Melasma is a skin condition which can look like brown or blue/gray patches and can sometimes look like freckles. It’s often called the “mask of pregnancy.” Melasma happens from the overproduction of the melanin cells, which make up the colour of skin. It is common and harmless.
Melasma can be caused by genetic influences, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, pregnancy, hormonal therapies, cosmetics, phototoxic drugs, and antiseizure medications. Genetics can be a major factor in the development of melasma, and it is more common in females than in males.
For some people the food they eat may cause melasma to appear. Eliminate allergenic foods such as eggs, airy products, soy products, wheat gluten , fish and shellfish, peanuts.
For many people, melasma and freckles are hormonal triggers. Many women experience Melasma during pregnancy which is why it is called the ‘pregnancy mask’.
Some research studies suggest that stress can trigger melasma. Stress causes the body to make more of the hormone cortisol. An increase in cortisol may trigger melasma.
A tanning bed or sunlamp tends to produce stronger ultraviolet (UV) rays than sunlight which can cause melasma to appear on the skin.
Studies have found a link between vitamin B12 deficiency and melasma. Iron deficiency and anemia can also lead to melasma. Lack of Vitamin D can also cause melasma. Vitamin D is essential for skin health as it aids in regulating skin cell growth and immune function. Sun exposure is a major vitamin D source, and vitamin D deficiency may affect the skin’s ability to control pigmentation.
Treatments such as creams and lasers can help fade the discolouration, but treatments may not make melasma go away forever. This skin condition can come back. Melasma tends to return when you spend time outdoors without protecting your skin from the sun.
With Cynosure’s innovative laser treatments, you can remove unwanted spots and showcase clear, even skin in no time.
Picosure laser is health Canada proved to treat melasma. Many people need an average of minimum 3 treatments to see melasma fully disappear, however it depends on each individuals reaction to the laser. Some people may need more, some may need less.
- Picosecond Technology: The PicoSure laser delivers ultra-short pulses of energy (picoseconds) to the skin. These pulses are extremely fast, much quicker than traditional lasers, and which typically use nanosecond pulses.
- Targeting Melanin: The laser energy is specifically absorbed by melanin. In areas of hyperpigmentation, such as sun spots, age spots, or melasma patches, there is an excess of melanin. The laser breaks down the melanin particles into smaller fragments. Once fragmented, the body’s immune system and natural processes help to clear away the melanin particles from the treated area. Over time, this results in a lightening or reduction of the pigmented spots.
The PicoSure laser is designed to be precise, targeting only the pigmented areas without causing significant damage to the surrounding skin. This precision helps minimize the risk of side effects like scarring or changes in skin texture. Depending on the severity of the pigmentation and individual response to treatment, multiple sessions may be required to achieve optimal results. Typically, treatments are spaced several weeks apart to allow the skin to heal and the body to remove the fragmented pigment.
Cynosure PicoSure laser is a wonderful choice for treating pigmentation issues because of its effectiveness, minimal downtime, and ability to treat a variety of skin types and conditions.
