Melasma

The exact cause of Melasma is not fully understood, however what we do know is that there are factors that can contribute to its development. Hormones play a key role, as it is more commonly seen in women who are pregnant or taking a birth control. The overproduction of the skin pigment, known as melanin can be triggered by changing level of oestrogen and progesterone. Genetics and ethnicity may also contribute to its development, if there are family member that have it ten you may be more prone to its development. Melasma is more commonly seen in people with darker skin tones, such as Asian, Hispanic, Middle Eastern and African descent, and can affect both male and females. Sun Exposure is a major trigger factor to further exacerbate Melasma if there is an underlying predisposition to its development. It will stimulate the pigment cells resulting a darkening of the current melasma patches.

For some Melasma can be chronic condition that may be persistent and even permanent. While for others it may fade and lighten on its own with or without treatment, particularly if triggered by pregnancy or birth control once this has been discontinued. However it is important to remember that if you have a predisposition to it, then it can reoccur in the future, with sun exposure or hormonal changes and prescribed medications. Maintenance treatments are always recommended to prevent it from recurring following a course of treatment.

Treatment for melasma may include combination therapy of topical prescription skin care alongside in clinic treatments. Correct diagnosis is vital to its treatment as if treated as sun damage with an Intense Pulse Light (IPL) protocol, this can make the condition much worse. Overuse of topical prescriptions can also lead to the formation of rebound pigmentation, it is therefore important to seek professional advice.

1. Obagi Nu Derm will transform your skin from the inside out. It is the world’s leading prescription-strength skincare range, and is only available from a qualified medical practitioner. Obagi Medical® have been specifically formulated to safely transform the skin from and visibly reduce pigmentation concerns such as Melasma resulting in healthier, radiant skin. This protocol will be advised alongside in clinic treatments or optimal results.
2. Hydrafacial – HydraFacial is an effective treatment for reducing superficial pigment. This treatment provides a combination of cleansing, deep exfoliation, extraction, hydration, and antioxidant infusion finished with light therapy to deep clean and rejuvenate and brighten the skin.
3. Chemical Peels – The Blue Peel Radiance and ZO Stimulator peel are effective. This will involve an application of a peel to the ski which will gently exfoliate the upper layer of skin cells. Allowing for more optimal penetration of prescriptive skin care.
4. ResurFace: This is an effective treatment for melasma in combination with prescriptive skin care. The treatment will cause tiny columns of thermal damage, resulting in a break up of pigmentation, a stimulation of collagen and skin cell turnover and deep resurfacing of the skin for a much clearer and brighter complexion. Following your consultation your practitioner will advice the best treatment for optimal results. We will ensure you have a good understanding of how the treatment will benefit your skin, including benefits, any downtime expected, duration and costs.

ZO Principles of Skin Health Restoration specifically focus on restoring skin’s strength and optimising cellular functions to provide the best treatment outcomes and achieve overall skin health restoration. Skin should be fortified to renew, protect and strengthen itself to maintain healthy skin for life. From correcting and management of ageing, sun damage, and skin concerns such as milia, keratosis pilaris, Eczema, dry skin, pigmentation, Melasma, acne, rosacea, and protecting against future damage, ZO has your skin health covered with its clinically proven, medical skin care brand. Only the highest quality active ingredients like retinoids, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Niacinamide, glycolic acid, lactic acid and more. Following a consultation a prescribed regimen that works to improve your skin concern alongside its texture, repairs your skin barrier and restores a healthy, youthful appearance to your skin will be prescribed.

Healthy skin starts on the inside, for optimal results this needs to be fed daily with skin specific nutrients. To help improve the appearance of compromised skin whilst supporting skin elasticity, firmness and collagen production experts recommend supporting the skin with supplements from the Advanced Nutritional Programme (ANP) supplement range alongside a healthy diet. Traditional skincare is turned inside out with the innovative, award-winning range of evidence-based skincare supplements. While topical skincare only treats 50% of the skin on the surface, ANP potent nutritional blends feed your skin from within for a proven, 100% skincare approach, your skin will certainly thank you for it. Following your consultation we can advised a complete nutritional approach to optimise your skin health.