MELASMA & OTHER PIGMENATION CONDITIONS FAQs

What Is Melasma & How Is It Caused?

Melasma is a chronic skin condition that causes symmetrical blotchy, brownish pigmentation patterns on the surface of the skin. In most cases, Melasma commonly appears on the face in a “centrofacial pattern”, presenting on the forehead, cheeks, nose and upper lip. However, in fewer cases Melasma can affect any part of the body.

Melasma is more common in women than in men with an onset of this condition usually presenting between the ages of 20 and 40 years.

Multiple factors can be associated with the onset of Melasma. These can include:

• Genetic Predisposition
• Sun exposure and Sun damage
• Hormonal factors such as pregnancy
• Certain Medications- such as the contraceptive pill and cancer medications

What is Sun Damage & How Is It Caused?

Whilst it is clearly evident the damage the sun can do to the skin if unprotected, a lot of people forget that even accidental sun exposure can be detrimental to the skin.  Neglecting to protect your skin while it is exposed to the sun, even for short periods, can lead to extensive damage, including sunburn, premature ageing, and an increased risk of skin cancer.  Damage can occur more rapidly than one might expect, reinforcing the importance of consistent sun protection.  

Sun-damaged skin results from exposure to Ultraviolet light (UVA) found in the sun’s rays, leading to both immediate and long-term effects on skin health.  When UV radiation penetrates the outer layers of the skin, it causes burns that diminish elasticity and creates fine lines, while deeper penetration damages underlying skin cells.  In response to this damage, the skin produces more melanin, resulting in temporary tanning; however, chronic exposure can accelerate premature ageing and developing certain pigmentation conditions.

Pigmentation Conditions Associated With Sun Damage:  

Ephelides: Ephelides are small, flat, light brown or tan spots on the skin that are caused by an increase in melanin production. They are most commonly seen in areas exposed to the sun, such as the face, arms, shoulders, and upper back and are more common in people with fair skin.

Solar Lentigines: Solar lentigines are flat, brown spots on the skin that develop due to long-term sun exposure. They are commonly known as sun spots, age spots, or liver spots (although they are not related to liver function).

Poikiloderma Of Civatte: Poikiloderma of Civatte is a common, chronic skin condition characterised by a combination of redness, brown pigmentation, and visible small blood vessels (telangiectasia) on the skin. It typically affects the sides of the neck and decolletage, while the are directly under the chin is often spared- creating a distinctive pattern. 

Treatment Options For Melasma & Other Pigmentation Conditions

Laser Therapy

(For Treating Melasma): When treating melasma, Q-Switch laser is a safe and highly effective approach in treating melasma. Q-Switch lasers work by emitting wavelengths of light at fast, short intervals of energy resulting in producing a “photoacoustic response”. This response causes the pigment to shatter into finer, pigmented granules allowing the body’s lymphatic system to eliminate the unwanted pigment.

(For Treating Pigmentation Conditions): Laser treatments use specific wavelengths of light that are absorbed by melanin (the pigment in freckles). The energy breaks down the excess pigment into smaller particles, which are then naturally cleared away by the body. This helps lighten or remove the freckles without significantly affecting the surrounding skin. Initially post treatment pigmented lesions will be temporarily darker before flaking off over several days.

In majority of cases, multiple treatments are required anywhere from three to four in four to six week intervals. Cost of each treatment is determined at initial consultation however a full face dermal laser treatment cost around $300-$350.00 a treatment.

Skin Peels

Skin peels are an effective treatment designed to enhance the skin’s  texture by exfoliating the top layers, therapy exposing the healthier, revitalised skin underneath.  At CRC, we offer a range of chemical peels that are able to penetrate to varying depths of skin. Peel selection is based on the severity of the sun damage. 

Prescribed Skincare

Apart from the consistent, daily use of sun protection, there are also topical creams that can be prescribed by your doctor or dermatologist that can be an affective when treating melasma and sun damage. Prescriptive creams that contain hydroquinone and tretinoin are two commonly used agents for improving uneven skin tone, particularly in conditions such as hyperpigmentation (sun damage) and melasma.  

For more information or to schedule an appointment for an initial consultation, select the link below.