Close-up of facial skin showing pigmentation and melasma on the cheek at Kamloops Skin Solutions.

Melasma

Melasma is a condition characterized by brown or grey/blue patches on the skin. These patches will typically appear in commonly sun-exposed areas such as the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, and chin.

If you would like to explore treatments for this condition, we welcome you to Kamloops Skin Solutions.

The first step is to request a consultation with us.

Melasma

Melasma is a condition characterized by brown or grey/blue patches on the skin. These patches will typically appear in commonly sun-exposed areas such as the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, and chin.

If you would like to explore treatments for this condition, we welcome you to Kamloops Skin Solutions.

The first step is to request a consultation with us.

Also known as the Pregnancy Mask, melasma is more common in women, though it also affects men. Exactly how the condition develops is yet to be fully understood however, exposure to ultraviolet radiation, thyroid dysfunction, hormones, and genetic predisposition have all been linked to the increased melanin deposition.

As melasma is a chronic and relapsing condition, a combination of treatments is recommended in order to manage the hyperpigmentation.

Sun Protection

As sun exposure is known to contribute to worsening melasma, we strongly recommend using two-step protection by layering an antioxidant serum under a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 30.

Phloretin CF® SkinCeuticals® an antioxidant serum that contains 10% pure Vitamin C. Protects against free radicals generated by UV, pollution, and visible light. It is a natural skin brightener that diminishes the look of discoloration and decreases skin inflammation.

Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50® SkinCeuticals® a tinted 100% mineral sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB visible protection. Contains zinc, titanium, and iron oxide.

Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50® SkinCeuticals ® fluid sunscreen containing 100% mineral filters to provide broad-spectrum protection against UVA/UVB rays.

Treatment Options

Corrector 2® Vivier® cream with 2% hydroquinone to lighten dark patches. Also contains vitamin C, vitamin E, and lactic acid to improve skin tone and texture.

Discoloration Defense® SkinCeuticals® daily dark spot corrector with 5% niacinamide and 3% tranexamic acid used to treat stubborn pigment such as melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and sun spots.

Chemical Peels  our SkinCeuticals® Gel Peel contains 20% glycolic acid and 10% lactic acid which causes the top layer of skin to peel off and reduces surface pigmentation. An initial series of 4-6 peels scheduled 2-4 weeks apart is recommended.

Fraxel® non-ablative fractional laser therapy using low heat that lifts unwanted pigment from the skin’s surface. For optimal results, an initial series of 4 treatments scheduled 4-6 weeks apart is recommended.