Melasma

Discolored patches of skin - We can help!

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What is Melasma?

Melasma is a skin condition that is very bothersome to a lot of women. Brown, tan or blue-grey patches may be visible and there are many triggers that can exasperate the discolouration.

Some Triggers include:

  1. Overhead work lights or heating lamps
  2. Hormones or Genetics
  3. Waxing or Laser Treatments
  4. Sluggish liver or Birth Control
  5. The metal rims from your sunglasses
  6. Hair dryers
  7. Excessive outdoor heat
  8. Some cosmetics
  9. Thyroid or adrenal conditions
  10. Excessive heat from cooking or even lamps used to treat seasonal affective disorder

Diet, liver function and lifestyle play an important part in your skin’s and hormones’ function.

Studies have found that women on progesterone hormone replacement therapy are at a higher risk of developing melasma. Postmenopausal women taking estrogen alone may be less likely to develop melasma conditions.

We understand the many causes.

Got Hormonal Questions?

Book your free consultation with Sandra, our health, nutrition and supplement specialist, or Dr. Alana, our Naturopath. Both of these professional ladies specialize in hormones, gut issues and more!

 

Four types of Melasma:

  1. EPIDERMAL – distinguished by the presence of excess melanin in the superficial layers (upper) of skin. This is the easiest to treat; it’s not deep in the dermis. It is brown with well defined borders.
  2. DERMAL – identified by the presence of melanophores (cells that ingest melanin) throughout the dermis. This type of melasma tends to be of blue-grey colour and because it’s deeper, it’s more difficult to keep at bay.
  3. MIXED – includes both the epidermal and dermal type. The discolouration is also mixed, brown and blue-grey.
  4. EXCESS – excess melanocytes are present in the skin of dark-skinned individuals.

Melasma is often difficult to treat and often relapses after treatment is discontinued. This recurrence can happen immediately or gradually. It is important that all patients with melasma be counselled about the natural course of the disease’s actions and the necessity for long-term, year round management.

Treatments for melasma are the suppression of melanin production and the removal of visible melanin present in the layers of the skin. The use of an actual sun block is imperative to melasma sufferers to help prevent further pigment stimulation.

Professional topicals modify various stages of melanin production, with the most common being inhibition of the enzyme tyrosinase.  Lightening agents such as hydroquinone, or tretinoin,  can be used alone but better in combination with ingredients to inhibit the production of melanin for synergistic efficacy on stubborn hyperpigmentation.

The Plan:

We have carefully put together a plan that takes all of this into consideration and has proven itself time and time again. Melasma is a condition that may never completely disappear and for that reason, home care is an absolute must.

Look for Suncreen without hormone disruptors – this is very important. 

Our Treatments include:

  • AFA PEEL – medium depth peel with no flaking or peeling
  • LUMIFACIAL – LED light
  • Allumera – photo-cosmeceutical
  • Melanin inhibitors – RGR Pharma
  • SkinPen – microneedling

A combination of services is recommended for best results. A consultation will allow us to properly create a program that’s right for you!

WARNING: facial laser hair removal can stimulate melasma. If you are prone to melasma, please ask for a test spot to ensure your safety!

Skin care is important … always!