A blemish that many women suffer from is Melasma, which is a hyperpigmentation of the skin that can occur either diffusely on the face or localised in specific areas. As it is widespread, there are many beliefs associated with it. Let's find out together which are true and which are not.
Is melasma a pregnancy spot?
False - Melasma is a brownish spot that appears mainly on the face of adult women. It is a very common hyperchromia and frequently appears during pregnancy. However, it is not a condition exclusive to pregnancy, as non-pregnant women can also suffer from it.
Melasma has no cure?
True - Melasma has no cure that works always and in every case, but it can be controlled. There are people who have a predisposition to this hyperpigmentation. However, there are various stimuli, both internal and external, that cause melasma to appear or worsen. These factors include sun exposure (including infrared), heat, hormonal changes, stress, taking certain medications, local trauma, etc.
If you do not sunbathe, is it not necessary to use sunscreen for melasma?
False - If you are predisposed, you should use sunscreen daily, even if you don't go sunbathing at the beach. Any light and heat can potentially worsen melasma, even if it comes from a car window for example.
Does make-up protect against melasma?
False - The colour of a cosmetic foundation may protect to some extent, but it is not sufficient to prevent the worsening of melasma, which darkens in visible and infrared light. We now know that visible light causes significant darkening, as do UV and infrared rays. Therefore it will be important to use a broad-spectrum sun filter. Make-up will only help to manage the problem aesthetically, but will not help to prevent it.
Does the laser cause melasma?
True and False - Dark skins with a genetic predisposition to melasma, if treated with technologies that release excessive heat, may favour the worsening of this blemish. Laser devices used to treat blemishes sometimes risk leaving post-treatment hyperpigmentation that therefore does not resolve the problem. This is why they are not always indicated as first-line treatment of melasma. Other cases, however, may benefit from laser treatment, so each situation must be examined individually.
Our clinic in Lugano treats melasma with various technologies, including the Q-Switched Laser and some specific peelings. Do not hesitate to contact us for more information!
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Photo by Fleur Kaan on Unsplash
