened or discoloured in some patches due to external factors like scarring, cuts, use of harsh products on the skin, and sun exposure. Hyperpigmentation occurs when harmful ultraviolet rays reach our skin, and it starts to overproduce melanin. Melanin overproduction causes dark spots or patches on our skin’s surface.
Melasma is most commonly found in women. Melasma occurs when the increased production of a hormone (estrogen) leads to over production of melanin. Melasma is usually observed on the cheeks, forehead, chin, upper lip and bridge of the nose. It is observed at the time pr pregnancy when women undergo hormonal changes, or women taking contraceptive pills or simply be the aftermath of high sun exposure.
How to Treat Melasma or Hyperpigmentation?
Even when technology has advanced, there is no way to cure these conditions. However, there are a number of treatment options available that can help manage or prevent the condition from worsening. Espec
BEST WAY TO TREAT MELASMA, HYPERPIGMENTATION- TOPICAL TREATMENT
In topical treatments, one should look for ointments, serums, masks and moisturizers with glycolic acids, AHAs or vitamin C. All these ingredients are effective in treating dark patches on the skin due to their skin-lightening properties. A good number of people have responded well to a topical treatment- AHA Lightening Gel HQ by FCL Skincare.
The key ingredient in this gel is Hydroquinone. Hydroquinone is a powerful skin-lightening agent that reduces melanin formation by inhibiting the tyrosinase enzyme. It is an effective ingredient in topical treatment to remove intense melasma & stubborn hyperpigmentation, often advised by the dermatologist.
Other ingredients in FCL AHA Lightening Gel HQ to treat melasma & hyperpigmentation are Glycolic acid, Multifruit BSC, Grapefruit Extract, Milk Protein, Alpha Arbutin and Ronacare Pristine Bright.
How to use it?
Apply sufficient quantity to affected areas in your night-time routine after cleaning your face. In your day routine, apply sunscreen.
BEST WAY TO TREAT MELASMA, HYPERPIGMENTATION- OTHER TREATMENT
- Avoid things that trigger the condition, like birth control pills and hormone therapy.
- Sun protection and avoidance are essential in skin affected by melasma or pigmentation. Try to avoid going out in the sun, especially when the sun rays are harsh (12 pm to 4 pm). And wear broad-spectrum sunscreen every day. Re-apply your sunscreen every two-to-three hours.
- Procedures such as micro-needling, chemical peeling and laser therapy can improve the condition, but it should be done only when advised by a dermatologist. These treatments are costly and should be undertaken only by an experienced practitioner, as one wrong step can either worsen the situation or lighten the skin a lot.
- Permanent makeup treatment. It is a treatment where a concealer of the same skin tone is treated in your skin to hide pigmentation.
- Balance your hormones. Poor liver health, thyroid and stress contribute to creating a hormonal imbalance. Try to re-balance them by taking a good diet. Foods/drinks like green tea, lemon, walnuts, dairy produce, fish, berries, and chamomile tea are great source.
- Improve your mental health. Keep your mind calm and minimize stress as stress significantly impacts hormones. Also, take adequate sleep.
SUMMING UP
Having said that all, it is always essential to remember that each person has his or her own unique experience, and a treatment that might work for one might not work for the other person.
So, whether it’s age spots, hyperpigmentation or melasma, it is advised to consult your dermatologist first to understand the accurate reason for the condition and find a treatment that will work the best for your skin.
Hope you find this article helpful.
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