If you’ve made it to this article, you probably already know what pigmentation is and the various ways it manifests itself (but if you don’t, you can read our complete guide on pigmentation and dark spots tips here).
Melasma, in particular, is one of the most common pigmentation skin conditions people deal with. If you’re one of the many looking for solutions to help treat it (or at least manage it), here’s a round up of skincare tips and best treatments for melasma.
Practical Tips For Treating Melasma
1. Daily cleansing routine
Environmental pollution can make the condition worse by corroding the protective layer of the skin, making it more susceptible to damage.
Simple things like cleaning the face every night before bed can work wonders in helping prevent it, as can following up with a good moisturiser to help seal in the lipid barrier of the skin.
2. Avoid known triggers
Things like birth control pills and hormone therapy can exacerbate the occurrence of melasma, so wherever possible, try and find non-hormonal alternatives.
Best Skincare Products for Melasma
1. Melasma creams and serums
While hydroquinone (HQ) is the most common ingredient in treating the condition, this should really only be used as a last resort – and only when recommended by dermatologists. It can be highly effective as it works by blocking tyrosinase – the enzyme that converts dopamine to melanin (what gives skin its colour).
However, hydroquinone can carry a number of potential side effects, especially if you use a treatment cream with too high a concentration. This can cause a permanent skin discolouration, which is the opposite of what you’re trying to achieve. That’s why it’s imperative to discuss this with a professional beforehand.
Kojic Acid and Mandelic Acid
That said, if you’re looking for a safe, effective over-the-counter cream to treat pigmentation, you should become very well acquainted with kojic and mandelic acid – two ingredients known to help treat melasma.
Vitamin A (Retinol and Retinaldehyde)
Vitamin A offers a ton of benefits for skin health – including helping with pigmentation.
Retinol and retinaldehyde – various forms of Vitamin A – are also great alternatives, working to speed up the cell turnover production, but may carry side effects so always discuss with a professional beforehand. Ensuring you include Vitamin A in your diet can also help you cure melasma from the inside, too!
Best Serum for Melasma
Here at Lovoir, we’re proud to stock a range of products containing these wonderous components for both in-salon and at-home use.
Look for those containing niacinamide specifically for the treatment of melasma. We offer a serum here called B3 Plus that offers this protection, which you can find in our range of O Cosmedics serums.
Shop O Cosmedics B3 Plus here
DP Dermaceuticals Britelite – which contains kojic acid – is another great product for melasma as it helps to “mute” pigmentation.
Shop DP Dermaceuticals Britelite here
2. Sunscreen
When it comes to achieving and maintaining healthy skin, SPF sun protection is an essential habit for everyone. And for pigmentation-related skin conditions like melasma, even more so. Incorporating SPF tips and treatments into your daily routine will go a long way in managing dark spots and lessening them over time.
- Be diligent with your sunscreen application.
If you can’t avoid sun exposure as much as you’d want to, make sure to keep applying throughout the day.
- Choose the right sunscreen for you.
Not all sunscreens are created equally. As a general rule, non-chemical sunscreens are preferable for the treatment of melasma as chemical ones not only offer a lower level of protection but, in some cases, can even trigger allergic reactions that could make it worse.
- Choose skincare products with additional SPF benefits.
Apart from daily suncreen, take extra care by following up with SPF-enhanced makeup, too.
- Dress appropriately when out in the sun.
Other sun-safety tips that can also help keep it at bay include wearing hats, sunglasses and protective clothing and staying in the shade during the hottest parts of the day.
Best Facial Treatments for Melasma
1. Face peels
There is a range of different face peels available to treat a whole host of conditions – including melasma – working by removing the outer layer of the skin that contains the unwanted pigment. They should always be undertaken by an experienced professional (like us!) to prevent any unwanted side effects, such as scarring.
Read our article to learn more about how face peels work.
Book a chemical peel at Lovoir Day Spa
2. Microdermabrasion
The ultimate in exfoliation, this popular technique is a non-chemical, non-invasive, non-surgical skin resurfacing treatment using a diamond head machine and is yet another treatment we’re proud to offer here at Lovoir. Results are best seen when used in conjunction with other treatements and regular sunscreen application.
Read our article to learn more about the benefits of microdermabrasion.
Book microdermabrasion at Lovoir Day Spa
3. Microneedling
Is there anything the Dermapen can’t do? Helping to regenerate the skin via a series of tiny pinpricks, it’s another great tool.
Read our article to learn more about the benefits of microneedling.
Book microneedling at Lovoir Day Spa
Explore our Melasma Treatments at Lovoir Day Spa
Here at Lovoir Day Spa in Christchurch, we offer a wide range of facial treatments and advanced skin treatments designed to help treat dark spots and pigmentation. Our trained aestheticians can create tailor-made skincare regimens and treatment plans for your melasma. Book a consultation with our team and we can go from there.
Book a consultation with Lovoir Day Spa
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