Melasma

Not all types of pigmentation can be completely cleared, and melasma is a good example of this. Melasma is typified by bigger, ill-defined patches of brown or brownish-grey pigmentation, usually found on both the upper and lower cheeks, forehead, and chin. It has a strong genetic predisposition and is predominant in Asians, and is also strongly influenced by hormonal fluctuation (such as pregnancy) and sun exposure. Effective management of melasma is therefore not aiming at complete clearance and non-recurrence, but rather lightening the pigmentation to a point where is it easily covered by light makeup, while not standing out particularly without makeup. This can be achieved by slowing the production through lifestyle modifications such as sun avoidance, diligent sun protection, targeted skincare containing anti-oxidants such as Vitamin C as well as signalling peptides that slow the production of melanin, a healthy and balanced diet and good gynaecological health; as well as by speeding up the clearance through topical lightening creams, gentle chemical peels, intense pulsed light, or treatment with pigment lasers of specific wavelengths that target melanin.