Get to know "melasma" to treat and prevent it correctly.
One of the skin problems found in all ages that results in uneven skin tone often includes "melasma." And when it comes to melasma, everyone knows how difficult it is to treat because it takes a long time...Treating melasmaTo fade melasma, you need to choose the right treatment method and consistently dedicate time and attention to melasma care. This article will discuss melasma and important things to know to help you understand and treat it correctly.
What is melasma?
Melasma is a skin problem caused by melanocyte cells being abnormally stimulated to produce more melanin pigment, whether from external or internal factors. This results in melasma appearing as small to large patches of brown, gray, or black – colors that stand out from your normal skin tone. You may feel self-conscious when you notice melasma on your skin.
Causes and factors that trigger melasma.
Melasma can be caused by both internal and external factors, such as:
- sunlight
Sunlight contains UVA rays, which damage skin cells, causing wrinkles, or stimulate skin cells to produce melanin, leading to freckles, age spots, and dark spots.
- cosmetics
The use of cosmetics containing hydroquinone, mercury, and steroids, which help to whiten the skin, can stimulate...facial skinIt's thin and has a high chance of causing facial blemishes.
- hormone
Individuals with higher-than-normal levels of estrogen or progesterone, such as pregnant women, those taking birth control pills, or those who have stopped menstruating, have a higher chance of developing various types of melasma, including hormonal melasma, because these hormones contribute to increased melanin production in skin cells.
- congenital
Family members typically pass on genetic traits from generation to generation, such as from parents to children. Therefore, if a parent has melasma, that trait will be passed on to their offspring as well.
- Physical condition
As we age, skin cell turnover slows down, making those aged 30-40 and older more prone to developing melasma, freckles, and dark spots. Women are also more likely to develop melasma than men.
How many types of melasma are there, and how do they differ from one another?
Sun spots
Sun spots Sunspots are caused by direct sun exposure or exposure to light from other sources, such as electrical appliances. This stimulates the melanin cells under the skin to produce excessive pigment, leading to an abnormal increase in melanin production. Sunspots appear as patches of varying sizes, typically light to dark brown in color.
shallow cloud
Epidermal melasma is a type of melasma caused by the stimulation of epidermal skin cells to produce melanin. It appears as well-defined patches, ranging in color from brown to black. It is generally relatively easy to treat and can be faded because the discolored pigment cells are located in the outer layer of the skin.
deep glare
Dermal melasma is a type of melasma caused by the dermis (the layer of skin beneath the dermis) producing more melanin than normal. It appears as patches that blend into the skin, making the edges difficult to see. Deep melasma is typically brown, purple, gray, or black, and is more difficult to treat than superficial melasma because the pigment cells are located deeper within the skin.
Mixed ceiling
Mixed melasma refers to a condition where both superficial and deep melasma are present, with brown, bluish-gray, gray, and black patches. Multiple treatment approaches are required to address all aspects of the melasma problem.
Blood clots
Blood clots Telangiectatic melasma is a type of melasma caused by the malfunction or deterioration of capillaries in the dermis. This causes blood vessels to dilate, resulting in melasma-like patches on the skin. These melasma appear as small lines or patches of red, pink, or dark brown color scattered across the skin.
What areas are most prone to developing melasma?
Melasma can typically appear on both the face and body, but in the case of facial melasma, it can be categorized into three types based on the area where it spreads:
- Centrofacial: This refers to melasma that appears on the forehead, cheeks, nose, and upper lip.
- Malar: This refers to melasma that appears on the cheeks and nose.
- Mandibular: This refers to melasma that appears on the jaw or chin.
Other skin problems that might lead you to mistaken for melasma.
dark spots
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PH) refers to marks left by skin irritation or inflammation caused by scratching or picking at the skin.Acne This causes the cells in the dermis to produce pigment, resulting in dark spots.จุดด่างดำSmall, black, gray, or brown.
freckles
Freckle Freckles are a disorder of pigment cells that results in the appearance of small brown or black spots on the skin. Unlike melasma, freckles have well-defined borders. They commonly appear on the face, neck, and body, and can enlarge if the skin is not properly cared for.
Contact rash
Contact dermatitis is a condition characterized by small, red rashes that occur when skin comes into contact with an irritant or allergen. This causes itching, burning, and irritation in the affected area. Sometimes, contact dermatitis can spread to other areas if the skin is scratched or picked at.
Ota's dark spot
Nevus of Ota is a birthmark that appears as small, clustered spots of black, gray, brown, or green color. It commonly appears on the cheekbones, under the eyes, and on the bridge of the nose, but can also occur in other areas such as the conjunctiva and eardrum. Nevus of Ota is a birthmark that can be present from birth and may grow in size with age.
Although the skin problems mentioned above bear a strong resemblance to melasma, they have different causes and symptoms. Therefore, a thorough examination is necessary to receive treatment tailored to the specific skin problem.
Ways that can help fade melasma.
Want to treat melasma? What's the best method? Nowadays, there are many different ways to treat melasma, each with varying treatment durations. To help you choose the right treatment, we have compiled the following methods to help reduce melasma and freckles on the face.
Laser treatment
Currently, many people prefer to treat melasma with this procedure.Laser for melasmaMore and more so because laser treatment for melasma is a quick procedure with relatively fast results, and the laser does not damage surrounding skin cells. The laser machines used to treat melasma include... Pico Laser, Q-Switch Laser, Dual Yellow Laser This laser can also treat other skin problems such as acne and dark spots. Large pores Yes, that's possible.
Facial brightening injection
Skin brightening injections involve injecting substances into the skin layers to nourish and repair damaged skin cells, restoring their health. These substances can also help to fade melasma. Popular substances used for injection include... They swear, Channel, Meso facial Because the ingredients help stimulate skin cells and nourish the skin, making it look brighter.
Skin scrub, skin peel
Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, while chemical peeling involves applying chemicals to the skin to remove the outer layer. Both methods can help fade freckles and dark spots, but they also carry the risk of irritating and sensitive skin. Therefore, frequent exfoliation or peeling should be avoided.
Melasma treatment
Using medications to treat melasma has been a long-standing method. These come in various forms, including creams, pills, and injections. The drugs work by reducing the production of melanin cells, decreasing the likelihood of developing melasma. However, some melasma-treating medications can be harmful to the body. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a doctor before prescribing any medication.
Acupuncture for treating melasma.
Many people may understand acupuncture as a traditional Chinese medicine technique used to treat common ailments. However, acupuncture can actually be used to treat melasma as well. It involves using small needles to gently prick the skin affected by melasma to stimulate blood circulation and promote balance in the body's systems, gradually improving the appearance of melasma. However, for safety reasons, this procedure must be performed by a qualified practitioner.
How to protect your skin from melasma.
Even after treating melasma and fading the spots, it can still reappear. Therefore, you should take additional care of yourself using the following methods to reduce the chances of melasma returning.
- Avoid places with strong sunlight.
- Wear a hat, long-sleeved shirt, or use an umbrella if you must be in a sunny location.
- Reapply sunscreen every 2-4 hours to ensure it continues to be effective in preventing freckles and melasma.
- Avoid using substandard cosmetics.
- Eat healthy foods and drink 8 glasses of water a day to keep your skin healthy.
- Get enough sleep and rest.
- Avoid factors that cause stress, or if you experience stress, engage in activities to reduce it.
FAQ
Can melasma be completely cured?
Melasma cannot be permanently cured as long as skin cells continue to produce melanin. Even after treatment and improvement, there is a chance of recurrence if factors stimulate the cells to produce melanin again. However, you can maintain healthy skin to reduce the chances of recurrence.
Are there any herbs that can treat melasma?
For those who want to treat melasma themselves with herbs, you can use herbs that help exfoliate skin cells, such as centella asiatica, lemon, turmeric, tamarind, honey, and papaya, to apply as a face mask to fade melasma. However, after applying the mask, you must thoroughly cleanse your face to remove all residue, as any remaining residue can lead to clogged pores and acne.
Is melasma a cause of skin cancer?
Melasma itself does not cause skin cancer, but some types of skin cancer resemble melasma. These are called melanomas, which are caused by malfunctioning melanocyte cells. This results in irregularly shaped spots that can change size and color and may develop bleeding sores.
How long does it take for melasma to improve after treatment?
The time required to treat melasma depends on the severity of the melasma and the treatment method chosen. On average, noticeable results are seen after about 1-3 months of treatment. However, deep melasma will take longer to treat than superficial melasma, and topical medications will take longer to treat than laser treatments.
Melasma can be faded if you understand it correctly.
Melasma is one of those problems that, once present, will remain on your face for a long time. However, knowing the type of melasma you have will help make the treatment more effective. If you want to treat melasma... Treat freckles Or, to treat other facial skin problems and achieve a smoother, brighter complexion, you can visit a dermatologist at a branch near you. A specialist in dermatology will assess and treat your specific skin condition.