Melasma Treatments

Best Melasma Treatments

Melasma is a common genetic condition that most often affects people of color because darker skin tones have more active melanocytes than lighter skin tones. While melasma doesn’t create any physical discomfort, it develops on a person’s face with grey-brown patches that appear on the chin, upper lip, forehead, cheeks, and the bridge of the nose causing a blotchy and uneven appearance.

By far, women have more cases of melasma compared to men. In fact, it’s so common among pregnant women that it’s been called a pregnancy mask, however birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy can also provoke it. Our Troy, MI Med Spa offers several state-of-the-art melasma treatments that bring excellent results.

At AMAE Med Spa in the Troy, MI area, we offer a variety of effective treatments for addressing melasma, a common skin condition characterized by dark patches or discoloration on the face. Among these treatments are chemical peels, microdermabrasion, dermalinfusion, and Ellipse Laser IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatment, each offering unique benefits in reducing melasma and improving overall skin tone.

Causes of Melasma

Understanding the underlying causes of melasma, dark spots, and pigmentation is essential for effectively addressing these common skin concerns. Melasma, in particular, is often triggered by hormonal changes, such as those associated with pregnancy or birth control pills, as well as sun exposure and genetic predisposition. Hormonal fluctuations can stimulate the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color, leading to the development of dark patches or discoloration on the face.

Additionally, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can exacerbate melasma and contribute to the formation of dark spots and pigmentation. UV rays stimulate melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, causing them to produce excess pigment and leading to the appearance of sun spots, age spots, and other forms of hyperpigmentation.

Other factors that can contribute to the development of dark spots and pigmentation include inflammation, injury to the skin, and certain medications or cosmetics. Inflammation caused by conditions such as acne or eczema can trigger the overproduction of melanin, resulting in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Similarly, trauma to the skin, such as cuts, burns, or insect bites, can lead to the formation of dark spots as the skin heals.

Additionally, certain medications, such as hormonal therapies or antibiotics, can increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight and contribute to the development of pigmentation issues. Similarly, some cosmetics containing irritating or sensitizing ingredients can exacerbate pigmentation problems, making it important to choose skincare products carefully and avoid harsh or abrasive treatments.

By addressing the underlying causes of melasma, dark spots, and pigmentation and taking steps to protect the skin from further damage, individuals can achieve clearer, more radiant skin and regain confidence in their appearance.

Melasma made fade when a woman stops taking her birth control, or when she delivers her baby. For a small percentage of women with Melasma, topical or over-the-counter medicines may clear the pigmentation. But for most Melasma suffers, the unwanted pigmentation is a lifelong problem. The good news is that we offer several highly effective Melasma treatments in our Troy, MI area Med Spa.

Chemical Peels for Melasma

When topical treatment fails, a chemical peel or microdermabrasion should be considered. Our Troy, MI Med Spa offers microdermabrasion and chemical peels that help lighten pigmentation by actually removing the top layers of skin that hold the pigment.

Chemical peels are a popular choice for treating melasma because they work by exfoliating the top layers of skin, encouraging cellular turnover, and promoting the growth of new, healthier skin cells. By removing damaged skin cells containing excess pigment, chemical peels help to fade dark spots and discoloration associated with melasma. Additionally, certain types of chemical peels, such as those containing ingredients like glycolic acid or salicylic acid, can penetrate deeper into the skin to target stubborn pigmentation and improve overall skin texture.

Microdermabrasion for Melasma

Microdermabrasion is another effective treatment option for melasma, utilizing a handheld device to gently exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells, dirt, and debris. By buffing away the outermost layer of skin, microdermabrasion helps to reduce the appearance of dark spots and pigmentation, while also stimulating collagen production for smoother, more radiant skin. This non-invasive treatment is suitable for all skin types and requires little to no downtime, making it a convenient option for those with busy lifestyles.

Dermalinfusion for Melasma

Dermalinfusion is a new and innovative alternative to traditional dermabrasion that is similar to a HydraFacial. In just one skin-resurfacing treatment, a patient’s face receives exfoliation, extraction and serum infusion. Unlike some skin treatments that can actually aggravate melasma and aren’t appropriate for darker or pigmented skin types, Dermalinfusion works for every skin color, type and tone.

Dermalinfusion is a cutting-edge skin resurfacing treatment that combines exfoliation, extraction, and infusion of customized serums to target specific skin concerns, including melasma. During the treatment, a specialized device is used to simultaneously exfoliate the skin, extract impurities, and deliver potent serums containing brightening ingredients like vitamin C and kojic acid. By infusing these active ingredients deep into the skin, dermalinfusion helps to reduce pigmentation, improve skin tone, and enhance overall radiance.

Laser and IPL Treatments for Melasma

Laser treatments to improve melasma may work, if the correct type of resurfacing laser is used such as IPL therapy and fractional laser resurfacing. That said laser treatments like CO2 can actually aggravate melasma and stimulate more pigmentation.

Melasma can be lightened considerably in most patients with consistent Fraxel skin resurfacing treatments, which deliver a 74 to 100% clearance rate for abnormal skin pigment conditions including melasma.  Fraxel lasers deliver microscopic thermal wounds into the skin to disrupt the abnormal pigmentation and kill over-producing melanocytes.

Ellipse Laser IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatment is a highly effective option for treating melasma, harnessing the power of targeted light energy to break up excess pigment and stimulate collagen production. The IPL device emits pulses of light that penetrate the skin and target melanin, the pigment responsible for dark spots and discoloration. This process heats the melanin, causing it to break apart and be naturally absorbed by the body, resulting in a more even complexion and reduced appearance of melasma. Ellipse Laser IPL treatment is safe, comfortable, and requires minimal downtime, making it an ideal choice for those seeking quick and effective results.

The Ellipse Selective Waveband Technology (SWT®) IPL treatment, also known as Selective Photothermolysis delivers controlled light pulses using special frequencies that the body’s own melanin in the pigment absorbs through the upper layer of the skin. The light energy is converted by the pigment into heat, and thereby destroying the parts of the cell that store melanin.

Once a patient’s melasma clears, maintenance therapy may be needed to prevent another melasma outbreak. In addition, a wide brimmed hat must be worn very day and sunscreen must be applied every two hours to counter the sun’s effects.

Best Melasma Treatments – Troy, MI

Overall, each of these treatments offers unique benefits in reducing melasma and improving overall skin tone and texture. By combining these modalities or choosing the one that best suits your individual needs, you can achieve a clearer, more radiant complexion and regain confidence in your skin. To learn more about melasma treatments at AMAE Med Spa in Troy, MI, schedule a consultation with one of our experienced skincare specialists today.

Melasma is notoriously difficult to treat, so it is important to consult with an experienced Troy, MI area board certified plastic surgeon like Doctor Ali who can evaluate your skin and recommend the best treatment or combination of therapies. We offer several state-of-the-art treatments that are highly effective at treating Melasma at our Troy, MI area Med Spa.

Of course, sun avoidance is extremely important. Always use a broad spectrum sunblock with SPF 30 or greater as failure to avoid the sun will render any treatments useless.

Each Melasma skin treatment begins with a professional skin consultation. Treatments are selected and optimized to meet the specific needs of each client with the most innovative and comprehensive products and technologies. Schedule a Melasma consultation and treatment – and then relax in our Troy, Mi area Med Spa, while we make you look and feel more confident and attractive!

Melasma Treatment | Troy, MI Area: 248.335.7200