Melasma

Treatable with: Chemical Peels

What is Melasma

Although it can affect any one, Melasma is particularly common in Asian women, pregnant women and those who are taking certain oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy medications.

Melasma is especially common in women aged 20-40.

Both sides of the face are usually affected. The most common sites of involvement are the cheeks, bridge of nose, forehead and upper lip.

Melasma does not cause any other symptoms beyond the cosmetic discoloration but may be of great cosmetic concern.

Only 10% of those affected are men. Dark-skinned races, particularly Hispanics, Asians, Indians, people from the Middle East and Northern Africa tend to have Melasma more than others.

What are the causes of Melasma?

Melasma is most often caused by the hormonal changes or fluctuations of pregnancy which make your skin more likely to develop dark patches of pigment when exposed to sunlight. However Melasma can occur independently of pregnancy and can even affect men.

Ultraviolet light from the sun, and even very strong light from light bulbs, can stimulate pigment-producing cells, or melanocytes in the skin. People with skin of colour have more active melanocytes than those with light skin. These melanocytes produce a large amount of pigment under normal conditions but this production increases even further when stimulated by light exposure or an increase in hormone levels. Incidental exposure to the sun is mainly the reason for recurrences of Melasma.

Women with a light brown skin type who are living in regions with intense sun exposure are particularly susceptible to developing Melasma.

Any irritation of the skin may cause an increase in pigmentation in dark-skinned individuals which may also worsen Melasma. Melasma is not associated with any internal diseases or organ malfunction.

Genetic predisposition is also a major factor in determining whether someone will develop Melasma.

The incidence of Melasma also increases in patients with thyroid disease. It is thought that the overproduction of melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) brought on by stress can cause outbreaks of this condition. Other rare causes of Melasma include allergic reaction to medications and cosmetics

Testimonials

Shazad Malik (Birmingham)
I suffered with Acne and Acne scarring and it was beginning to get me down. I had low confidence and was always trying to cover my face. After having a course of chemical peels I feel and look great. The scarring has improved loads and the peeling wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be and only lasted a couple of days. Now my skin is much brighter and clearer.

Lisa Sanderson (Coventry)
This treatment is brilliant. My scarring has been reduced and the fine lines and wrinkles around my eyes and lips are vanishing with each treatment. My face also feels a lot tighter. My skin looks and feels fresh and smooth and I haven't finished my course. The products I'm using along with the treatment are great, I will be recommending this treatment to friends and family.

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