The 3 types of Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation which is the result of sun damage. (sun spots)
Hyperpigmentation which is the result of acne or other skin lesions (post inflammatory hyperpigmentation)
Hyperpigmentation caused by hormonal changes. (melasma)
Currently, there is no cure for Melasma. Treatment will need to be ongoing to improve the appearance. Fortunately, there are several treatment options to help manage melasma.
My Melasma Journey
I've personally been dealing with melasma since my twenties. I had a dark patch across my forehead and down my cheeks. I looked like I had a 5'oclock shadow. I had someone tell me that I did not blend in my foundation. (Seriously??) I went down a rabbit hole doing melasma and #acne research. This journey got me interested in skincare and now I've been an esthetician for 17 years. I've managed to keep melasma under control for the most part. I definitely see it rearing it's ugly head with sunnier days. I am diligent with SPF. (I love Storyderm, (Super Ultra Nutrition SPF 50) I use products that contain ingredients that address pigmentation. (Niacinamide, Vit C, Azelaic, Kojic Acids, Arbutin). The StoryDerm O2 White line contains all of these ingredients plus more! Korean skincare is all about using the purest, least diluted, non-harsh ingredients. #Koreanskincare is also very hydrating, this allows the active ingredients to penetrate to bring the highest desired results. In addition to maintaining my results with #StoryDerm O2 White line, I do several treatments throughout the year for #hyperpigmentation, anti aging and tightening. I'll alternate peels, #microneedling or liquid microneedling. ( #spicules )
A PILL FOR MELASMA ??
Tranexamic Acid:
"#Melasma is traditionally difficult to treat. To date, its pathogenesis is unclear. But, data shows including #tranexamicacid–a synthetic derivative of lysine–in an ongoing treatment protocol can produce improvement in most patients.
Previous research discovered tranexamic acid slows melanin synthesis by inhibiting the plasminogen/plasmin pathway. Doing so blocks interactions between melanocytes and keratinocytes. Consequently, using either oral or topical tranexamic acid can decrease melasma-associated skin pigmentation and reverse any melasma-related dermal changes, including reduced redness and a decreased number of vessels." https://www.dermatologytimes.com/view/tranexamic-acid-melasma
I'll be adding Tranexamic Acid orally to my melasma/beauty regimen. I love that it may improve the redness component with melasma. I'll be updating this blog post with my thoughts.
Melasma is super challenging. It may take some time to figure out what cocktail of treatments you will best respond to. Melasma is chronic and needs consistent maintenance. Follow my tips to manage your melasma.
TIPS
Contact me for a virtual consultation to asses your hyperpigmentation.
Avoid DIY treatments for Melasma as it could worsen the hyperpigmentation.
Reduce stress. Stress produces cortisol, studies show cortisol may worsen melasma.
Prior to any laser, chemical peels or other aggressive treatments, be sure that you have used a tyrosinase inhibitor 2-6 weeks prior to any treatments. Be wary of providers who don't have you pretreat your skin. (these treatments produce heat and inflammation which can trigger or worsen melasma)
Consider if you have any digestion issues, it could be an indication of an unhealthy gut, unhealthy gut causes inflammation, inflammation triggers melasma. An unhealthy gut is responsible for most disease in the body.
Apply SPF 20 minutes prior to sun exposure
Reapply SPF every 2 hours while active in the sun. SPF breaks down after 2 hours. Do you sit by a window, drive a lot for work? Make sure you're reapplying SPF.
Wide brimmed hats for the most sun protection.
Be aware of medications or supplements that might be making you photosensitive.
I hope you found this post interesting. Feel free to comment or post a question.
If you or someone you know, suffers from Melasma. Call to set up a consultation
303-819-2889
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