Melasma – also known as ‘chloasma’, is a chronic skin pigmentary disorder that can cause dark patches on the skin, especially on the face and upper lip. It is commonly seen in middle-aged Asians.
What is Melasma?
Melasma appears as splotchy patches varying in shape and size, normally on both cheeks, upper nose, forehead and above the lip. Genetics, UV radiation, pregnancy, hormonal therapies are common contributing factors.
UV radiation causes development of free radicals that damage the structures of the skin. It breaks down the collagen as well as weakens our skin basement membrane leading to building up of abnormal blood vessels. This in turn triggers the pigment cells to overproduce the pigments in the skin.
What causes Melasma?
The cause melasma is not fully understood. It occurs when pigment cells in the skin (melanocytes) produce too much pigments, leading to hyperpigmentation.
This happens when pigment cells are constantly being triggered by the skin environment and the current skin condition. Skin that has basement membrane that is weakened by long term sun exposure, aging and surrounded by abnormal blood vessels are prone to be irritated and overly-producing pigments.
This skin condition is usually exacerbated by hormonal changes (pregnancy, taking birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy (HRT)). Incompatible product skincare could potentially trigger the development of melasma on the skin as well.
Melasma Treatments
What is the most effective treatment for melasma?
Melasma are generally hard to treat even with the best picosecond lasers. However, combination therapy with Skin Lasers (Picogenesis, PicoSure, Aerolase, Dual Yellow etc), Skin Restoration Devices (Sylfirm, Sylfirm X) and Clique Prescriptive care is the formula for Clique Clinic’s success in treating the most difficult melasma cases.
Clique Multimodality Melasma Treatment
Treatment for melasma can be challenging. Traditional laser treatments use high energies causing destructive heat damages to skin tissues which can lead to long term side effects. Therefore many melasma treatments ended up in more sereve conditions causing the public to fear of laser treatments.
Picosecond lasers such as PicoGenesis®, PicoSure® use pulse durations in trillionth-of-a-second-domain, which cause significantly lesser heat damage, are safest to clear melasma.
Recent studies found that fibroblasts aging, basement membrane damage, and accumulation of abnormal blood vessels are the main causes of melasma. Without tackling these root causes, pigment cells continue to actively produce pigments leading to rebound even after successful clearance.
Sylfirm, and it’s most advanced version, Sylfirm X, allow us to treat all these by promoting new fibroblasts, repair the basement membrane and eliminate the abnormal blood vessels. This helps us to control melasma better by stabilizing the pigment cells.
Clique Multimodal Melasma Treatment has seen significant results in dealing with melasma and complicated pigmentary disorders. Combining picosecond laser (Pico Genesis or PicoSure) and pulsed microneedling RF (Sylfirm, Sylfirm X), you would get the fastest way to eliminate existing pigments safely, at the same time to prevent pigment cells from worsening or even recurring prematurely.
This unique combination is available at Clique Clinic, and is your gateway to a clearer skin that is long lasting.
References:
1. A review of combined treatments for melasma involving energy-based devices and proposed pathogenesis-oriented combinations. Joseph N. Mehrabi, Efrat Bar-Ilan, Shehadeh Wasim, Amir Koren, Lior Zusmanovitch, Fares Salameh, Gila Isman Nelkenbaum, Tamir Horovitz, Eyal Zur RPh, Ting Song Lim, Jacob Mashiah, Ofir Artzi. J Cosmet Dermatol. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.14110
2. Goldie K, Kerscher M, Fabi SG, Hirano C, Landau M, Lim TS, Woolery-Lloyd H, Mariwalla K, Park JY, Yutskovskaya Y. Skin Quality – A Holistic 360° View: Consensus Results. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2021;14:643-654. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S309374
FAQ
What is the most effective treatment for melasma?
A combination of picosecond laser (Pico Genesis or PicoSure) and pulsed microneedling RF (Sylfirm, Sylfirm X), our comprehensive treatment approach effectively addresses melasma from multiple angles. This synergy enhances skin health and diminishes pigmentation while minimizing the risk of thermal damage.
Additionally, a comprehensive skin care regimen incorporating niacinamide, alpha arbutin, kojic acid, and Vitamin C further supports skin clarity and brightness, contributing to the treatment’s overall efficacy.
Can you treat melasma permanently?
Complete elimination of melasma is difficult, but long-term control is achievable with ongoing treatment. Using PicoSure®, PICO Genesis, and Dual Yellow lasers combined with topical therapies, patients can maintain clearer skin with regular follow-ups and preventative care.
How do you stop melasma from spreading?
To prevent melasma from spreading, prioritize daily sun protection with broad-spectrum sunscreen and protective clothing. Minimize exposure to known triggers and consider using topical treatments containing niacinamide or Vitamin C.
Why is my melasma getting darker?
Melasma can darken due to increased sun exposure, hormonal fluctuations, or even irritation from certain skincare products. Sun exposure stimulates melanocytes (pigment-producing cells), leading to darker patches. Additionally, overuse of harsh exfoliants or skin treatments can cause inflammation, worsening the appearance of melasma.
How do you treat melasma fast?
Treating melasma requires a combination of advanced laser treatments and topical therapies. Laser treatments often involve Plinest, PicoSure Pro, PicoSure, Picogenesis, Sylfirm, Sylfirm X, Aerolase, Dual Yellow Laser, and Tixel, which can target pigmentation more precisely, breaking up melanin deposits without damaging surrounding tissue, providing quicker results. Complementing these treatments with topical products can help reduce pigmentation further.
While some improvements may be visible quickly, melasma usually requires ongoing treatment for lasting results. Contact us and speak to a dermatologist to ensure that treatment is tailored to your specific skin type and hyperpigmentation concerns.
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