Highlights
Melasma treatment in Geneva
What is melasma ? Melasma is a common skin condition affecting millions worldwide. It is pigmentation developing after repeated sun or oestrogen exposure. During pregnancy, it is also called a pregnancy mask.
Why some women develop it and others do
not. Unfortunately, these pigmentations do not disappear naturally, and any sun exposure (or exposure to oestrogens) makes them worse. It is possible to get rid of the pregnancy mask thanks to medical techniques.
Without involving any surgical procedure, treatments to remove melasma in Geneva are performed in the clinic.
Causes of pregnancy mask and melasma
Melasma involves excess melanin, the natural pigment determining skin colour, produced by specific cells : melanocytes.
Darker phototypes are most affected.
This chronic hyperpigmentation fluctuates in intensity. Patches are sometimes lighter and sometimes darker.
Three factors are responsible for its development :
- Genetic predisposition : familial forms of melasma exist. Some people are more susceptible because of their genetic background. Melasma is more common in darker skin, particularly people of Mediterranean, Asian or Latin American origin.
- Sun exposure : ultraviolet (UV) rays stimulate skin melanin production. Prolonged, unprotected exposure can worsen melasma, and even after treatment, sunlight can trigger brown patches returning.
- Hormones : melasma is frequently associated with hormonal changes. It is particularly common during pregnancy, hence « pregnancy mask ». Oral contraceptives and hormonal treatments can also trigger it.
Aggravating factors are :
- Cosmetics and skin irritation : certain harsh or irritating cosmetics can worsen melasma. Products containing ingredients such as alcohol or fragrance can sometimes sensitise skin and make melasma more visible.
- Stress and environmental factors : chronic stress may also contribute to melasma development. Environmental pollution also causes skin oxidation, increasing hyperpigmentation risk.
Pregnancy mask without being pregnant ?
Melasma can occur without pregnancy.
Oestrogens and sunlight are the responsible factors. Any sun exposure can cause melasma. A woman may have increased oestrogen levels without pregnancy, particularly with certain hormonal conditions or contraceptive use.
Even a pregnancy that has ended early can cause melasma.
How can a pregnancy mask be prevented ?
Preventing pregnancy mask is particularly difficult, as it would require avoiding all sun exposure and hormonal variation. Even brief sun exposure may trigger melasma.
Regarding hormones, avoiding contraception is possible, but oestrogen fluctuations are not exclusively linked to pregnancy : they can occur naturally or in other hormonal contexts.
How can pregnancy mask and melasma be removed ?
Melasma treatment is a common request.
Dark spot creams (apart from compounded preparations prescribed by your doctor) and salon treatments have limited effectiveness.
Medical treatments can eliminate melasma and pregnancy mask.
This pigmentation is difficult to treat and recurrence is frequent.
Laser to remove pregnancy mask and melasma
According to medical literature, the gold-standard treatment is ablative laser. There are two ablative lasers, erbium and CO2. Dr Romano favours the latter.
The protocol combines two modes : continuous mode, which superficially treats the whole patch ; fractional mode, which targets only part of the area to penetrate deeper into the dermis.
Dr Romano advises against intense pulsed light and Q-Switch laser, considered insufficiently effective and liable to worsen pigmentation. Vascular laser results also remain modest.
Peels for melasma and pregnancy mask
Chemical peels use acids, such as glycolic or trichloroacetic acid, to exfoliate superficial skin layers, supporting cell regeneration and superficial pigment removal.
Depigmenting ingredients selected according to the patient's skin are also included to dissolve pigment.
An experienced doctor's assessment is essential. Peeling is not always suitable for melasma, depending on skin and pigment depth. Sometimes it can worsen melasma. Consulting a doctor familiar with this procedure is therefore important.
Mesotherapy for melasma
Mesotherapy involves injecting vitamins, antioxidants and depigmenting agents into superficial skin layers. It reduces pigmentation and revitalises skin. However, it is mainly used alongside laser or peels, as effectiveness alone remains limited.
How can melasma be treated naturally ?
For patients preferring natural options before medical or aesthetic treatments, several home remedies may help reduce melasma pigmentation. Results vary and are not confirmed by scientific studies.
• Aloe vera : contains compounds supporting skin regeneration and brown patch reduction.
• Turmeric : through its main active compound, curcumin, turmeric is known for anti-inflammatory and brightening properties. Mix a spoonful with milk or honey and apply the paste to reduce pigmentation.
• Green tea : its antioxidants help reduce free radical damage responsible for hyperpigmentation. Use cooled green tea bags.
Before/after results of melasma treatment
Melasma treatment results vary according to treatment type and pigmentation severity, particularly depth.
Several sessions are needed : 3 to 4 laser sessions and 5 to 7 peel sessions. Annual maintenance sessions should be planned.
Brown patches gradually lighten and the complexion becomes more even.
However, melasma is chronic and preventive measures, particularly regular sunscreen use, are essential to avoid recurrence.
Melasma : prices of available treatments in Geneva
Melasma treatment in Geneva relies on specific aesthetic protocols, most often combining medical peels and gentle laser sessions. Prices start at CHF 300 per session. This can vary according to the number of areas treated, session frequency and case complexity. Treatments follow an approach adapted to melasma's particular pigmentation and hormonal characteristics.
Melasma treatment reviews
Patients are often satisfied with melasma treatment results, especially when combining approaches such as depigmenting creams and laser treatment. They describe a significantly more even complexion and renewed confidence. Recurrence is common.
An international consensus involving forty dermatologists recommends combining sun protection with depigmenting treatments tailored to each patient. Peels can complement melasma treatment, while lasers are mainly considered when other treatments are insufficient. Maintenance care is needed to preserve improvement and limit recurrences.
A study involving 68 patients receiving depigmenting treatment compared two sunscreens: one protecting against ultraviolet rays and visible light, the other against ultraviolet rays alone. After eight weeks, melasma had improved more with the first. These results highlight the importance of suitable sun protection alongside treatment and procedures performed in the clinic.
An analysis of nine publications describes the value of sun protection in managing melasma and melasma that appears after skin inflammation. Protection against UVA, UVB and visible light can help limit worsening. It complements medical treatments by reducing exposure to the radiation that sustains pigmentation.
Frequently asked questions about melasma
Can melasma disappear ?
Melasma can fade with appropriate treatments and good sun protection, but is often chronic and prone to recurrence. Dermatological care such as peels, gentle lasers or complementary depigmenting creams can significantly reduce patches. However, a strict skincare routine is essential to prevent return.
How can melasma be recognised ?
Melasma appears as brown or greyish patches with irregular edges, mainly on the face : cheeks, forehead, nose and upper lip. These symmetrical patches often develop under hormonal influence or excessive sun exposure.
Is melasma dangerous ?
Melasma is benign and poses no health danger. It is an aesthetic pigmentation disorder without serious complication risks. However, its visible skin impact can affect confidence.
Can you tan with melasma ?
Sun exposure is discouraged with melasma, as UV rays stimulate melanin production and worsen it. If exposure is unavoidable, broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 50+) and protective accessories such as hats and sunglasses are crucial.
How can melasma be reduced naturally ?
Although natural treatments are less powerful than dermatological care, some may reduce melasma. Regular vitamin C, aloe vera or turmeric masks may help even the complexion. However, sun protection remains the most effective measure to prevent worsening.
Where does melasma occur ?
Melasma mainly affects sun-exposed facial areas : cheeks, forehead, nose and upper lip. It can also appear on the neck and forearms, particularly in people frequently exposed to sunlight.
