Melasma is a common skin condition that can be identified by patches of skin on the face that are dark and discolored. It’s more common in women than men, and it’s often referred to as the “mask of pregnancy” because it frequently occurs in pregnant women. However, melasma can affect anyone, regardless of gender or age. In this article, we’ll discuss what melasma is, risk factors, symptoms, and how to prevent and cure melasma in Singapore.
What is melasma?
Melasma is known to be caused by an overproduction of melanin, which is the pigment that gives our skin its color. As a result of this skin condition, brown or gray patches appear on the face. These symmetrical patches can be found on the following areas:
- Cheeks
- Forehead
- Nose
- Upper lip.
While the medical science field cannot explain why the body overproduces melanin, it is believed to be related to hormonal changes, sun exposure, and genetics. Women who are pregnant or taking birth control pills are also at an increased risk of developing melasma.
What are the factors that trigger melasma?
Sun exposure is a common cause of melasma. UV rays from the sun can stimulate the production of melanin, which can lead to the development of melasma. People who spend a lot of time in the sun without wearing sunscreen are more likely to develop melasma than those who are not constantly exposed to UV rays and/or those who use sunscreen with ample protection from UV rays.
Genetics also play a key role in the development of melasma. If someone in your family has melasma, you’re more likely to develop it as well.
What are the risk factors for melasma?
There are several risk factors that can increase your chances of developing melasma. These include:
- Gender: women are more likely to develop melasma than men.
- Hormonal changes: pregnancy, birth control pills, and hormone replacement therapy can all increase your risk of developing melasma.
- Sun exposure: spending a lot of time in the sun without wearing sunscreen can increase your risk of developing melasma.
- Skin type: people with darker skin are more likely to develop melasma.
- Genetics: if someone in your family has melasma, you’re more likely to develop it as well.
What are the common symptoms of melasma?
The most common symptom of melasma is the appearance of dark, discolored patches on the cheeks, forehead, nose, and upper lip. Although melasma doesn’t cause any physical discomfort or pain, but because of the fact that it affects the overall aesthetics of a face, it can be a source of emotional distress for some people. The patches can be unsightly and can cause self-consciousness and embarrassment.
How can I prevent melasma?
There are several steps you can take to help prevent melasma. These include:
Wear sunscreen everyday: Sun exposure causes melasma, so it’s important to wear sunscreen every day, even on cloudy days and even when you are staying indoors. Yes, you have read that right! Just because you cannot feel the heat of the sun beating down on you does not mean that you are not at risk for ultraviolet (UV) exposure. UV rays can penetrate glass windows, so it is as important to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen outdoors (especially when staying under the sun for prolonged periods) as much as indoors.
- Wear a hat and sunglasses: wearing a hat and sunglasses can help protect your face from the sun’s harmful rays. Choose a hat with a brim wide enough to provide coverage to the face and a pair of sunglasses that can block UV rays.
- Avoid tanning beds: tanning beds can give that highly-coveted bronzed, sun-kissed look but it can also increase your risk of developing melasma and other serious skin conditions like skin cancer, so it’s best to avoid it.
- Use gentle skincare products: harsh skincare products can irritate your skin, destroy your skin barrier, and trigger melasma. Stick to gentle, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic products for your face.
- Avoid waxing: waxing can irritate your skin and irritations can trigger melasma. Stick to shaving or using a depilatory cream instead.
What are the effective treatments for melasma?
While there’s no cure for melasma, there are several treatments that can help reduce the appearance of the patches.
Topical treatments are creams or gels that are applied directly to the skin. The most common topical treatments for melasma include:
- Hydroquinone: this is commonly found as an ingredient in bleaching creams, and it can help lighten the dark patches of skin.
- Tretinoin and corticosteroids: creams that have these ingredients can help enhance the effects of hydroquinone.
- Azelaic acid: this substance can help reduce the production of melanin in the skin.
If topical treatments aren’t effective, there are several medical treatments that can help minimize the appearance of melasma.
- Chemical peels: this treatment involves applying a chemical solution to the skin to exfoliate the topmost layer of skin.
- Microdermabrasion: this treatment involves using a special tool to gently remove the top layer of skin.
- Laser therapy: this treatment involves using a laser to target the dark patches of skin and break up the melanin pigments.
Are there natural remedies for melasma?
Yes, there are natural remedies for melasma! The gel from aloe vera, a medicinal plant with antioxidant and antibacterial properties, can help soothe and lighten the skin. Apple cider vinegar can help exfoliate the skin and reduce the appearance of melasma. Lemon juice contains citric acid, which can help lighten the skin.
Remember that before trying out any home remedy, make sure that you have read extensively about the subject or better yet, consult your doctor first, in order to avoid unwanted results.
What are the ways to prevent and cure melasma?
In addition to the treatments listed above, there are several lifestyle changes you can make to help prevent and cure melasma. Eating a healthy diet is one. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help improve the overall health of your skin. Fruits and vegetables are a great source of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants are necessary for keeping the skin clear and free of blemishes. Getting enough sleep is also a requirement for healthy skin. If you do not get at least 6 to 8 hours of sleep a day, your skin suffers. Stress can trigger melasma, too, so it’s important to manage your stress levels.
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One Face Clinic — Dr David Ng Cheow Hua
1 Tras Link #02-01 Orchid Hotel, Singapore 078867
Phone: +65 6222 2262
WhatsApp/WeChat: +65 9822 2989
