Melasma Treatment

Melasma is a skin condition commonly seen in older people. This problem is prevalent in both men and women. Today, we will discuss scientifically proven ways to get rid of melasma.

First, we will explain what steps those who have not yet developed melasma can take to prevent it in the future. Then, we will discuss measures individuals who have gradually developed melasma can adopt to address it. Finally, we will explore solutions for those who have been suffering from severe melasma for a long time.

Melasma is a type of hyperpigmentation. This condition causes dark spots on the skin. However, melasma is a form of hyperpigmentation that occurs in the deeper layers of the skin.

First of all, let’s discuss what you can do to prevent melasma before it occurs. Avoiding excessive heat is particularly important for those who work near stoves or in hot environments for extended periods, such as while cooking. Heat is a significant trigger for melasma. If you spend a lot of time near a stove, there is an easy solution: keep a wet cloth handy and gently press it against your face periodically. This helps regulate your temperature and reduces the risk of developing melasma.

Alternatively, you can store soothing gel in the fridge and use it as needed. If you’re comfortable with cold temperatures, placing a small piece of ice on your face can also help lower your facial temperature.

Maintaining hormonal balance is equally crucial. If you have hormonal issues such as PCOS or thyroid-related problems, it is essential to address them seriously, as hormones are a significant factor in the development of melasma. Many people experience melasma suddenly after pregnancy or menopause.

Avoiding birth control pills: If someone in your family has melasma, you are genetically at a higher risk of developing it. In such cases, we advise women to consider alternative birth control methods instead of birth control pills, as these pills can cause hormonal changes that increase the likelihood of melasma.

Avoid steaming the skin: Many online sources recommend steaming as part of a home skincare routine, but steam is harmful to the skin. Regular steaming can damage the skin barrier and contribute to the appearance of melasma. Therefore, whether at home or in a salon, it’s best to avoid steaming your skin.

Avoid products that cause trauma to the skin: Harsh soaps, coarse scrubs, and abrasive products can damage the skin and lead to trauma, which increases the risk of melasma. Opt for gentler skincare products to protect your skin barrier.

Recently, there has been dangerous propaganda on the internet claiming that if the amount of melanin in the skin is high, the risk of melasma is also high. It suggests that reducing melanin through whitening treatments will prevent melasma. This is completely false. Melasma can occur in individuals of any skin tone. There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that lowering melanin levels will stop melasma from developing. Falling for this misinformation and undergoing whitening treatments may trigger melasma and cause additional skin and health problems.

In this regard, it’s important to avoid sun exposure as much as possible. Whatever measures you take to get rid of melasma will fail if you do not prioritize sun protection. Scientific studies have proven that ultraviolet and visible light from the sun are major contributors to melasma. If sunscreen is not within your budget, take alternative protective measures, such as wearing a cap, hat, mask, sunglasses, or using an umbrella.

Now, let’s discuss what individuals with mild melasma, caused by genetic or hormonal factors, can do to manage it.

Here, we will discuss some over-the-counter products and ingredients that can be applied to the skin without a prescription. For instance, hydroquinone is one of the most effective ingredients for skin lightening. Numerous scientific studies have validated its benefits. However, due to its potency, there are specific limitations to its use:

1. Concentration limit: Products containing more than 2% hydroquinone require a doctor’s prescription.
2. Usage duration: Hydroquinone should not be used continuously for an extended period. A common recommendation is to use it for three months, take a one-month break, and then resume if needed.
3. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should avoid using hydroquinone.

For over-the-counter options, a product containing 2% hydroquinone is widely available. One example is the Cos De Baha 2% Hydroquinone Brightening Serum.

How to Use It:

1. Wash your face thoroughly.
2. Take two or three drops of the serum in your hands.
3. Apply it evenly across your entire face.
4. Wait for a moment, then follow up with a moisturizer.

Important Note: Always apply hydroquinone to the entire face; do not use it as a spot treatment.

Azelaic acid is a highly effective ingredient for treating melasma. Its key properties include:

1. Safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding: Azelaic acid can be used during these periods without concern.
2. Long-term use: It is safe to use continuously for the rest of your life.
3. Minimal side effects: Azelaic acid is well-tolerated and unlikely to cause adverse reactions.

Over-the-counter products containing up to 10% azelaic acid can be used without a prescription. Two recommended products are:

• Cos De Baha 10% Azelaic Acid Serum
• Paula’s Choice Azelaic Acid Booster

How to Use:

1. Wash your face thoroughly.
2. Take two or three drops of the product in your hand.
3. Apply evenly across your entire face.

Retinol is not just a great ingredient for addressing various skin problems; it can be used throughout life, with the exception of during pregnancy. It is safe for breastfeeding and generally has no major side effects. However, retinol should be introduced gradually into your skincare routine to minimize any potential irritation.

How to Gradually Increase Retinol Use:

• Use it once in the first week.
• Increase to twice in the second week.
• Use it three times in the third week.

This gradual approach ensures the best results while allowing your skin to adapt.

Recommended Retinol Products:

• Olay Retinol 24 Night Facial Moisturizer
• The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
• Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Face Cream
• CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum

Other brightening ingredients include vitamin C, alpha arbutin, and niacinamide, which can be very beneficial in controlling mild melasma. However, vitamin C, alpha arbutin, and niacinamide alone are not strong enough to control melasma. You can of course use any of these ingredients as a companion ingredient with any of the three ingredients we discussed earlier. This is the last chapter. What can those who have been suffering from melasma for a long time do? 

Ways to remove long-term melasma: 

If your melasma is a few years old and if it has spread to a large part of the face and looks like a mask, then you will first need to reduce it during your professional treatment. So first of all, consult a dermatologist. In this situation, no matter how much any skin care product claims to be anti-melasma, it will not work for you. Dermatologists perform three types of treatments for this type of treatment. Which creams need to be applied topically on the skin? Such creams contain high levels of hydroquinone, streptomycin, and steroids. Someone has prescribed 20% azelaic acid. If this cream is used incorrectly, the side effects are very high, so these cannot be used without the advice of a doctor. Oral treatment. In this case, dermatologists usually suggest low-dose tranexamic acid in the form of medicine.

Other brightening ingredients, such as vitamin C, alpha arbutin, and niacinamide, can be very helpful in controlling mild melasma. However, these ingredients alone are not strong enough to effectively manage melasma. They work best when used as companion ingredients alongside one of the three stronger ingredients discussed earlier (hydroquinone, azelaic acid, or retinol).

Final Chapter: Treating Long-Term Melasma

If you’ve been suffering from melasma for a long time—especially if it has persisted for years, spread across a large portion of your face, and resembles a mask—professional treatment is necessary to reduce its severity.

Step 1: Consult a Dermatologist

For advanced melasma, no over-the-counter skincare product, regardless of its claims, will be effective. A dermatologist can guide you through appropriate treatments.

Types of Professional Treatments:

1. Topical Creams

   Dermatologists may prescribe creams with high concentrations of active ingredients, such as:

   • Hydroquinone
   • Streptomycin
   • Steroids
   • Azelaic acid (up to 20%)

   These treatments must be used under medical supervision, as incorrect use can lead to severe side effects.

2. Oral Medications

   In some cases, dermatologists may recommend low-dose tranexamic acid in oral form to help reduce melasma from within.

Laser therapy can be effective for some individuals with melasma, but others may require two or three different types of treatment. Now, here are three important facts about melasma treatment:

1. Deep, Long-Term Melasma

   For individuals with melasma that has been present for years and is deep within the skin, using the skincare products discussed in the second chapter will likely be a waste of money and time. First, you must consult a dermatologist to reduce the melasma. Afterward, to maintain progress, you should incorporate hydroquinone, azelaic acid, or another suitable product into your skincare routine.

2. Melasma Cannot Be Permanently Cured

   There is no permanent cure for melasma. If you resume sun exposure after reducing melasma through treatment or skincare, it will likely return. Therefore, you must remain vigilant about the factors that trigger melasma, as discussed in the first chapter, throughout your life. Since professional treatments or medications cannot be sustained indefinitely, the best approach for long-term control is diligent skincare and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

3. Short-Term Solutions for Melasma

   There is no quick fix for melasma. Many campaigns claim that melasma will disappear in four weeks or that certain products, like “Atom Melasma Cream,” will make it vanish. These are often deceptive marketing strategies designed to exploit your vulnerabilities. Bringing melasma under control is a gradual process that may take several weeks or even years. So, don’t be discouraged by such marketing claims that promise short-term results. Patience is key.

Lastly, mental health plays a crucial role in addressing any skin issue. Try to maintain a positive mindset and take care of both your physical and mental well-being during the process.