Melasma is a common skin condition that causes brown-coloured patches on the face. It tends to affect women nine times more than men, with pregnancy being the main cause of the condition. This common skin condition is characterised by the development of brown patches on the face, particularly on areas such as the forehead, cheeks, nose, upper lip, and chin. These patches are often symmetrical and might have an irregular shape. The main causes of melasma include direct exposure to UV rays or hormonal influences such as pregnancy or the use of hormonal birth control. Genetics and having a family history of melasma play a major role in its development.

Fortunately, according to dermatologists, the good news is that there are several safe and effective procedures available for treating melasma. In this post, we will discuss the effective treatments for melasma that have been approved by dermatologists. We have taken insights for this post from a renowned skin specialist, Dr. Roopi Khera, who is known for offering the best melasma treatment in Ludhiana at The Glo Medispa Clinic. Let’s start by learning about the symptoms of melasma.

What are the Symptoms of Melasma?

Melasma often occurs on the face and most commonly affects areas such as the forehead, lips, cheeks, etc. Following are some of the symptoms of melasma:

Melasma spots are usually dark than the natural colour of the skin.
The spots can often appear on both sides of the face.
Melasma tends to cover large areas of the face. They are more apparent in some areas of the face than others.
Melasma becomes more noticeable the more time one spends in the sun.

What Causes Melasma?

The dark skin colouration of melasma has no known cause, but it is most often linked with:

Individuals who experience sun exposure
Pregnant women
Females who often take birth control pills

Skin experts believe that melasma often occurs when the melanocytes, which are cells that produce pigment, become stimulated by estrogen or progesterone. Exposure of the skin to UV radiation from the sun also stimulates pigments, leading to an increase in melanin production. A dermatologist knows how to diagnose and treat this condition. With an effective treatment, the symptoms can diminish and go away completely.

If one is looking for a top dermatologist who can treat melasma, one can contact Dr. Roopi Khera, a renowned dermatologist at The Glo Medispa Clinic, the best skin clinic in Ludhiana. Let’s find out the methods used to treat it.

How is Melasma Treated?

Melasma can be treated effectively, though it might not disappear completely. There are several treatment options available that can lighten the dark patches associated with melasma. These include the following:

Hydroquinone

This comes in cream, lotion, gel, and liquid form, which helps to lighten the skin. While over-the-counter formulations of hydroquinone are available, prescriptions from doctors are required for getting higher-strength versions.

Corticosteroids and Tretinoin

When used with hydroquinone, these medications accelerate the process of skin whitening. Some are known as “triple creams” because they include three ingredients: hydroquinone, tretinoin, and a corticosteroid.

Topical Medications

These might also contain kojic acid or azelaic acid, two skin-lightening agents administered topically.

Sun Protection

Sun protection is a vital part of treating melasma. Dermatologists recommend using mineral-based sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to stay protected from sun rays. Also, they advise using hats and ultraviolet (UV) protective clothing whenever required.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are skin resurfacing procedures that minimize the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and sun damage. These peels work as an exfoliator and remove the outer layers of dead, discolored skin to reveal fresh, healthy skin. Chemical peels are also considered effective in reducing hyperpigmentation when combined with other procedures such as triple combination cream.

Laser Therapy

Intense pulsed light (IPL) and fractional lasers are two examples of light-based and laser treatments that can be beneficial for minimizing melasma. These procedures aim to reduce the skin’s hyperpigmentation. When treating deep melasma, which affects the dermis (second layer of skin), laser therapy can be quite helpful.

How To Prevent Melasma?

Following are some of the effective tips for preventing melasma. These include:

Use of Sunscreen: Sunlight is one of the biggest triggers of melasma; daily use of sunscreen is non-negotiable to keep it at bay. One must choose a sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection with an SPF of 30 or more.
Outdoor Hats: Hats can keep the rays off the face.
Gentle Skin Care: Certain products irritate the skin and exacerbate melasma. Therefore, one must use gentle products that do not harm the skin.

Final Takeaway

Through this post, we have discussed what melasma is and its symptoms. We have also discussed ways of treating melasma, which dermatologists have approved. Although these are effective treatments, it is still vital to consult a dermatologist who can prepare a personalized treatment based on individual needs and the severity of the condition.

For this, one can get in touch with Dr. Roopi Khera, who is considered the best dermatologist in Ludhiana. She is the founder of a leading skin facility, The Glo Medispa and offers safe and effective treatment for melasma. The adept doctor offers a range of dermatological treatments such as chemical peels, laser therapy, microneedling, mesotherapy, and many more to treat melasma. To avail the benefits of these melasma treatments, pay a visit to The Glo Medispa Clinic today!

Original Source:- https://blogstudiio.com/best-ways-to-treat-melasma-according-to-dermatologists/