Melasma treatments can help patients brighten up their skin and effectively manage this condition. While it doesn’t typically cause symptoms such as pain or irritation, melasma can have a profound impact on the quality of life of those who have it.
Can Melasma Be Cured?
Melasma, also known as chloasma, is a skin pigmentation disorder characterized by symmetrical dark patches on your skin. This condition generally shows up on the face, but can also develop on your arms and neck, often in conjunction with birth control pills, pregnancy, and/or sun exposure. Although this condition does not negatively impact your health, may want to know how to cure melasma permanently.
In order to understand and discuss the options for ‘curing’ melasma, we have to take some time to understand what causes it in the first place. The overall mechanism of the condition involves the pigment-producing cells in the skin, the ‘melanocytes’, becoming overactive and producing too much pigment (melanin).
While we don’t have a complete understanding of what exactly makes these cells start behaving in this way, there is strong evidence that UV rays from the sun play a large part in triggering them.
Those who have melasma may notice that their dark patches typically begin either after a period of sun exposure, or get worse during the summer and improve during the winter.
We also know that a hormonal balance in the body is another trigger that makes these melanocytes become overactive. Pregnancy, a time in which the body experiences large hormonal changes, is notorious for causing flares of melasma – so much so that the condition has earned the nickname, ‘the mask of pregnancy’.
Why Treat Your Melasma?
If melasma can’t be cured, then why treat it?
Well, there are many reasons you may want to treat your melasma. You might have a big event coming up, like a wedding or an important presentation at work. You might be tired of using filters and photo-editing apps to hide the dark spots on your face. You may have even noticed that your melasma has negatively impacted your self esteem.
Many studies have shown that melasma isn’t just simply about annoying dark patches on your skin. Although melasma isn’t a life-threatening condition, it can still negatively impact your quality of life.
One study found that people with melasma can refuse to leave their houses, incessantly think about their melasma, and feel inferior to others due to their skin condition (Jiang).
More than 40% of individuals who participated in another study reported that they were depressed, frustrated, and embarrassed as a result of their melasma.
Yet another study found that individuals reported feelings of shame and low self-esteem.
Fortunately, there is good news.
Other studies have determined that patients who treat their melasma can significantly improve their quality of life. A regimented plan that combines melasma treatments with sun protection can help you manage your melasma and brighten up your complexion.
Best Available Melasma Treatments
There are many types of melasma treatments. These options can be used on their own or in conjunction with each other, as determined by your dermatologist. The most common treatments for melasma include the following:
Chemical facial peels
A chemical peel uses a special solution to ‘peel off’ the topmost layer of skin. This process removes discolored patches and the skin pigment melanin, as well as promotes new skin growth. Chemical facial peels for melasma are most effective in combination with a topical skin lightener. This ensures a more uniform penetration of the peel and reduces the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (where the skin actually gets darker instead of lighter).
Lasers
Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation, more commonly known as a laser, is a focused beam of light energy used to heat and destroy precise targets in the skin. The targets in lasers for skin lightening are called chromophores, which include melanin. Conservative (low-energy) treatments are generally recommended in order to reduce the risk of rebound pigmentation, where the skin gets darker instead of lighter. As a result, lasers are considered second or third-line treatment options for the treatment of melasma.
Microneedling
Microneedles are very small needles that typically measure 0.1–1 mm in length. They can be used to create pores in the topmost layer of skin to allow the ingredients in topical creams to penetrate into the layers of the skin where blood vessels and pigment cells are located. Microneedling is most effective when used in conjunction with topical creams. The use of microneedling on its own does not have a strong evidence base for improving melasma.
What Permanent Melasma Removal Options Are There?
If you have wondered how to remove melasma permanently, then we unfortunately have bad news for you. Since this condition is chronic and does not currently have a cure, that means you may experience melasma flare-ups throughout your life. Fortunately, melasma can be lightened and managed, and you can maintain long-term results with diligent treatment and sun protective measures.
So, What Is The Best Treatment For Melasma?
Whether you are treating melasma without medication, with over-the-counter options, or with prescription-strength medication creams, there’s one important thing to keep in mind: melasma can be slow to respond to treatment, but that doesn’t mean it won’t go away.