Kai EDITION - Melasma (Hyperpigmentation) Explained: Causes, Prevention & Treatment
Melasma (hyperpigmentation) is a common skin condition characterised by symmetrical, brown or greyish patches of discolouration, most often appearing on the face. It typically affects areas like the cheeks, forehead, nose, chin, and upper lip. Melasma occurs when melanocytes (the pigment-producing cells in the skin) produce excess melanin. It occurs in roughly 1% of the general population and up to 50% in high risk groups.
Although melasma is harmless, it can be persistent and challenging to treat, making prevention and maintenance essential for long-term management.
Who Is at Higher Risk for Melasma?
Certain groups are more prone to melasma due to hormonal, genetic, and environmental factors:
Women: Up to 90% of melasma cases occur in women, often triggered by pregnancy, birth control, or hormone therapies.
Medium to Dark Skin Tones: Individuals with darker complexions (Fitzpatrick types III-VI) are more susceptible due to increased melanin activity.
Family History: Genetics play a significant role; if a family member has melasma, your risk increases.
Sun and Heat Exposure: UV radiation and heat stimulate melanin production, worsening melasma, especially in warmer climates.
Pregnancy: Hormonal surges often cause the “mask of pregnancy,” which may persist post-delivery.
Hormonal Medications: Birth control and hormone replacement therapies can trigger melasma.
Skin Irritation: Harsh skincare products, over-exfoliation, or poorly performed treatments can worsen melasma.
What Causes Melasma?
Melasma is triggered by a combination of factors:
Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy, birth control pills, and hormone therapies can stimulate melasma.
Sun Exposure: UV rays increase melanin production, worsening melasma.
Genetics: Family history can predispose individuals to this condition.
Skin Irritation: Harsh skincare products or anti-seizure medications may trigger or exacerbate melasma.
Conditions: Thyroid disease and general stress can increase susceptibility to melasma.
Prevention: Protect Your Skin
Preventing melasma requires consistent effort to avoid triggers, especially UV rays.
Daily SPF: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) every day, even on cloudy days.
Wear Protective Gear: Hats and sunglasses provide extra protection against UV exposure.
Gentle Skincare: Avoid abrasive scrubs or harsh products that irritate the skin.
Reduce Heat Exposure: Heat can also worsen melasma, so avoid excessive sauna sessions or heat treatments.
Topical Treatment Options:
Hydroquinone: A skin-lightening agent that reduces dark patches.
Retinoids: Promote skin cell turnover to fade discoloration.
Vitamin C: An antioxidant that brightens skin and reduces pigmentation.
Azelaic Acid: A gentle yet effective option for melasma.
REPAIR Polynucleotides To Treat Melasma:
Polynucleotides (PN) are a promising treatment for melasma due to their regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties. Derived from purified DNA fragments, polynucleotides are injected under the areas of hyperpigmentation and work by improving skin quality at a cellular level. Here's how they help with melasma:
Reduce Inflammation
Melasma is often associated with chronic skin inflammation. Polynucleotides have anti-inflammatory effects that calm irritated skin and help regulate melanocyte activity, preventing excessive pigment production.
Promote Skin Repair
Polynucleotides stimulate fibroblasts, which are essential for collagen production and cellular repair. This regeneration improves overall skin texture and health, creating a smoother, more even-toned appearance.
Enhance Hydration
Polynucleotides increase skin hydration by improving the extracellular matrix, which supports moisture retention. Well-hydrated skin is less prone to irritation and pigmentation changes.
Regulate Melanocyte Activity
By reducing oxidative stress and supporting cell function, polynucleotides help regulate melanin production, preventing the overactivity of melanocytes that causes melasma.
Safe for Sensitive Skin
Unlike some aggressive treatments like lasers or peels, polynucleotides are gentle and suitable for sensitive skin, reducing the risk of rebound hyperpigmentation often seen with harsher treatments.
REJUVENATE Profhilo Structura To Treat Melasma:
Profhilo Structura is an advanced injectable treatment that combines the benefits of deep hydration and skin remodeling, making it a supportive option for managing melasma. While not a direct pigmentation treatment, Profhilo Structura is injected under the areas of hyperpigmentation and improves overall skin health, indirectly addressing some underlying factors that worsen melasma. Here’s how it works:
Deep Hydration
Profhilo contains ultra-pure hyaluronic acid, which deeply hydrates the skin and strengthens the skin barrier. Well-hydrated skin is less prone to irritation and inflammation, which can trigger or worsen melasma.
Improved Skin Quality and Repair
The bio-remodeling properties of Profhilo Structura stimulate collagen and elastin production, promoting skin regeneration. Healthier, more resilient skin can better manage pigmentation issues over time.
Reduced Inflammation
Chronic inflammation is a key trigger for melasma. Profhilo Structura improves overall skin health, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation that can stimulate melanin overproduction.
Enhanced Skin Barrier Function
By supporting and restructuring the extracellular matrix, Profhilo strengthens the skin barrier, protecting it from environmental factors like UV exposure and pollutants that exacerbate melasma.
Safe for Sensitive Skin
Unlike harsher treatments such as aggressive peels or lasers, Profhilo Structura is gentle and non-inflammatory, reducing the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which is common in melasma-prone skin.
More Aggressive Treatment Options:
Skin affected by melasma is often highly sensitive, making treatments such as topical agents, polynucleotides, and Profhilo ideal first-line options. For individuals with more resilient skin, alternative, more intensive treatments can be considered.
Professional Treatments:
Chemical Peels: Exfoliate the skin to lighten patches.
Laser Therapy: Targets pigmentation but should be done cautiously to avoid worsening melasma.
Micro-needling: Stimulates collagen while helping with pigmentation issues.
Oral Medications:
In certain cases, dermatologists may recommend oral treatments like tranexamic acid to manage melasma.
Maintenance: Keeping Melasma at Bay
Once you’ve achieved clearer skin, maintaining the results is key:
Stick to Sunscreen: This remains the most critical step in melasma maintenance.
Use Gentle Skincare: Incorporate products with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants to nourish and protect your skin.
Consistency is Key: Continue using clinically-recommended treatments to prevent recurrence.
Monitor Triggers: Hormonal changes or excessive sun exposure can cause melasma to return.
While melasma can be persistent, at Kai Clinic, we offer a combination of targeted treatments to help you manage it effectively. If you’re struggling with melasma, our expert team are here to provide tailored advice and design a treatment plan suited to your unique skin needs. Click to learn more about REPAIR Polynucleotides and REJUVENATE Profhilo Structura, or click HERE to book a free phone consultation.
