What is Melasma

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It is a condition where dark brown pigmentation patches appear on the face. It will mostly appear over the cheek area (commonly known as a butterfly effect). It can appear over the lip area, forehead and under the eyes and cheekbone area. This can be due to hormonal changes for pregnancies or hormonal medication or from sun exposure. It can worsen if the skin is not correctly prepped before treatments like chemical peels, Microneedling or laser treatments.   Women are much more likely than men to develop this condition. Melasma occurs when your skin produces excessive amounts of melanin

 

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HYPERPIGMENTATION AND MELASMA

Both are extremely common while they are two different dermatological conditions, they can look and act alike.  Hyper pigmentation is an umbrella term used to cover any number of skin conditions where one patch of the skin becomes noticeably darker than the surrounding area. The main cause of hyperpigmentation is sun exposure. This UV damage manifest itself in many ways. From harmless freckles to skin cancer.

 

Melasma is a specific type of hyperpigmentation. Melasma is differentiated from other forms of hyper pigmentation mainly by the causes.

Causes of Melasma:

  • Internal factors include genetics (family history) having naturally darker skin and hormone changes
  • External, Sun Exposure, skin inflammation, irritation from certain perfumes and products
  • Pregnancy, the hormone changes can cause the butterfly effect

 

TREATMENTS WE RECOMMEND

  • Mesoestetic Melanostop peel
  • Lamelle Beta Peel
  • ZO Skin Health Stimulator peel
  • Mesoestetic Cosmelan peel
  • Mesoestetic Dermamelan peel
  • PH Formula Mela Peel
  • Dermapen with meso solutions
  • PRP Treatments
  • Clear lift Laser Treatment

*contact us for a consultation today 066 202 4024

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I BOOK FOR A TREATMENT

Each treatment protocol might differ from each other. Some of these treatments are recommended once every 3 weeks. Others might be once a month or once every 3 months. Prepping treatments that is less invasive is great to prep the barrier and pigment and to improve the sell turnover rate to prepare the skin for more advanced treatments. Your skin Therapist will rebook you after your treatment to make sure the period in between treatments is correct.

 

POST TREATMENT

  • Wait 3 to 5 days before start using homecare Retinols
  • Avoid using homecare peels and exfoliators for 3 – 5 days
  • Wear Smart Sun Protection product recommended by your therapist
  • Vitamin C serums may be resumed after 2 days
  • Avoid Sunbathing and Sunbeds
  • Ask your therapist about the correct post care creams to use for the next 3 – 5 days
  • Keep the skin well Hydrated
  • Regularly reapply sunblock during the day

WHAT TO EXPECT

  • Slight peeling for 3 to 5 days
  • Mild itching, irritation and redness, increased sensitivity
  • Small whiteheads might occur
  • Crusting is rare, however if it does occur apply a thin layer of over-the-counter antibiotic ointment and inform your therapist
  • Darkening can occur in some skin types, make sure to inform your therapist

 

WHAT LIFESTYLE FACTORS CAN WORSEN MELASMA

Sun Exposure. Indoor lights and High energy visible light from laptops and cellphones. Hormonal medication like birth control pills or Menopause medication. Also, certain skin products can make the skin sun sensitive and can affect your pigmentation and melasma. Heat can also affect melasma so living near the cost with a hot and humid climate can darken the pigmentation

 

BEST DIET FOR FIGHTING MELASMA AND PIGMENTATION

Cellular stress triggers these conditions so the best foods fighting skin problems are kale, sweet potato, pumpkins, berries, fatty fish that contains loads of zinc. Seeds and nuts are a great source of selenium, zinc, vitamin E and omega3 fatty acids. Sweet potatoes and carrots contain high levels beta carotene or provitamin A. When eaten the compound gets integrated into the skin it acts like a natural sunblock. All these foods will help fight inflammation and support new skin cell growth.

 

Remember to drink enough water to flush out toxins from the cells and keep your cells hydrated so they can easily resist the effects of sun exposure.

SKINCARE INGREDIENTS THAT WILL TREAT MELASMA

 

“Taking care of your skin is more important than covering it up”

 

Team Skin Deep SA

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