Comprehensive Guide to Melasma Treatment

Updated on: 5th April, 2024

Have you ever felt self-conscious about the brown patches on your skin that won’t go away no matter what you do? If so, you’re not alone. Melasma affects millions worldwide and finding an effective treatment can be a frustrating and overwhelming experience.

Melasma, also known as a “pregnancy mask,” is a skin condition that causes brown or grey-brown patches on the face, primarily on the cheeks, nose, forehead, chin, and upper lip. While it’s not a harmful condition, it can be   frustrating and difficult to treat, leaving many individuals feeling self-conscious and insecure about their appearance.

Thankfully, various treatment options are available for those dealing with melasma, ranging from topical creams and gels to more invasive procedures such as laser therapy.

In this article, we will explore the most effective melasma treatment in Pune. 

Keep reading!

How is melasma treated?

While there is no permanent cure for melasma, several treatment options are available for its management.

Here are the most common treatment methods for melasma:

Excess melanin production can lead to dark patches on the skin, a common symptom of melasma. Topical medications work by inhibiting melanin production. Here are some of the most common topical melasma treatments for Indian skin. Remember to always consult your dermatologist before starting any treatments or creams.

1. Hydroquinone: Hydroquinone inhibits the activity of tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in melanin production. By inhibiting tyrosinase, hydroquinone can reduce the amount of melanin produced, which can help lighten the skin and reduce the appearance of melasma.

2. Tretinoin: Tretinoin is a form of vitamin A that helps to speed up skin cell turnover. By increasing the rate at which skin cells are shed and replaced, tretinoin can help reduce the amount of melanin produced.

3. Kojic Acid: Kojic acid is an effective melasma treatment for Indian skin. It works by inhibiting the activity of tyrosinase, which can reduce the amount of melanin produced.

4. Azelaic Acid: Like tretinoin, Azelaic acid works by speeding up skin cell turnover. This can help reduce melanin production and the inflammation contributing to melasma.

Chemical Peel

A chemical peel is a cosmetic melasma treatment in Pune that involves the application of a chemical solution to the skin to exfoliate the outermost layer and reveal smoother, brighter, and more even-toned skin underneath.

Chemical peels are often used to treat a range of skin concerns, including acne, fine lines and wrinkles, melasma, and sun damage. They can be performed on the face, neck, chest, and hands.

Several types of chemical peels, including glycolic acid, Trichloroacetic acid peel, Retinoic acid peel, or combination peels, are used for melasma treatment.

Let’s see how to get rid of melasma with chemical peels. The chemical solution is applied to the skin during the procedure and left on for a specific time. The time the solution is left on the skin depends on the type of peel being used and the individual’s skin type.

Chemical peels are not suitable for everyone, and people can experience irritation and redness for a few days after treatment. Some individuals can also experience peeling. However, by consulting with a board-certified dermatologist, these side effects can be minimised.

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure that uses a specific device to exfoliate the outer layer of the skin gently. This can help reduce melasma’s appearance by removing the top layer of hyperpigmented skin. It can help improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and sun damage.

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy is another popular melasma treatment in Pune. This treatment uses a specific type of laser that targets the melanin in the skin, breaking it down and reducing the appearance of dark patches. 

Q-switched Nd:YAG 1064 nm laser can be an effective treatment option for people with melasma, especially those with darker skin. 

However, it is important to note that laser treatment alone may not provide optimal results for everyone. For the best outcome, it may need to be combined with other procedures, such as chemical peels, topical creams, and oral medications.

Sun Protection

Sun protection is the most important part of any melasma treatment plan. Sun exposure can worsen melasma, so it’s important to wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and with a UVA filter (P +++) and avoid prolonged sun exposure.

It’s important to note that melasma can be difficult to treat, and it may take several months of treatment before seeing results. It’s also important to speak with a dermatologist before starting melasma treatment to determine the best course of action for your needs.