Le melasmaalso known as chloasma, is a chronic pigmentation of the skin affecting women (less so men) with a rather matt phototype (phototype III to VI).
It is called pregnancy mask when it appears during pregnancy. It forms a kind of mask on the face, hence the name, as it appears on the forehead, chin, bridge of the nose and cheeks.
Pigmentation can be darker or lighter, depending on two factors: the amount of pigment and the depth of the pigment.
There are three types of melasma:
- Epidermal melasma: the pigment is superficial, located in the epidermis. The spots are brown in colour.
- Dermal melasma: the pigment is deep, in the dermis. The spots are bluer.
- Dermal-epidermal melasma: the pigment is found in the dermis and epidermis. The spots are brown and grey in colour.
It appears following exposure to the sun (not necessarily repeated) and exposure to oestrogens (pregnancy, contraception, pathologies, etc.).
What is melasma? Le melasma is a common skin condition affecting millions of people worldwide. It is a pigmentation of the skin that occurs after repeated exposure to the sun or oestrogen. When it occurs during pregnancy, it is also called pregnancy mask.
We do not know why some women develop it and others do not.
not. Unfortunately, these pigmentations do not disappear naturally and any exposure to the sun (or to oestrogen) accentuates them. It is possible to getting rid of the pregnancy mask thanks to medical techniques.
Since they do not involve surgery, treatments for remove melasma in Geneva are carried out in the practice.
Melasma is a deposit of melanin, the pigment in our skin that determines each individual's skin colour, produced by cells called melanocytes.
Darker phototypes are the most affected.
This is a chronic hyperpigmentation whose intensity fluctuates. The spot is lighter at times and darker at others.
Three factors are responsible for its development:
- Genetic predisposition: there are familial forms of melasma. Some people are more likely to develop melasma because of their genetic heritage. It is more common in people with darker skin, particularly those of Mediterranean, Asian or Latin American origin.
- Sun exposure: ultraviolet (UV) rays stimulate melanin production in the skin. Prolonged, unprotected exposure to the sun can exacerbate melasma, and even after treatment, the sun can trigger a reappearance of brown spots.
- Hormones: melasma is frequently linked to hormonal changes. It is particularly common in pregnant women, hence its nickname of "pregnancy mask". Oral contraceptives and hormone treatments can also trigger this condition.
- Cosmetic products and skin irritation: the use of certain harsh or irritating cosmetic products can make melasma worse. Sometimes products containing ingredients such as alcohol or perfumes can sensitise the skin and make melasma more visible.
- Stress and environmental factors: chronic stress can also play a role in the development of melasma. In addition, environmental pollution can contribute to skin oxidation, increasing the risk of pigmentation.
- It is possible to have melasma without being pregnant.
- The factors responsible are oestrogen and the sun. Any exposure to the sun can cause melasma. A woman can have higher oestrogen levels without necessarily being pregnant, as in the case of certain medical conditions or when taking contraceptives.
Even a pregnancy that has had to be terminated can cause melasma.
It's complicated to prevent a pregnancy mask: you need to avoid all sun exposure and not have any hormonal variations.
Sun exposure is impossible, even a short exposure can cause melasma.
As far as hormones are concerned, it is possible not to take contraception, but changes in oestrogen levels are not due solely to pregnancy.
The treatment of melasma is a frequent request.
The anti-spot creams (apart from magistral preparations prescribed by your doctor) and treatments carried out in beauty salons are not very effective.
There are medical treatments for Eliminate melasma and pregnancy mask.
It's important to understand that these pigmentations are complicated to treat and that recurrences are frequent.
According to the medical literature, the gold standard treatment is ablative laser. There are two ablative lasers, erbium and CO2. Dr Romano uses the erbium laser. Treatment is carried out using a combination of two modalities: continuous (the entire spot is treated superficially) and fractional (a percentage of the spot is treated and the dermis is penetrated in depth).
Dr Romano advises against treatment with pulsed light or the Qswitch laser, which are not very effective and can worsen pigmentation.
The results of vascular laser treatment are also modest.
The peels use acids, such as glycolic acid or trichloroacetic acid, to exfoliate the surface layers of the skin, encouraging cell regeneration and the removal of surface pigment.
Depigmenting active ingredients, selected according to the patient's skin type, are also present in this treatment. They dissolve the pigment.
Analysis by an experienced doctor is essential. In fact, it is not always possible to treat melasma with a peel; it depends on the patient's skin and the depth of the pigment. Sometimes peels can make melasma worse. Hence the importance of consulting a doctor with experience of this type of procedure.
La mesotherapy consists of injecting vitamins, antioxidants and depigmenting agents directly into the middle layers of the skin. This treatment reduces pigmentation and revitalises the skin.
However, it is a technique that improves the results of laser and peeling, and is not an effective treatment on its own.
For patients who prefer natural options before turning to medical or cosmetic treatments, there are several home remedies that can help reduce melasma pigmentation. Results vary and are not supported by scientific studies.
- Aloe vera: Aloe vera contains compounds that help to regenerate the skin and reduce dark spots.
- Cider vinegar: Cider vinegar is another natural remedy for lightening brown spots thanks to its astringent and lightening properties. Dilute it with water and apply gently to the affected areas with a cotton pad.
- Turmeric: thanks to its main active compound, curcumin, turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory and skin-lightening properties. Mix a spoonful of turmeric with milk or honey and apply this paste to the skin to reduce pigmentation.
- Green tea: the antioxidants in green tea help to reduce the damage caused by free radicals, which are responsible for hyperpigmentation. Use cooled green tea bags.
The results of melasma treatment vary according to the type of treatment and the severity of the pigmentation, particularly its depth.
Several sessions are required: 3 to 4 laser sessions and 5 to 7 peelings. Annual maintenance sessions are also required.
Brown spots gradually lighten and the skin's complexion becomes more even.
However, it is important to note that melasma is a chronic condition and preventive measures are essential, including regular use of sunscreen, to avoid a recurrence.
| Type of consultation | General rates |
|---|---|
|
Peeling
|
From CHF 200 per session |
|
Laser |
From CHF 300 per session |
|
Mesotherapy |
CHF 250 per session |
Patients are often satisfied with the results of melasma treatment, especially when several approaches are combined, such as depigmenting creams and laser treatment. They describe a significant improvement in the evenness of their skin tone and a boost to their self-confidence.
Frequent recurrences remain a problem.
The services described on this site are applicable to Switzerland; there are differences between countries.
Contact details
Dr Valeria Romano
Pl. du Molard 5, 1204 Geneva, Switzerland
Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 6pm
Dr Valeria Romano - All rights reserved.
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