Melasma is a skin disease characterized by brown or blue-gray patches or freckle-like spots on the skin. It’s also referred to as the “pregnancy mask.” Melasma is caused by an overproduction of the cells that give your skin its color. It’s a common disease that’s completely painless, and some treatments might help. After a few months, melasma usually fades.
What exactly is melasma, and how does it look?
Melasma is a skin disease that affects a large number of people. The word loosely translates to “black spot.” Melasma causes light brown, medium brown, and/or blue-grey stains on your skin. Flat patches or freckle-like spots are common. Face, including the cheeks, upper lip, forehead, and forearms, are commonly affected. Melasma is often referred to as the “pregnancy mask” because it often affects pregnant women. Melasma usually darkens and lightens over time, worsening in the summer and better in the winter.
Chloasma is a less common name for melasma. Although this condition is completely harmless, it understandably causes certain people to feel self-conscious.
Getting rid of melasma with laser therapy
Now that you understand what melasma is, let’s look at how to get rid of it. There are some home remedies for melasma, such as:
- Using aloe vera on your face
- Eating glutathione
- Using sunscreen with a high SPF
Many over-the-counter (OTC) skin-lightening creams are available, the majority of which contain hydroquinone, a skin-lightening agent. So, another treatment option is chemical peels.
Even among dermatologists, there is no consensus that laser therapy is a safe choice. If the condition does not respond to topical treatments as the first line of treatment and chemical peels as a second line of treatment, it might be worth considering. Inflammation and hyperpigmentation are very likely to occur. Small sample sizes limit trials involving laser therapies.
The Types of Lasers for Melasma
Melasma removal with laser therapy is a common treatment option. However, it does not address the root causes of melasma. So, it is a tertiary treatment behind more traditional topical therapies (Trivedi). Hydroquinone prevents melasma genesis by inhibiting its constituent cells.
Patients suffering from therapy-resistant melasma receive laser treatment. If this is the case, there are many melasma laser treatments available. IPL, Q-switched lasers, picosecond or pico lasers, and fractionated resurfacing lasers are only a few examples. They are broadly categorized based on the medium of the laser. Aside from these four categories, there are several common proprietary brands, such as Picosure, Spectra, Fraxel, and Clear and Brilliant. There are variations of the four major types of melasma lasers.
1. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Lasers for Melasma will target the melanin in your skin and remove excess pigment. If your melasma is deep in the skin, your dermatologist can recommend IPL over other treatments. But, some people are lucky enough that their melasma is superficial, whereas others must deal with dermal melasma. In these situations, this method of treatment can be used.
Another benefit of this type of therapy is that it is less likely to cause postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, which is a possible side effect of more traditional laser therapy.
2. Q-switched lasers
Q-switched lasers for melasma, such as the Spectra laser, have various dermal uses, such as the removal of birthmarks, tattoos, and other cosmetic issues. When it comes to melasma, they will target the melanin that causes dark patches on the skin.
Other laser treatments may be preferable for the specific treatment of melasma, according to some evidence. Studies have indicated that Q-switched lasers are not suitable because patients with melasma have developed rebound hyperpigmentation following treatment.
3. Picosecond lasers
Laser technology has progressed to where laser pulsation at one pulse every trillionth of a second is now possible.
The picosecond frequency, from which the name comes, is at the forefront of technology of laser technology. These pulsations are so fast that they produce sound rather than heat as a source of energy. So, the lack of heat reduces the risk of thermal damage, which is a common side effect of conventional Q-switched laser treatment. This has consequences for dermatology and the removal of melasma lesions.
Unfortunately, due to the technology’s relative youth, there has been less research to establish its effectiveness on par with standard laser treatment.
Recent research on the effect of picosecond lasers on pig skin tissue has shown an immediate reduction in the appearance of melanin in the epidermis. This is still a promising treatment option. And it is most widely available on the market under the brand name PicoSure.
4. Fractionated lasers
Another treatment option for melasma is fractional laser technology, also known as Fraxel or Clear and Brilliant. The technology aims to expel the cells that cause hyperpigmentation while increasing collagen development, resulting in healthier and younger-looking skin.
When lasers are considered
Where other options, such as lightening creams, have failed to provide long-term and fast results, lasers are generally considered.
According to a 2017 research review, laser therapies may be an effective treatment for melasma. The Q-Switch laser is the most effective, especially for people with darker skin tones.
Another 2017 research review
People who developed melasma during pregnancy and do not plan to become pregnant again are good candidates for laser treatment. So, people with melasma that haven’t responded to other treatments or whose melasma is resistant to other treatments and wants faster results are good candidates for laser treatment.
After the first session, you might see some improvement. But the best results would come from three or four sessions spaced about 30 days apart. In 3 to 6 months, you can see full results. Because melasma sometimes clears up days after laser therapy but returns in about three months, you may need additional treatments.
Side effects
There are possible side effects from laser therapy for melasma, as with many cosmetic procedures. There are some of the negative effects:
- Redness or discoloration
- Burning
- Stinging
- Potential for infection
- Allergies to topical anesthesia
Some lasers, like vascular lasers, do not appear to be effective in treating melasma. Others, especially Black and Brown skin, can cause melasma by causing hyperpigmentation. So consult a professional before determining which laser is right for you.
Recovery
For several days following laser procedures, you can experience the following sensations in the area:
- Itchiness
- Burning
- Stinging
Your skin can also be:
- Red or discolored
- Slightly swollen
- Blistered (in some cases)
During the recovery process, keep your skin protected from the sun. You must stay out of the heat. Any treatment will be unsuccessful if this is not the case.
All aftercare treatments should be checked by a health professional, who may also recommend the best products to use after treatment.
Wear high-SPF sunscreens even on cloudy days to prevent melasma from worsening or returning after treatment. After the laser, your doctor can advise you to continue using a skin-lightening cream.
When to talk with a professional
If melasma persists several months after pregnancy or hormonal changes, or if you feel some pain or itching, consult a medical professional. If your skin does not recover from a laser treatment within a week, consult a doctor. It’s also important to get advice on how long to use skin-lightening agents and how long to stop using them to prevent hyperpigmentation.
The bottom line
Laser therapies can be useful for treating melasma that has been resistant to other treatments, such as skin-lightening agents or chemical peels. Lasers penetrate the skin’s outer layer, resulting in cell renewal and lighter, more even skin.
In certain cases, laser treatments for melasma can worsen the condition by causing hyperpigmentation. So always consult with a dermatologist about what’s best for you.
