Melasma is a chronic skin disorder.
Many of my clients have melasma and have trouble finding the right treatment plan for their skin.
I reached out to AJ Trew Clinic director of Dermapure Clinic Saskatoon to ask her “ what is melasma? “ and how do you treat it?
Melasma happens because of a over production of your melanocytes ( your cells that determine the color of your skin ). It is a common skin concern, especially among women. It can appear patchy, dirt like or as a mask of darker pigmentation on the skin. Melasma is often first seen during pregnancy or other hormonal times in women, sometimes referred to as pregnancy mask. Sun exposure is one of the main causes that can cause melasma to worsen. Heat, trauma, or irritation can also flare melasma.
“We like to make sure our patients with melasma understand this and that it can take time to see results. It can be frustrating; we know; however, we have also seen results with staying diligent in a treatment plant and with proper training for your skin”
AJ TRew
How do we like to treat melasma?
There can be multiple ways to work on melasma and depending on the clinic, they have different procedures. The first thing to note and very important, you must commit to the treatment plan and find a clinic that has treated and understands melasma.
The first step to your treatment plan is to ensure you are wearing SPF, reapplying, wearing a hat and staying in the shade when possible. Sun Protection is key to your treatment plan.
However even with these measures, the melasma may flare during the summer months. Sun protection is also a non-negotiable if you’re treating melasma. If you are having treatments to help with melasma and not protecting from the sun, you will not see the results you could.
Before starting treatment, Dermapure will provide patients with home care products to prep their skin for the treatments.
A melanin inhibitor is a product they use to settle down the over produced melanocytes.
One of the products recommended for home care is the Functionalab Spot Corrector, it rebalances the melanin production process and and reduces the quantity, size and intensity of spots.
Dermapure also recommends SkinCeutical Phloretin CF with its high potency vitamin C, it’s a great way to fight free-radicals and pigmentation and CODE 03 serum (combined with the best moisturizer for your skin) which reduces the appearance of pigment spots and limits the formation of new pigment spots by inhibiting melanin production.
AJ Trew clinic director also recommends increasing the cell turnover with exfoliants and retinol. Adding the Functionalab Retinol 0.5% and Glycolic Night Cream is key for this process of the treatment.
“Why we love this home care routine for preparing the skin is you settle down the melanin, then help the melanin on the surface of the skin to come up so we can slough if off. Then finally protect with sun protection.” AJ Trew Clinic Director Dermapure Clinic Saskatoon
“Once our patients have started the home care process, we start treating the skin deeper with treatments. Keep in mind that some treatments are commonly used for treating solar lentigines (sun damage) and hyperpigmentation are not always ideal for treating melasma. It is best to have a consultation with an experience team to create your treatment plan. In our clinic we offer a few different options for treating melasma depending on our patients needs.”
AJ TRew
Dermapure Clinics offer amazing skin treatments as well.
Combining HydraFacial with Laser Genesis has been a great treatment for melasma.
The HydraFacial helps to hydrate, refresh and deep clean the skin prepping it for the laser. Laser Genesis comes after, it works by targeting the blood that is supplying the melanocytes and settles down melasma at a deeper level. With no down time, multiple treatments, and a comfortable treatment, these treatments can decrease the appearance of melasma. Bonus, Laser Genesis is a great laser for treating fine lines, wrinkles, acne, and redness in the skin, making it a great complexion treatment.
Microneedling is another treatment Dermapure clinics offer for melasma. Microneedling works at a surface level of breaking up the melanin with creating intentional micro injuries, allowing your body to create a healing response. When treating with Microneedling for pigmentation, deeper is not better. Technicians that are trained to treat melasma know the right settings to work at for seeing the desired results.
Melasma is a common skin concern for many people and can be like acne or rosacea that can make one feel self-conscience. With proper homecare, patience, diligence, and treatments, melasma can be maintained. Finding a clinic that has treated and understands melasma is an important step. Remember though you are not alone, and your team is there to support you and work with you towards results. Dermapure prides themselves for being there for their patients and becoming their “gym for your skin”
If you are looking for a treatment plan for melasma, I hope this helps you to get started on the right path.
If you have questions or would like a consultation, reach out to a Dermapure clinic near you!
Xo
