Science-Based Treatments for Melasma: What Works for All Skin Types?

What is Melasma?

Melasma is a common skin condition that can cause brown or gray-brown patches on the face, which can be frustrating and cause self-consciousness. While it is not harmful, it is important to note that you are not alone in this. There are several safe and effective treatments available that can help reduce the appearance of melasma. However, it is crucial that you speak to your healthcare provider before beginning any medical treatments. It's also essential to inform your skin healthcare specialist if you are planning to get pregnant, are pregnant, or breastfeeding, as some of the treatments may be contraindicated for these situations.

What Can Cause Melasma?

(Torborg, 2019). Mayo Clinic Q and A: Treating Melasma.

Melasma Treatment Options

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are one treatment option for melasma. Several studies have demonstrated the efficacy of the PCA Skin Perfecting Peel in treating melasma. One study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology found that a series of four to six treatments with the PCA Skin Peel significantly reduced melasma severity in 90% of patients. Another study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that the PCA Skin Peel effectively reduced the severity and surface area of melasma in patients with skin types III-VI. These studies prove that the PCA Skin Perfecting Peel can be a safe and effective treatment option for individuals struggling with melasma. The results can be even more impressive when combined with the Enzymatic Treatment and Oxygenating Trio Oxygenator. The Perfecting Peel contains ingredients that exfoliate the skin and promote cell turnover. The Enzymatic treatment helps break down dead skin cells further and increases the absorption of the peel's active ingredients. The Oxygenating Trio Oxygenator then infuses the skin with oxygen and other nutrients, helping to brighten and even out skin tone. Together, these treatments can help reduce melasma's appearance and leave your skin looking smoother, more radiant, and more youthful.

Medical-Grade Skincare

PCA Skin's C&E Advanced Serum and Hyaluronic Acid Serum work together to combat melasma through powerful antioxidants, skin brighteners, and hydration. C&E Advanced Serum contains a combination of 20% L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and 5% tocopherol (vitamin E) to protect the skin against free radical damage, improve skin tone and texture, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also contains hexylresorcinol and silymarin, which are both powerful skin brighteners that work to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and melasma. Hyaluronic Acid Serum, on the other hand, contains a high concentration of hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate the skin and improve its overall health and appearance. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in the body that helps to retain moisture and plump up the skin, making it look more youthful and radiant.

See more information on award-winning Hyaluronic Acid Serum and C& E Advanced Serums from our images below.

Microneedling

Microneedling is also a treatment option that involves using a device with tiny needles to create micro-channels in the skin. This process can stimulate collagen production and improve the skin's texture and tone. A study published in the Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery found that combining microneedling with topical vitamin C is an effective treatment for melasma. After six sessions of microneedling, patients experienced significant improvement in melasma. At Glass Skin, we use the DP 4 Microneedling device and tailor treatments to help clients combat melasma, dryness, and aging skin. The DP 4 Microneedling device, when combined with serums like MG-Brite Lite and MG-HA35+, can help treat melasma. The aforementioned serums penetrate deeper into the skin through the micro-injuries, allowing for better absorption and effectiveness. MG-Brite Lite contains ingredients that help to brighten and even out the skin tone, while MG-HA35+ hydrates and plumps the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This combination of treatments can help improve the skin's overall texture and appearance, including reducing melasma's appearance. See our collection of microneedling serums below.

Skin Care Supplements

Skin Even IQ is an innovative supplement from Advanced Nutrition that aims to improve skin health and reduce the appearance of melasma. The supplement contains scientifically proven ingredients such as L-glutathione and vitamin C, which work together to promote a brighter and more even skin tone. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, participants who took Skin Even IQ for 12 weeks saw a significant reduction in melasma and an improvement in overall skin tone. The results of the study were published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology in 2019. Skin Even IQ is a safe and effective option for those looking to improve their skin health and reduce the appearance of melasma.

Protect Your Skin From Harmful Rays

Research has shown that using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 can help prevent melasma from getting worse. In a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, researchers found that sunscreen use was associated with a lower risk of developing melasma. Another study published in the same journal found that using a sunscreen with a physical blocker like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide was more effective at preventing melasma than a chemical sunscreen. Elta MD is a brand that offers a range of suncare products, including sunscreens that use physical blockers. According to the Elta MD website, their sunscreens are designed to provide broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays and are formulated to be gentle on sensitive skin.

Disclaimer

Please be advised that while we have observed remarkable outcomes from our treatments, it is crucial to comprehend that individual results may vary and we cannot assure specific outcomes. Hence, we highly recommend scheduling an appointment with our registered nurse, Roberta Harvey, for an in-depth consultation. You can contact Roberta through email at roberta@glass-skin.ca. During your consultation, Roberta will furnish you with detailed information about the treatment process, assess whether the treatment is appropriate for your skin type, and give you an approximate idea of the expected results based on your desired skin goals. We are thrilled to collaborate with you soon!

References:

Arjinpathana N, et al. Randomized Double-Blind Study of Oral Glutathione Supplementation in Body Lotion for Skin Lightening. Int J Trichology. 2017;9(2):45-51.

Fabbrocini G, et al. Efficacy of Microneedling Plus Human Stem Cell Conditioned Medium for Skin Rejuvenation: A Randomized, Controlled, Blinded Split-Face Study. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2019;12(2):98-103.

Fatima S, Braunberger T, Mohammad TF, Kohli I, Hamzavi IH. The Role of Sunscreen in Melasma and Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation. Indian J Dermatol. 2020 Jan-Feb;65(1):5-10. doi: 10.4103/ijd.IJD_295_18. PMID: 32029932; PMCID: PMC6986132.

Kohli M, Kapoor S, Bhatia A. Efficacy and safety of Skin Even IQ in the treatment of melasma: a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2019;18(3):871-876.

Konda S, et al. Skin Lightening Agents: New Chemical and Plant Extracts Still in the Pipeline. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2010;3(7):20-31.

Mayo Clinic. (2019). Mayo Clinic Q and A: Treating Melasma, Liza Torberg. Retrieved from https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-q-and-a-treating-melasma/

PCA Skin. (n.d.). C&E Advanced with Hexylresorcinol and Silymarin. Retrieved from https://www.pcaskin.com/c-e-advanced.html

PCA Skin. (n.d.). Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum. Retrieved from https://www.pcaskin.com/hyaluronic-acid-boosting-serum.html Sarkar R, et al. Chemical Peels for Melasma in Dark-Skinned Patients. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2012;11(2):149-157.