What exactly is Melasma?
Melasma is a condition which causes brown or grey patches to occur on the face. This patchy brown tan is usually seen in women during their pregnancy. It mostly appears on the chin, forehead, cheeks and lips of women between the age of 20 to 50 years. The main factors for melasma can be sun exposure, internal hormonal changes and also sometimes heat. Melasma also has some other names such as pigmentation of pregnancy, chloasma and pregnancy mask. Melasma is not a contagious disease nor it is related to any allergies. When the skin is over-exposed to the sun, the skin produces excessive melanin which leads to dark patches.
Patterns Of Melasma
Melasma occurs on the face in three different patterns.
- On the upper lip, cheek, nose and forehead: When melasma appears on this parts of face it is called as “Centro-Facial”. In this, the Melasma occurs in the centre of the face.
- On the Upper Cheeks: When the Melasma appears on the Upper Cheeks the pattern is known as “Malar Pattern”
- On the Jaw: ” Mandibular Pattern’ is identified when the melasma appears on the Jaw.
Not only on these parts, but melasma can also occur on other parts of the body such as the neck, forearm also known as “Extra-Facial Melasma”
Types Of Melasma
Epidermal, Mixed and Dermal are three types of patterns in Melasma. There is also a fourth type of pattern which does not have any name.
- Epidermal Melasma: When there is an excess of Melanin on the exterior part of the skin this type of Melasma occurs.
- Dermal Melasma: There are cells known as melanophages which ingest melanin. When these cells are found on the different layers of the skin Dermal Melasma is identified.
- Mixed Melanin: Mixed Melasma is nothing but the combination of Epidermal and Dermal Melasma.
The fourth one having no name is mostly found in those individuals who have a dark-complexion or dark skin. The unnamed type of Melasma is characterised by Melanocytes. Melanocytes are the cells which produce melanin and are located in the bottom layer of the epidermis.
Some Facts Of Melasma
- To prevent melasma you must avoid sun
- Melasma is treated using topical creams which mostly contain hydroquinone
- Mainly occurs in Women of age 20 – 50
- People with dark skin are more susceptible to melasma.
- Melasma is less common in Black Skin.
- Melasma mostly arises during pregnancy.
Categories Of Melasma
Stable Melasma and Unstable Melasma are the two main categories of Melasma.
- Stable Melasma
In Stable Melasma, the melasma remains the same. Even if the Melasma affected skin is exposed to sunlight for a few minutes or hours it does not change and remains the same.
- Unstable Melasma
Unstable Melasma is completely opposite to the Stable Melasma. Unlike Stable Melasma which can be exposed to the sun, Unstable Melasma is extremely sensitive to the sun. Even a small amount of heat is enough for Unstable Melasma to flare up. In this type of Melasma, the skin can easily get darker. Even if the extra melanin is removed from the skin, there are chances that it may occur again.
Main Causes Of Melasma
Stable Melasma and Unstable Melasma are the two main categories of Melasma.
- Stable Melasma
In Stable Melasma, the melasma remains the same. Even if the Melasma affected skin is exposed to sunlight for a few minutes or hours it does not change and remains the same.
- Unstable Melasma
Unstable Melasma is completely opposite to the Stable Melasma. Unlike Stable Melasma which can be exposed to the sun, Unstable Melasma is extremely sensitive to the sun. Even a small amount of heat is enough for Unstable Melasma to flare up. In this type of Melasma, the skin can easily get darker. Even if the extra melanin is removed from the skin, there are chances that it may occur again.
Options for Melasma Treatment
Sometimes the Melasma can automatically fade once the factor causing it ends.
Many dermatologists refrain from treating Melasma because they have the fear of making the Melasma look more worse.
- Hydroquinone (Skin Lightening Creams)
Most of the dermatologist uses hydroquinone cream to treat Melasma. This cream helps to lighten the dark patches on your skin caused by Melasma. This cream comes in the form of gel, liquid or lotions. Such types of creams help to slow down the activity of melanin-forming cells. Hydroquinone creams can sometimes cause extreme irritation and itching to face hence, it is very important to use this cream with the utmost care. Using this creams will not completely remove the Melasma, once you stop using it may happen that the Melasma may reoccur.
- Chemical Peels Treatment
Using chemical with glycolic acid is the fastest way to get rid of dark patches caused due to Melasma. In chemical peel treatment, the cells having excessive pigment are removed to improve the skin pigmentation. Mostly a phenol peel is used to treat the Melasma. This technique has to be carried by a well-experienced surgeon because if this techniques performed in the wrong way may lead to skin becoming too light.
- Laser Treatment
Laser treatment for Melasma is not the most preferred method of treatment by a dermatologist. Laser treatment provides temporary results and sometime may cause your Melasma to become even worse.
- Microdermabrasion Treatment
Microdermabrasion is one of the most risk-free treatments for Melasma. The microdermabrasion treatment approximately takes 25-30 minutes. In this process, an erosive material is used to peel off the outer layer of the skin.
Prevention is better than cure
- Keep your skin away from direct sunlight
As we have seen that the sun is the most important factor in causing Melasma. Hence using sunscreen is most important while you leave your home. Always buy a sunscreen with a sun protection factor i.e SPF of 30 or higher. You can also wear wide and full clothes to avoid direct contact with the sun
- Avoid Waxing
Consult a dermatologist regarding safer methods for hair removal. Avoid waxing because waxing can sometimes cause melasma to grow and become worse.
Best Melasma Treatment In Mumbai
Luvayaa skin clinic is best of Melasma Treatment In Mumbai. Luvayaa clinic is headed by Dr. Vaishali who has over 15 years of experience in performing Melasma Treatment In Mumbai. As Melasma is becoming more and more severe skin problem, number of people are looking for affordable Melasma Treatment In Mumbai. Many people try to cure Melasma by applying Home remedies, but in the case of severe Melasma, it can be treated only by an experienced and expert Dermatologist. If you are in Mumbai looking for the best Melasma Treatment then your search is over. You can come to Luvayaa Clinic and get the best quality Melasma Treatment In Mumbai from DrVaishali. She is not only an expert in non-surgical techniques but highly efficient with surgical procedures. If you have any questions or queries you can visit Luvayaa clinic to get the best Melasma Treatment In Mumbai.
Why Choose Luvayaa Skin Clinic
MOST ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES
At Luvayaa clinic, our team always uses the most advanced technology present in the world and we make it a point to make sure that we treat our patients with the newest technology possible!
SURGICAL SAFETY
Dr. Vaishali has 15+ years of experience in her respective field and is a board certified Dermatologist and Dermatosurgeon. Our priority is always patient safety and for that, we take a proper examination before beginning any treatment!
EXPERIENCED TEAM
For us, learning never stops and we stay updated with everything new in our fast-changing cosmetic and skin industry. We always make sure to keep ourselves updated and thus provide the latest and newest procedures available in the industry!