Dealing with dark spots have become less frustrating nowadays given the different kinds of aesthetic treatments and skincare products available. However, there is one type of skin pigmentation problem that can be considered as the bane to a flawless facial complexion for those who have it. This skin condition is none other than melasma. If you are looking for ways to control melasma in Singapore, then this article has got you covered. Read on.
Melasma: what is it?
Melasma is a common pigmentation disorder that affects the skin. This condition can be identified by dark flat patches or small spots of skin that may be light to dark brown or blue-gray in shade. This usually affects the face, specifically the forehead, cheeks, and upper lip.
Melasma is harmless and is not painful, but having this condition may cause individuals to have low self-esteem or be self-conscious as it affects one’s physical appearance. The dark patches of skin may make your skin look unappealing or unkempt.
Melasma: who can have it?
Melasma can develop on anyone regardless of gender, although it is more common to occur in women than in men. It is also more prevalent among people with darker skin tone.
Melasma: what causes it?
Mainly, there are two culprits that can cause melasma: UV exposure and hormones.
Ultraviolet light from the sun can trigger the development of melasma as well as hormones. Specifically in women, melasma can develop when one is using birth control pills or is pregnant. Hence, melasma has been coined as the “mask of pregnancy.”
Other factors that are believed may also cause melasma or worsen it are:
- Anti Seizure medications
- Cosmetics
- Genetics
- LED screens
- Skincare products
Melasma: how is it diagnosed?
Correctly diagnosing that your skin condition is melasma is an important factor to keeping it under control and finding the right treatment. To diagnose melasma, your medical provider will make a thorough assessment of your skin. You will also be asked about your personal and family’s health history.
Since melasma and other skin pigmentation disorders are quite similar, your skin will undergo a Wood’s lamp test. This test uses blacklight and is hovered over the target area of the skin. Once the light hits the skin it may change into different colors. These colors reveal the condition of the skin. A particular color may indicate that the skin is healthy, while other colors or a glowing skin surface may point to the presence of bacteria, fungus, or even cancerous cells. If your doctor suspects that cancerous cells are present, a sample of your skin will be taken and sent to a laboratory for biopsy.
Melasma: what are ways to control it?
Once it is confirmed that your pigmentation problem is melasma, you can work with your doctor by discussing treatments that can be effective and ways to manage your skin to keep your melasma from getting worse.
1 Know and avoid your triggers
Your initial line of defense in keeping melasma under control is to avoid things that trigger its development or causes it to worsen. If your melasma is caused by the sun, then avoid sun exposure. If your melasma is caused by birth control pills or other medications, then talk to your doctor about alternative medicines. If your melasma is caused by pregnancy, there is a high chance that it will resolve on its own once you have given birth. All there is to do within the 9 months of carrying a baby in your womb is to take extra care of your health as well as your skin’s health. Avoid anything that could worsen your melasma.
2 Talk to your doctor about treatments
There are now many treatments available to treat melasma. Laser treatments are commonly offered for any type of skin pigmentation problem, but it would be best to find a doctor that knows other treatments, especially when lasers are not suitable for you. Ask about the effectiveness of chemical peels, microdermabrasions, and topical medications for melasma.
3 Lavish your skin with Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a good antioxidant for the body. When applied onto the skin, it can help lighten up dark areas, brighten up the skin, and protect it from being damaged by free-radicals coming from blue light. There are a lot of vitamin C skincare products available in the market that can reduce the excess melanin and improve the skin’s color.
4 Protect your skin with sunscreen daily
Exposure to the sun worsens melasma and triggers the development of melanin which can also cause other types of pigmentation issues in the skin. It is important that you protect your skin with SPF everyday no matter what the condition is. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that is at least SPF 30 or higher.
5 Exfoliate your skin
Exfoliation removes the topmost layer of the skin and allows for fresh skin to emerge. Hence, this skincare practice can help lighten up the dark spots in the skin, such as melasma. Ask your doctor for recommendations about effective exfoliants that you can add to your daily skincare routine.
6 Use skincare products that are gentle on the skin
Harsh ingredients from skincare products can irritate the skin and make your melasma worse. Before using a product, check the ingredients and see if there are those that may be harmful to your skin especially if it is sensitive. Also remember to try out a product on a small area of your skin before using it directly to prevent any irritation or damage.
7 Keep a healthy diet
The health of your skin highly depends on your food and liquid intake. Having a healthy diet and the right amounts of water can help you maintain a healthy skin. Vitamins C and E are known to help keep the skin healthy, so be sure to add supplements and foods that are loaded with these vitamins to your daily meals.
8 Reduce stress
While findings are still uncertain, there is some research that shows a link between stress and melasma. Stress increases the development of cortisol in the body, which can increase the levels of estrogen and cause hormonal imbalance resulting in the development of melasma. Reducing stress can help you avoid this from happening. Find ways to release your stress through exercise, meditation, and other relaxation methods.
Bay Aesthetics Clinic and Medispa
B2-12 Marina Bay Link Mall, 8A Marina Boulevard,
Marina Bay Financial Center, Singapore 018984
+65 8428 7811
+65 6509 1966
