What causes melasma and how can I prevent it?
common.hours_ago
Melasma causes excess dark pigmentation on areas like the upper lip, cheeks, and sometimes the forehead. It is influenced by estrogen, is more common in women and in darker skin tones, and is worsened by sun exposure—so daily use of good sunscreen is important. The recommended approach is a pigment‑specific laser (picosecond or nanosecond) to reduce pigment, combined with red low‑level light to suppress inflammation, plus at‑home topical lightening agents, especially cysteamine products. Intense pulse lights are not advised because they can worsen melasma. When done correctly and consistently over time, this combination can yield excellent results. @cyspera @senteskincare @lumenis @omniluxled
Melasma: A condition that causes patches of darker skin (hyperpigmentation), commonly on the face.
Estrogen: A hormone that can influence melasma, contributing to its occurrence in women.
Sun exposure: Ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun that can trigger or worsen melasma.
Sunscreens: Topical products that protect skin from UV light; important to prevent melasma from worsening.
Intense pulse lights: A broad-spectrum light treatment that, in melasma, can sometimes make pigmentation worse.
Pigment-specific laser: A laser designed to target and break down excess pigment in the skin.
Picosecond lasers: Lasers that deliver energy in trillionths of a second to target pigment with minimal heat.
Nanosecond lasers: Lasers that deliver energy in billionths of a second to break up pigment.
Inflammation: Skin irritation or immune activity that can worsen melasma if not controlled.
Red low-level light device: A non-heat light therapy used to reduce inflammation and support treatment.
Topical lightening agents: At-home creams or gels that help fade dark spots; used alongside in-office treatments.
Cysteamine: A skin-lightening ingredient found in some topical products used for melasma.
Suspara: A brand name mentioned for a cysteamine-containing skin lightening product.
Centei: A brand mentioned as having a cysteamine product option.