How to Treat Melasma? Everything You Need to Know!

When it comes to skincare, one of the most common skin issues is melasma. It refers to a pigmentation disorder that mostly impacts women. Additionally, melasma is often visible among brown skinned or dark-skinned individuals. 

Being able to affect women above 30, this particular skin condition can impact the skin severely. So, if you are someone who has been exposed to melasma, then learning about its reduction process is essential.

Although melasma is often treated with a skin expert’s advice, we are here to guide you regarding how to treat melasma and get back your beautiful and radiant skin. Read on to know more!

What Is Melasma?

Melasma is a common skin condition that is characterized by blue-gray or brown patches on the skin. It is further referred to as the ‘mask of pregnancy’. Although several factors are responsible for developing melasma, the primary factor in the development of melasma is the overproduction of the cells responsible for skin color.

According to the popular notion, melasma can be reduced a lot but cannot be eliminated completely. Regardless of whether you follow a proper skincare regimen or treatment, reducing melasma is time-consuming, as the process of reduction is slow.

This specific skin concern is visible on the nose, chin, upper lip, and forehead, and comes with a prevalence of 1%. However, it can further increase up to 50%.

Types of Melasma

Before you jump into understanding how to treat melasma, you need to learn about its various types. Typically, there are three types of melasma depending on the pigment level. So, before you find out what is the best sunscreen for melasma, it is advisable to get an idea about its types.

1.    Epidermal

Epidermal melasma appears to be dark brown. It further has a well-defined border. However, epidermal melasma can be treated with proper treatment. You can also consult a dermatologist to follow a skincare routine to reduce this skin issue. 

2.    Mixed Melasma

Mixed melasma appears to be both brown and bluish in color. It is one of the most common types of melasma. This also responds positively to treatments. 

3.    Dermal

Dermal melasma is blue or light brown in color. It has a blurry border and does not respond in a positive way to treatment.

Causes of Melasma You Should Know

Melasma is a stubborn skin condition. Although it appears automatically, it can stay for a long time. While sometimes melasma can last up to three months, in some cases, it stays on the skin forever. So, if you want to know how to treat melasma, then consider understanding its root causes.

Genetics is considered to be one of the primary causes of melasma. Between 33% and 50% individuals suffer from melasma due to genetics. Due to having no signs or symptoms, melasma is hard to identify and can appear overnight on the skin.

Furthermore, LED lights and antiseizure medications can cause melasma as well. In fact, pregnant women or postmenopausal women can experience melasma. Some pregnant women can suffer from melasma due to the increased levels of progesterone, estrogen, and melanocyte-stimulating hormones.

Additionally, the consistent application of several makeup and skincare products without having proper knowledge can cause melasma in the skin. 

Some of the other factors that can develop melasma are: phototoxic drugs, soaps, tanning beds, hypothyroidism, and contraceptive therapy. So, if you have been taking any contraceptive pills, consider consulting a skincare specialist to get the right advice.

How to Treat Melasma Properly

Melasma, which can develop during pregnancy, medication, UV exposure, or sudden hormonal changes, can be treated with a proper skincare routine. Although it can last up to several months, it can stay forever as well. So, if you have melasma or you want to buy best anti-melasma cream online, then you need to understand the process of its treatment.

Primarily, there are two ways to treat melasma. Those are: decreasing the overall amount of pigment your body makes, and evening out your skin tone. So, in this section of the blog, we have provided you with the various ways to treat melasma. 

1.    Protect the Skin from the Sun’s Rays

The most effective way to reduce or treat melasma is to provide your body with proper sun protection. The heat of the sun often increases the skin pigment, which can further impact the existing melasma and develop darker patches than before. In that case, it is advisable to opt for SPF 30 or SPF 50 sunscreen with P++++ rating. Furthermore, consider sunscreen containing zinc oxide, iron oxide, or titanium dioxide to reduce this skin condition. 

2.    Opt for Proper Medication and Procedures

When it comes to reducing melasma with proper treatment, you need to have an idea about the effective ingredients. For example, dermatologists often prescribe hydroquinone-based skincare products to reduce melasma. Its amazing capacity in evening out the skin tone and treating hyperpigmentation has made it effective for treating melasma.

Furthermore, you can also use tretinoin, azelaic acid, kojic acid, or vitamin C-based skincare products to treat this skin issue. So, if you want to buy best hydroquinone creams online, or you want to purchase any other skincare products to treat this skin concern, then consider having a complete idea about its effectiveness. 

3.    Chemical Peel

Melasma, which does not go away with skincare, requires dermatology-based treatment. For example, some dermatologists often advise going through chemical peeling to help remove melasma as much as possible. 

4.    Microneedling

This particular treatment helps to develop microscopic tears in the skin, which can further treat dull skin and make it shiny and even. 

5.    Laser Treatments

Although laser treatment is often considered to be the last option to treat melasma, it can improve the skin to a great extent. However, instead of laser treatment, it is advisable to opt for effective skincare products that help you treat melasma. So, buy best anti-melasma creams online to get the desired results.

Hydroquinone to Treat Melasma

As mentioned earlier, hydroquinone is often used to treat melasma. Though any hydroquinone-based skincare products are not purchased without a dermatologist’s advice, their effectiveness in treating melasma has been remarkable.

Hydroquinone refers to a skin-lightening agent that is applied topically to treat or reduce hyperpigmentation. Individuals with melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, drug-induced pigmentation, freckles, lentigines, and various other skin issues can use hydroquinone.

Often found in various creams or lotions, the ideal concentration of this ingredient is between 1% and 5%. However, before you buy best hydroquinone creams online (dermatologist-recommended), consider looking at the other ingredients as well.

Some other skin lightening ingredients that can be used with hydroquinone are: topical retinoids and topical steroids.

Hydroquinone Benefits to Treat Melasma

Hydroquinone is considered to be one of the most effective ingredients to treat melasma. It is mostly effective in treating post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Around 70% individuals suffering from melasma have been able to see a reduction in this skin condition by using hydroquinone. Hydroquinone can inhibit the overall production of melanin, which is the skin pigment that causes melasma and pigmentation. If you want to buy best hydroquinone creams online, then consider consulting a certified dermatologist and start using them to get the desired results.

Any skincare product containing more than 4% hydroquinone can cause mild skin irritation. So, it is advisable to continue using hydroquinone-based creams with proper advice and recommendations from a dermatologist.  

Hydroquinone-based Skincare Products to Treat Melasma

Hydroquinone is mostly available in creams. While you need to opt for an SPF 30 or SPF 50 sunscreen depending upon your skin type to protect your skin from the sun, you can buy best anti-melasma cream online that contains hydroquinone to get the desired results. However, the efficacy of a hydroquinone-based cream increases if it is combined with tretinoin and steroids.

It is further advisable to opt for a certified dermatologist’s recommendation before using any hydroquinone-based cream to treat melasma. As hydroquinone can be harmful for those who use it for a long time, it can affect the skin.

Other Effective Ingredients to Treat Melasma

There are other ingredients that can positively impact the melasma. So, you can use other skincare products containing the following ingredients to reduce melasma. 

1.    Vitamin C

Vitamin C is considered to be effective for increasing skin brightness. It can further reduce the appearance of dark spots. By inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase, vitamin C can reduce melanin production. 

2.    Retinoids

Topical retinoids, such as tretinoin, can help to reduce melasma. It can further increase the cell turnover and exfoliate the pigmented cells. However, the application of retinoids can worsen melasma initially. So, it is advisable to treat melasma carefully while using retinoid-based skincare products. 

3.    Niacinamide

Niacinamide can be used effectively to reduce inflammation and even out the skin tone. It can further manage melasma. 

4.    AHA

Glycolic acid, which is an AHA, can help to remove the outer layer of the skin. As a result, the pigmented cells get removed and make the skin even.

Conclusion

Melasma, which is a stubborn skin issue, can severely affect the overall appearance. It can further negatively impact the individuals’ confidence as well. So, it is important to know how to treat melasma. However, we suggest opting for proper skincare products to reduce this skin issue and get the desired results.