Melasma is a condition that causes increased melanin production, creating brownish patches of skin on the face. While it isn’t harmful, it can cause self-esteem issues for many people. It may be challenging to conceal melasma with makeup and detract from your otherwise healthy, youthful skin. We offer several non-invasive methods to reduce its impact.
At Marmur Medical, our expert team, led by Dr. Ellen Marmur, is passionate about helping patients achieve radiant, healthy skin. We can revitalize your complexion with a broad range of solutions.
What Is Melasma?
Though melasma does not pose health risks, it may chip away at your confidence. It can appear on areas frequently exposed to the sun, including your upper lip, chin, nose, forehead, and cheeks. UV rays are one contributing factor; hormones are another. Melasma often impacts pregnant women or those using hormonal birth control or receiving hormone replacement therapy.
As melasma can sometimes resemble other skin conditions, you should see your dermatologist for a definitive diagnosis. A doctor may perform a skin biopsy or view the affected regions through a dermatoscope.
Effective Non-Invasive Melasma Treatments
Some cases of melasma resolve on their own, depending on the cause. Other cases may be long-term or permanent. Reducing risk factors like sun exposure or hormonal medications may reduce your melasma, as can professional remedies like prescription topical creams, chemical peels, laser skin resurfacing treatments, or a combination approach. Our expert dermatologists will examine your skin and recommend a multifaceted treatment plan based on the extent of your melasma.
Topical Treatments
Based on the condition of your skin, our experts may recommend a topical cream or combination of treatments.
- Alpha-hydroxy acids exfoliate the skin to break apart melasma spots.
- Hydroquinone is a skin-lightening agent used for patients with melasma and other forms of hyperpigmentation that disrupt melanin production.
- Retin-A, a form of vitamin A, rejuvenates tone and texture.
- Gentler treatments, including azelaic acid, kojic acid, or vitamin C, can exfoliate and promote skin cell turnover, unclog pores, and diminish discoloration.
Melasma can persist even after thoroughly following a topical treatment plan. Our dermatologists may suggest one or more of the following to enhance your results.
- Chemical peel: Our experts will apply a chemical solution to the affected areas to remove excess pigment and exfoliate, facilitating new skin growth and a more even tone. Chemical peels can improve your skin’s tone, texture, and clarity.
- Microneedling: This minimally invasive procedure induces micro-injuries in the skin, promoting even skin tone as it heals.
- Laser and light treatments: Laser treatments remove damaged surface skin, stimulate collagen, and renew your complexion as it heals.
- Platelet-rich plasma: This technique involves drawing a small amount of your blood and processing it to separate the plasma. Then, our experts will inject the PRP into melasma-affected areas to achieve a more uniform skin tone.
Laser Treatments for Melasma
Laser treatments, such as Fraxel DUAL, address melasma in cases where more traditional methods have failed to produce the desired results.
Lasers treat melasma by removing damaged skin and stimulating collagen and new skin growth. The heat energy breaks down the excess melanin into small pieces, which your body’s waste system will eliminate.
Within three to five days of your laser melasma treatment, your skin will look brighter with a more even tone. Full results are typically visible in three to six months. Most patients experience the best results after three to four sessions scheduled a month apart. You might need additional appointments if your melasma has been present for a long time. Our experts will recommend follow-up treatments as necessary to ensure result longevity.
Tips to Ensure Melasma Doesn’t Return
Once you have gotten your melasma under control, you’ll want to ensure it doesn’t return. Our expert dermatologists will help you develop a treatment plan that is specific to your needs and long-term goals. This plan may consider your skin tone, the depth of the melasma within your skin, and potential triggers, including factors like sunlight, birth control pills, and stress.
- Avoid excess sun exposure and use protective clothing and sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
- Discuss non-hormonal birth control options with your physician.
- Minimize stressful situations or responses.
Choosing Marmur Medical for Your Non-Invasive Melasma Treatment
We look forward to your consultation to help you discover how non-invasive melasma treatment methods will improve your skin’s condition and achieve optimal results. Contact us online or call (212) 996-6900 today to partner with one of New York’s premier non-invasive melasma treatment providers.