Melasma is a common skin disorder that means “ black spot” when translated. Melasma is a skin disorder that appears as a brown or blue-grey patch or freckle-like spots on the skin. It’s often referred to as the “pregnancy mask.” Melasma is caused by an overproduction of the cells that give your skin its colour. You may get it due to sun exposure, genetics, hormones, or drugs. Sometimes it will dissipate after a few months, but in some cases, it may stay on longer than expected. Pregnant women and fair-skinned women are most at risk of melasma. But, how to cure melasma permanently? Keep reading to find out how to cure melasma of the inside, and what are the most known causes of melasma.
Most Known Causes of Melasma and Its Triggers
Melasma is caused by two main factors: radiation (ultraviolet, visible light, or infrared (heat) light) and hormones.
The sun’s ultraviolet and infrared light are crucial in exacerbating melasma. Melasma can also be caused by the following factors:
- Antiseizure medications: Medication that prevents seizures may be a cause of melasma. Clobazam (Onfi®) is an example of an antiseizure drug.
- Contraceptive therapy (birth control): Melasma has been observed in those who use estrogen and progesterone-containing oral contraceptives.
- Estrogen/Diethylstilbestrol: Diethylstilbestrol is a man-made (synthetic) derivative of the hormone estrogen. It is frequently used in prostate cancer therapies. Once again, there is a link between elevated estrogen and melasma.
- Genetics: Between 33% and 50% of patients with melasma indicate that someone else in their family has it. Melasma affects the majority of identical twins.
- Hypothyroidism: disorder in which your thyroid gland is underactive.
- LED lights: Melasma can be triggered by the LED lights on your television, laptop, cell phone, or tablet.
- Pregnancy: It is unknown why pregnant women experience “the mask of pregnancy.” Experts believe that elevated amounts of estrogen, progesterone, and melanocyte-stimulating hormones during the third trimester of pregnancy are to blame.
- Hormones: Hormones such as estrogen and progesterone may be involved in some cases. Melasma has been observed in postmenopausal women who have been given progesterone. If you are not pregnant, your melasma lesions most likely have high amounts of estrogen receptors.
- Cosmetics (makeup): Some cosmetics can produce a phototoxic response.
- Tanning beds: The UV radiation produced by tanning beds is equally as damaging to your skin as UV light from the sun, if not more so.
Protect Your Skin From The Sun And From Melasma
How do we protect skin from the sun and from melasma? Sunscreens with broad UVA and UVB protection levels of at least 30 SPF are required for melasma prevention and outbreak prevention. Sunscreen should be administered on a daily basis. Avoid prolonged sun exposure. Melasma can be treated with a variety of procedures, including laser treatments, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion. Laser is regarded as one of the most effective.
Another type of melasma treatment in Singapore is antioxidant supplements containing pigmentation lightening ingredients eg Crystal Tomato etc They’ve been demonstrated to improve the efficacy of other melasma treatments. Lightening lotions containing antioxidants can also be beneficial. Mild soaps and cleansers designed specifically for melasma can be used because they will not irritate the skin.
Moisturizing lotions containing nutrients and calming botanicals can be used to keep the skin moisturized. Sunscreen and protective gear are required. Because melasma is most common on the face, a wide hat is really beneficial. Protective mineral foundation can aid in the maintenance of even skin tones.
Vitamin D contributes to the overall health of your skin. Your doctor may test your vitamin D levels to ensure that you’re getting enough of it from foods high in vitamin D, such as meat, cereals, oily fish, and eggs. You could also consider taking a vitamin D pill. Consult your doctor if you need more specific advice.
Conclusion
Now that we have a better understanding of melasma, it’s time to look for a suitable doctor that can best guide you on your melasma treatment journey. Eeva’s doctors have many years of experience in treating patients from all walks of life and customizing effective pigmentation removal programs for each and every patient. Contact us today!
