The most commonly used treatments for melasma are skin lightening medications that are applied topically. These include medications such as
In-office treatments, such as chemical peels, laser therapy, and Cosmelan peels, and prescription medications, such as Tri-Luma, will be the treatment options that reduce the appearance of melasma the fastest.
In most patients a combination therapy is needed for treatment for melasma. A common choice is the combination of hydroquinone with a retinoid that increases skin cell turnover and a steroid that decreases skin inflammation.
Tri-Luma (fluocinolone/hydroquinone/tretinoin) - Uses, Side Effects, and More. Overview: Tri-Luma is used to treat a condition called melasma, which is where colored areas appear on the face. Tri-Luma contains three medicines.
Etiologic factors include genetic influences, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, pregnancy, hormonal therapies, cosmetics, phototoxic drugs, and antiseizure medications. Genetic predisposition may be a major factor in the development of melasma. Melasma is more common in females than in males.
Retinol can reduce melasma by inhibiting the activity of melanocytes (the cells responsible for producing melanin). By modulating the skin's response to UV exposure and reducing tyrosinase enzyme activity, retinol helps reduce melasma pigmentation.
The role of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) serums are established & mainstream in the management of melasma pigment.
In conclusion, Korean red ginseng powder showed good tolerability and beneficial effects in patients with melasma. The use of Korean red ginseng would be counted as a useful adjunctive therapy for patients with melasma.
Avoid the sun between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., which is the peak time for UV rays. Use only gentle soap or cleanser on your face. Do not rub your face hard. If your doctor prescribes or recommends face creams, use them exactly as directed.
Hydroquinone: This is a common treatment for melasma. It is applied to the skin and works to even out the skin tone. Hydroquinone is no longer available in products that you can buy without a prescription.
Skin care products: A product that irritates your skin in general will likely make your melasma worse. Soaps: Some scented soaps are thought to cause or worse melasma. Tanning beds: The UV light produced by tanning beds damages your skin just as bad as the UV light from the sun, and sometimes worse.
"Color correctors can help neutralize the discoloration," Antonis says. He recommends using peach or orange tones to counteract darkness. "Use a small amount of color corrector on the brown spots," he says. "You can apply it directly onto the spots or use a clean brush or your fingertips for precise application.
Topical medications for melasma, such as kojic acid, azelaic acid, hydroquinone and corticosteroids may be effective. Kojic acid and hydroquinone play a role in treating melasma through their skin lightening. Azelaic acid can help reduce the production of melanin in skin cells, which causes excess pigment.
Hydroquinone. HQ is the most frequently prescribed depigmenting agent worldwide and it has remained the gold standard for the treatment of melasma, particularly of the epidermal type.
Aloe vera is a fantastic melasma treatment at home, known for its soothing and healing properties. Applying fresh aloe vera gel to affected areas can help reduce pigmentation and improve overall skin health. Leave the gel on for 20-30 minutes before rinsing.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Meat, fish, and eggs are rich in Vitamin B12. Therefore, it can be missing from your diet if you are vegan or vegetarian. Tip: Consuming vitamin-rich foods can reverse melasma. Consume fortified cereals, nutritional yeast, and supplements to replenish your nutrient intake.
While melasma most often develops after prolonged sun exposure or during pregnancy due to fluctuating hormone levels, it may also be a sign of malnutrition or liver disease. Studies have linked melasma to people with poor liver function, vitamin B12 deficiency and iron deficiency anemia.
A board-certified dermatologist is your best option for melasma treatment, so your face appears even-toned and healthy. Sun exposure, hormone changes, and genetics are three of the most common triggers of hyperpigmentation and melasma flare-ups.
Reduces pigmentation: Retinol works to fade hyperpigmentation including melasma pigment. It does so via two ways. Firstly to increase cell turnover & hence pigment clearance, secondly as a weak inhibitor of pigment production (tyrosinase inhibitor).
10% azelaic acid over the counter products have also been shown to improve hyperpigmentation concerns such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne, sun spots, and melasma; the results being equal to 4% pharmaceutical HQ. Kojic acid is another acid that specializes in reducing unwanted pigment within the skin.
Topical proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as omeprazole, may also inhibit melanogenesis, and present a promising treatment for melasma. Omeprazole topically applied onto the skin of UV-irradiated human subjects elicited significant reduction of pigment levels after 3 weeks compared to untreated controls46.