Many would think that the best treatment for skin pigmentation is laser therapy. Laser is just one of several ways to deal with skin problems and it may not work for all types of pigmentation issues. Melasma, for example, is one stubborn pigmentation flaw that may not easily respond to laser treatments. If you have melasma and are looking for an effective treatment method, our suggestion is to try melasma cream.
What is melasma?
Melasma is a type of skin discoloration caused by the overproduction of pigments in the skin. It can be identified through its distinct characteristics: patches of discoloration that appear as bluish-gray, brown, or tan in color. It can cover parts of the face such as the forehead, chin, cheeks, and upper lips.
What causes melasma?
There are various factors that cause melasma. These are:
- Exposure to the sun’s UV rays
- Family history
- Hormones
- Medications
- Pregnancy
Women, in particular, are more prone to developing this skin flaw as compared to men especially when there are changes to their hormones or during pregnancy.
Is melasma preventable?
People who have an increased risk of developing melasma have a small chance of being able to prevent it. However, there are ways to care for the skin in order to impede the blemish from getting worse. Practice the following:
- Apply sunscreen with a high SPF
- Avoid getting exposed to the sun especially during 10:00am to 4:00pm when it is at its peak
- Find alternatives to hormonal medication
- Wear protective gears to shield the areas of the skin where melasma is present
- Use products that are gentle to the skin
How is melasma diagnosed?
To know whether the pigmentation problem that you have is melasma, ask the help of a dermatologist. Dermatologists are medical doctors that specialize in conditions affecting the skin.
During your consultation, your dermatologist may ask you questions that can help in identifying factors that cause melasma. Be prepared to provide details such as:
- Your daily routine or activities
- Your family medical history
- Your list of medications
- Your skincare practice
In addition to this, your doctor may ask you to undergo a Wood’s lamp examination. This procedure uses a special kind of light to detect the following in the skin:
- Bacterial or fungal infections
- Pigmentation disorders
- Other skin abnormalities
How does a Wood’s lamp work?
A Wood’s lamp gives off two types of light: black light, which is invisible to the human eye, and a small amount of light that is on the violet spectrum, which is visible to the human eye. When the lamp illuminates the skin, the light affects the skin pigment and the color of the skin changes.
Normal skin will emit a bluish color under a Wood’s lamp. Skin that has abnormality will change in color or glow under the light. Melasma patches become brown in color when exposed to black light.
How should you prepare for a Wood’s lamp test?
If you have been scheduled for a Wood’s lamp test, your health provider should give you specific instructions on how to prepare for the procedure. Here are some:
- At best, avoid washing the part of the skin where the test is to be done.
- Do not use any skincare product, makeup, or perfume on the target area of the skin as these may contain substances that can affect the outcome of the test.
What happens during a Wood’s lamp test?
A Wood’s lamp test is conducted in a dermatologist’s office. This is a quick test and it should be done in under an hour. You will be asked to use protective glasses or goggles for this test. Depending on the area of the body where the target area is located, your doctor may ask you to remove your clothing. After which, the room will be darkened and the Wood’s lamp will be held over your skin to expose it to black light to see any changes.
Are there risks to the Wood’s lamp test since the skin is exposed to UV light?
The UV light used in a Wood’s lamp examination is safe and will not cause any damage to the skin. Individuals whose skin is extra sensitive may experience a rash following the test, although this is very rare and the rash usually clears out quickly.
Repeated exposure to Wood’s lamp may damage the eyes. It is important that your doctor provides safety goggles and/or asks you to close your eyes for the entire duration of the test.
What happens following a Wood’s lamp test?
The results of a Wood’s lamp test should be shared to you by your doctor right after the procedure. Considering the results and other factors concerning your condition, your doctor will be able to diagnose if melasma is indeed present in your skin.
What treatment should I consider for melasma?
There are several treatments available for melasma such as chemical peels, laser therapy, and melasma creams. Among the different treatments, melasma creams have been receiving a lot of praise recently as these have been able to give impressive results.
What makes melasma cream effective?
Melasma creams contain ingredients that work to reduce the skin cells responsible for producing pigments. Below are the compounds that are commonly used for melasma creams:
- Azelaic acid
- Arbutin
- Glycolic acid
- Hydroquinone
- Kojic acid
- Niacinamide
- Vitamin C
Based on the type of melasma that you have and other factors that contribute to its development, your doctor may recommend to use melasma cream in combination with other treatments.
Are OTC melasma creams safe to use?
Sure, it is tempting to bring matters into your hands and just grab an over-the-counter melasma cream to use at home. Be warned: you are placing your skin at risk of more damage.
Over-the-counter skin lightening products that contain hydroquinone can be harmful to the skin when used without the supervision of a dermatologist. You may end up paying for more to treat your skin when things get out of hand. Leave it to the experts to deal with any type of skin problems and plan for treatment. This ensures your safety and well-being.
One Face Clinic — Dr David Ng Cheow Hua
1 Tras Link #02-01 Orchid Hotel, Singapore 078867
Phone: +65 6222 2262
WhatsApp/WeChat: +65 9822 2989
