Hyperpigmentation versus melasma: causes, symptoms, and the most effective treatment As summer approaches, equipping yourself and your therapy team with knowledge about how to treat hyperpigmentation and melasma will help you offer your clients the most effective treatment.
This helpful guide explains what hyperpigmentation and melasma are, how they appear, precautions to take, and effective treatment options for the skin at the clinic and at home.
For a more custom spotlight on the most proficient method to treat hyperpigmentation and scarring brought about by grown-up skin break out, then, at that point, look at this helpful aide.
Hyperpigmentation: What is it?
According to Buckinghamshire-base facialist and member of The Skin Collaborative Maria Rylott-Byrd, “hyperpigmentation is a term use to describe discoloration on the skin or abnormal darkening of the skin.” The discoloration is caused by an excessive production of melanin by the melanocytes, which reaches the skin’s surface. UV damage is one of the most common reasons for this. Rylott-Byrd adds, “The sun is a major cause of hyperpigmentation.”
“It requires a broad-spectrum SPF with protection from UVA and UVB.” Pregnancy and oral contraceptives, in addition to medications and hormonal factors, can have an effect.
Lynton Light Protect
Boots-accredited SPF 50 with five stars was developed by the aesthetic device manufacturer Lynton because it is aware that sun exposure is responsible for approximately 90% of the signs of aging skin. Planned in view of the client, it doesn’t leave the skin shrouded in the standard pasty or oily buildup that you can insight with different sunscreens, and it functions as an ideal base under makeup.
The product, which is available in retail and professional sizes, can used as a protectant following laser and IPL treatments or as an additional source of revenue for salon and clinic owners.
Melasma: what is it?
According to Jody Taylor, owner of the Skin Deep clinic and academy in Doncaster, melasma is similar to hyperpigmentation but is usually brought on by hormonal factors like thyroid dysfunction, pregnancy, hormonal contraception, genetics, UV rays, and medications.
“Melasma shows up more in a block development, while hyperpigmentation has a more mottled appearance on the skin. Furthermore, under a Woods light, the melasma will seem unaltered under the light,” she says. Due to the hormonal factors that can cause it, women are more likely than men to experience it, as are people between the ages of 25 and 40 and those with Fitzpatrick skin types three and four.
Additionally, it is harder to treat. According to Jacqui Faucitt, chief executive officer of RégimA International Skin Treatments, epidermal pigmentation (solar keratoses) responds well and more quickly to treatment, whereas dermal pigmentation (melasma or chloasma) typically takes longer to lighten.
According to Taylor, melasma can appear in a variety of ways, including:
- Centro facial, which is find on the upper lip, cheeks, and forehead. This, also known as the “butterfly effect,” occurs in 50–80 percent of melasma cases. • Malar, which affects the nose and cheeks • Mandibular, which appears on the jawline and chin • Erythosis pigmentosa face, which appears reddened or inflamed. • Extra facial, which can appear on the forearms, upper arms, and shoulders. This is vascular melasma, and it will have a red tinge.
What should we talk about during the meeting?
When treating any kind of hyperpigmentation, including melasma, it is essential to have a thorough consultation with your client. It can genetic, particularly in the peri-orbital and oral regions. According to Dr. Raquel Amado, an aesthetic medicine physician, skin specialist, and member of The Skin Collaborative, “It’s very common that we see a genetic pattern to it, especially in Asian skin types.”
Photosensitivity can cause by medications like tetracycline, antibiotics, naproxen, an anti-inflammatory that is commonly used to treat osteoarthritis and other inflammatory conditions, and psychotropic drugs. As a result, it’s critical that we conduct a thorough consultation to learn about any prescription medications,” she says.
How do I get the skin ready for the treatment?
Tyrosinase inhibitors are absolutely necessary to treat this problem. According to Sarah Hurst, a member of The Skin Collaborative and the founder of the Brighton-based Sarah Hurst Skin Clinic, “we need to use tyrosinase inhibitors whether the client is Fitzpatrick one or six.” According to her, “Kojic acid, vitamin C, tranexamic acid, azelaic acid, and licorice root can help inhibit melanin production because tyrosinase is the enzyme that increases the melanocyte and melanin production.” Use Tri-Luma cream for the treatment of Melasma.
In addition, it is essential to develop an effective homecare regimen in conjunction with broad-spectrum SPF in order to prepare the skin for any treatment. Rylott-Byrd offers the advice, “I wouldn’t do any type of advanced treatments in the clinic without healthy and balanced skin.”
I would make a plan to help the skin have strong integrity by looking at the client’s lifestyle and homecare routine. If we do look into more advance treatments, the skin should prepared accordingly; We’ve talked about tyrosinase and covering the skin with an SPF umbrella; now we need to look into some kind of exfoliation to get rid of that pigment.
