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To treat melasma, whitening creams such as hydroquinone or tretinoin may be used, or aesthetic treatments such as laser, chemical peeling or microneedling may be recommended, guided by the dermatologist.
Melasma is more common in areas exposed to the sun, such as the face, so it is very important to use sunscreen so that whitening is satisfactory and so that new lesions do not appear. In addition, melasma can have several causes, such as hormonal changes in pregnancy, use of contraceptives, use of some medicines or aging, for example. Learn more about melasma.
Melasma is curable, and the best treatment varies according to the type, the site of the affected body and the depth of the stain, which can be superficial, or epidermal, deep, or dermal, and mixed, so it is It is important to talk to the dermatologist to decide which treatment is ideal.
The main treatments that may be indicated by the dermatologist are:
1. Sunscreen
The use of sunscreen is essential in the treatment of melasma, since no other treatment will be effective without protecting the skin against the sun's rays. Sunscreen must be used with a minimum factor of 15 SPF, every day, even if the day is cloudy or the person stays indoors.
It is also important to avoid sun exposure during the treatment of stains, and if you are in sunny environments, it is important to replace the sunscreen layer every 2 hours.
2. Whitening creams
The creams that lighten blemishes are very effective, as they provide a long-term treatment and guarantee a lasting result, and can be used anywhere on the body:
- Hydroquinone, contains a whitening active ingredient, and should be used 1 to 2 times a day, but for a limited time, due to irritating effects on the skin, such as peeling and itch;
- Retinoids such as Tretinoin, Adapalene and Tazarotene used in cream or gel form are useful for reducing skin darkening;
- Topic corticosteroid, in ointments, can be used for a short period of time to decrease skin inflammation that can cause blemishes;
- Azelaic acid, also has an effect on controlling the amount of melanin and skin darkening;
- Other acids such as kojic, glycolic and salicylic acids, are present in cosmetic treatments, and are more effective when combined with other acids, to help lighten and renew the skin.
The treatment time varies according to the product used, the characteristics of the stain and skin type. In general, results can start to be seen after 2 to 4 weeks of treatment, which can last up to about 6 months.
3. Aesthetic treatments
Aesthetic treatments can be indicated by the dermatologist to treat melasma, as they promote the removal of the surface layer of the skin and provide faster results. Some of the aesthetic treatments that may be indicated by the doctor are:
- Chemical peeling, is done with acids, with stronger concentrations than those used in creams, to remove a layer of the skin. It can be mild for superficial melasma or more intense for deep melasma.
- Microdermabrasion, known as crystal peeling, is a professional exfoliation technique that removes the surface layers of the skin for a renewed appearance;
- Microneedling, is a technique that pierces the skin with microneedles to stimulate collagen production and blood circulation in the skin, which can be useful to reduce some skin blemishes, in addition to reducing wrinkles and sagging of the face.
- Intense pulsed light, it is not an initial option, but it is used in some cases that do not improve with other treatments, and can even worsen the spots on the skin if used correctly. wrong.
Generally, it takes several sessions to obtain the desired result, which varies according to the intensity and depth of the melasma.
4. Laser treatment
The laser is a great option for treating blemishes, as it releases a wave of heat on the skin, which destroys the melanin pigment, and is indicated in cases of deep melasma or that has not improved with treatment with creams. or cosmetics.
Sessions are performed weekly, and the amount also varies according to the severity and depth of the stain. In addition, this treatment should only be carried out by a qualified dermatologist, due to the risk of skin burns. See how laser treatment is done for the face.
Check out the following video for more tips to treat skin spots:
How to treat melasma in pregnancy
Treatment of melasma during pregnancy can be more complicated due to the hormonal changes typical of this period, in addition, skin spots usually improve naturally towards the end of pregnancy. However, to relieve the spots and prevent the appearance of more, it is recommended to use sunscreen and natural moisturizers daily.
Preferably, the products used to lighten melasma in pregnancy, also called chloasma, should be hypoallergenic and oil free, so that they do not cause oiliness on the skin and, thus, it is possible to avoid the appearance of pimples, too common in pregnancy.
The use of whitening creams or aesthetic treatments with chemicals, acids or laser are contraindicated in pregnancy. In very necessary cases, azelaic acid and salicylic acid in low doses pose no risk during this period, but preferably any treatment should be delayed until the end of pregnancy and breastfeeding.
