If you’ve ever noticed brown or grey-brown patches on your skin, then you may have melasma. Melasma is a skin condition that may be caused by hormonal changes, often during pregnancy, as well as sun damage. 

Melasma also called ‘chloasma’ and ‘pregnancy mask’, is a common skin condition of adults. It is brown or greyish patches of pigmentation (colour) develop, usually on the face. The name comes from melas, the Greek word for black, or cholas, from the word green-ish. It is more common in women, particularly during pregnancy (when up to 50% of women may be affected).

Melasma causes patches of discolouration. The patches are darker than your usual skin colour. It typically occurs on the face and is symmetrical, with matching marks on both sides of the face. Other areas of your body that are often exposed to the sun can also develop melasma.

Melasma usually appear on the:

• cheeks
• forehead
• bridge of the nose
• chin

It can also occur on the neck and forearms. The skin discolouration doesn’t do any physical harm, but you may feel self-conscious about the way it looks, are you agree of it? 

Can melasma be cured?

No, at present there is no cure for melasma, but there are several treatment options that may improve the appearance. If melasma occurs during pregnancy, it may go away a few months after delivery and treatment may not be necessary- though it may come back during another pregnancy. Hydroquinone and retinoid creams should be avoided in pregnancy as they could harm the foetus. Even if it is treated, melasma often returns after stopping the treatments.

One of the most important things you can do to prevent melasma worsening is protecting yourself from UV radiation. This means avoiding the sun, wearing a wide-brimmed hat when you are outside and wearing broad-spectrum sun cream (SPF 30 or above, with a high UVA rating). The higher the SPF the more effective it will be. Avoid using sun-tanning beds. 

Have you tried this holy grail cream for Melasma? Are you happy with the result? 

• Hydroquinone is a medicine that prevents pigment cells in the skin from producing melanin and is commonly used to treat melasma. Hydroquinone creams may cause skin irritation, and they should only be used for a few weeks at a time to prevent over-lightening of the skin. It can only be prescribed by doctors and may occasionally cause the skin to become darker.
• Retinoid creams usually used to treat acne, and some types of acid cream (such as azelaic acid, ascorbic acid and kojic acid) can help improve the appearance of melasma but can also cause skin irritation. Steroid creams can also be useful and are often mixed with the above chemicals to help prevent skin irritation.

The combinations of 2 creams above must only be used under medical supervision to reduce the risk of side effects.

Treatments at Lumina Aesthetics Clinic

Chemical peels can improve melasma by removing the outermost cells of the skin that contain the pigment. Chemical peels should be undertaken by an experienced practitioner as they could make the pigmentation worse, lighten the skin too much or cause scarring.

Microneedling is a process where the skin is repeatedly punctured with tiny needles to help creams penetrate deeper into the skin. This may result in pain, swelling, infections and scarring (including keloids-so better you have a consultation with our doctor before you ask for a price list).

Laser Pico is an innovative, advanced treatment for many skin conditions, including melasma. The Pico Laser works by delivering high-intensity laser pulses for a very short time, a picosecond, which is about one trillionth of a second. The laser targets pigment and activates natural collagen production in your skin cells, encouraging cycles of regeneration and renewal. 

When you come in for an appointment, Our Experienced doctor assesses your skin and then expertly uses the Pico Laser to improve the appearance of your melasma or other types of pigmentation. We believes the Pico Laser is the best treatment for melasma for many reasons. Why ? 

Here are three:

Pico uses pulsed laser energy 

The Pico Laser is an uber targeted form of laser. It creates short pulses of laser energy that go straight to the pigment of your melasma, breaking it apart so your body can naturally dispose of it. 

Other treatments for melasma can sometimes cause discoloration or other effects on the surrounding skin. But with Pico Laser at Lumina Aesthetics Clinic, the pigmentation in the melasma skin patch is specifically targeted for treatment, which improves the look of your problem areas while also protecting surrounding skin.

Pico Laser treatment also results in skin rejuvenation 

If melasma is your target problem area, then the Pico Laser has you covered. But it also improves the tone, elasticity, and texture of your skin. The laser smoothes and improves the overall appearance of your skin, even lessening wrinkles, sun spots, and acne scars. This ensures that once the melasma pigmentation is treated, that your underlying skin shines through beautifully.

The treatments are short and relatively painless 

Conventional treatments for melasma may have been long-term treatments, in which you had to do many and wait to see results. With Pico Laser, on the other hand, treatments are short and you see results quickly. The laser session itself lasts about 20-30 minutes, and you feel little to no pain. Depending on your specific skin condition, you may see results in only one session or you may need several to achieve your desired appearance.

The Lumina Pico laser is an excellent tool for improving the appearance of melasma and other flaws in your skin. If you’re excited to welcome in smooth, clear skin, then Book your appointment now only at Lumina Aesthetics Clinic in Bali, Indonesia to schedule a consultation with our experienced doctors.