Skin Concerns
Melasma
Evidence-based melasma management at SkinLab, Birdwell — from LED phototherapy and medical-grade skincare to microneedling with whitening mesotherapy and chemical peels.
Can't find an answer to your question? Reach us at hello@skin-lab.uk
What is melasma?
Melasma is a type of hyperpigmentation. It is sometimes also called 'chloasma' or 'pregnancy mask'. It is a relatively common skin condition which can occur in adults. It has an appearance of brown or greyish patches of skin and is usually symmetrical. It mainly occurs on the face.
It is thought to be due to melanocytes producing too much pigment (colour) within the deeper skin levels.
What causes melasma?
Melasma can be caused by many things, although the exact cause is not currently known.
Hormones, particularly in pregnancy and some contraceptive pills, could also be linked to melasma.
Some other drugs such as anti-epileptic drugs may contribute to developing melasma. There is a train of thought it could also be linked to medical conditions such as thyroid issues.
What triggers melasma?
UV light exposure from sun beds or sunlight can trigger melasma too, and often makes it worse.
Melasma usually improves during the winter months, but worsens during summer months due to increased sun exposure.
UV protection is essential for anyone with melasma — exposure to sunlight can rapidly undo the progress made by treatments.
Is melasma curable?
Unfortunately not, no. But it can be improved and managed to prevent it getting worse.
Treatment
Treatment for melasma using LED light therapy (phototherapy)
Phototherapy is the use of light in the treatment of a condition. Red and near infrared lights are well evidenced to improve pigmentation. Particular strengths of near infrared and red light therapy can improve pigmentation by stimulating cells through the mitochondria (the powerhouse of the cell). This can help them produce more adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the energy source for all cells. By improving cellular energy, cells repair themselves more quickly, and can therefore help improve melasma.
Please remember, it is particular strengths of wavelengths which have been well evidenced and researched which will cause improvements in the skin — NOT the cheap light masks which you can buy online. These are unlikely to have the correct wavelengths and also contain a multitude of other colours which have no evidence to support that they work.
At SkinLab we have 2 Dermalux LED phototherapy devices which are medically licensed and CE approved. These devices can be rented via our home rental scheme for a period of 2 weeks. It is recommended it is used daily for at least 2 weeks.
Treatment
Treatment for melasma using a medical grade skincare regime
At SkinLab, we are stockists and prescribers of medical grade skincare such as ZO (a professional prescription-only range made by Dr Zein Obagi — a world renowned dermatologist). We use both in clinic, and clients can purchase this to use at home too, after a medical assessment.
We have access to skincare ranges which contain ingredients that will help to destroy any pre-existing melasma hyperpigmentation and prevent future melasma hyperpigmentation developing.
Book a skin consultation online to find out more about which medical grade skincare regime is right for your skin.
Treatment
Microneedling with mesotherapy to treat melasma
Microneedling with the addition of whitening mesotherapy can be used to help treat and manage melasma. Microneedling is where we use a pen-style device with sterile single-use tiny needles on the end which puncture the skin to create microchannels into the skin. The skin is firstly numbed to make the procedure more tolerable.
These microchannels then allow the mesotherapy to penetrate into the deeper layer of the skin. Whitening mesotherapy is a cocktail of antioxidants, enzymes and vitamins which work to lighten and lift the melasma.
This can be done on a monthly basis. It is recommended a course of 6 is completed with intermittent maintenance treatments as and when you feel required.
This procedure can leave your face quite red and sometimes there is some mild bleeding. Skin can feel stinging or burning when cleansing for a few days after the procedure but is manageable. Skin can also feel tight and dry a few days after the procedure and can sometimes flake.
Usually downtime is 1–7 days. Flaking and tightening can last slightly longer. This procedure is usually very well tolerated.
Treatment
Chemical peels to treat melasma
Chemical peels can be used to help treat melasma. Chemical peels are a cocktail of chemicals, usually mild acids with specific ingredients to target specific skin conditions.
Chemical peels can remove the outermost layers of the skin which contain some of the pigmentation (colour), which can in turn lighten the melasma.
Sometimes chemical peels can tingle, sting or feel a mild burning sensation, but we use a fan during the treatment to make it more manageable.
Chemical peels can be performed monthly and are generally very effective and are safe. At SkinLab we utilise chemical peels which are evidence-based and have a medical licence to treat each condition.
How can I help prevent melasma getting worse?
The key is wearing a very good SPF every day, even in winter. We recommend medical grade, evidence-based SPF which covers UVA/UVB, visible light and blue light — for example ZO (an in-clinic prescription-only medical grade skincare range) or Heliocare. You can find a link to Heliocare on our website.
Daily SPF is non-negotiable for melasma management — even brief, unprotected exposure can trigger pigmentation to return.
How to book
Concerned about melasma or hyperpigmentation? Book a skin consultation at SkinLab and we will assess your skin and create a personalised treatment plan.