Melasma is one of the most difficult forms of pigmentation to improve, and one of the most likely to return. On this page, we explain what melasma is, why the deeper type resists treatment, which of our treatments help — and which we deliberately do not use for it.
What is melasma?
Melasma presents as dark, irregular patches on the face that develop over time. The dark patches are commonly found on sun-exposed areas such as the upper cheeks, nose, upper lip and forehead. Melasma is most common in women and is often triggered by pregnancy and/or the contraceptive pill. Melasma worsens when the skin is exposed to sunlight, especially in the summer.
Treating melasma can be challenging. Superficial (epidermal) melasma often responds well to therapy. However, deeper melasma (dermal melasma) can often be resistant to many treatments. That is why the first step in treatment is a detailed consultation with one of our healthcare professionals. The cause and type of melasma can be established, and treatment can be individualised and tailored to each patient’s needs.
Melasma treatments at Cheshire Lasers
The Obagi Nu-Derm system
The Obagi Nu-Derm system delivers fantastic results for melasma; even after a few weeks of use, the pigment usually looks much better. You need to continue on the system for 18 weeks, after which your skin looks brighter and smoother, with fewer fine lines and wrinkles. After 18 weeks, you need to move to a simpler maintenance regimen to avoid rebound pigmentation. If you suddenly stop the treatment, the pigment usually comes back. Occasionally, stubborn melasma may need a peel to complete the treatment on this system.
Obagi Nu-Derm is a prescription system. To start it, book a consultation with Dr Kathryn Hazlehurst.
Cysteamine products
Cysteamine is a fantastic skin-lightening agent used to treat hyperpigmentation disorders such as age spots, melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
It is a novel, highly effective alternative to prescription treatments such as hydroquinone and tretinoin. All skin types can use Cysteamine, including dark skin and it is a great option for stubborn pigmentation, including melasma and post-inflammatory pigmentation
Senté Cysteamine HSA Pigment & Tone Corrector is the most potent product currently available, containing 5% Cysteamine, which is applied like a mask.
You do not need a consultation to buy a cysteamine cream at Cheshire Lasers. They are straightforward to use; however, you can arrange a consultation with one of our aestheticians to discuss it.
Why we do not use laser or IPL to treat melasma
At Cheshire Lasers, we do not use Intense Pulsed Light or the ND: YAG laser to treat melasma. There is a higher risk of side effects, and the response rate is poor.
Preventing melasma from coming back
The challenge with treating melasma and other pigmentation disorders is that they commonly relapse after treatment.
The most important way to prevent melasma is to wear good sun protection year-round and use sunblock in the Summer.
Where you can, avoid medications that may trigger melasma. If you take the combined pill, it is worth discussing alternatives with your GP.
Continue your treatment on a maintenance regimen. You can do this with the same skin care products used for treatment, but you can also use them less often or move on to something less potent.
For the Nu-Derm system, it’s important to arrange a review with your prescriber to make sure you are on the best maintenance regimen. This helps you manage pigmentation and reduce the risk of it returning.
For all conditions, a layered approach to melasma treatment works best:
- Reduce pigment production
- Remove existing pigment with your treatment of choice
- Prevent recurrence
A High SPF and topical products are an important part of your regimen.
Find out more general information about pigmentation removal at Cheshire Lasers Clinic here.