Dark spots and uneven skin tone can be a relentless battle, but it seems like celebrities have found their secret weapon in the fight against melasma—a quick, 5-minute laser treatment that’s making waves in the beauty industry.
As someone who has navigated the world of beauty products with limited success in treating melasma, I can relate to the frustration many feel. Up to 50 percent of people in sun-exposed areas grapple with this form of hyperpigmentation, which is notoriously tricky to treat.
Chaneve Jeanniton, MD, a renowned oculofacial plastic surgeon, explains that melasma presents as blotchy, discolored patches on the face, typically on the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip. These patches can be more pronounced depending on one’s skin tone. For those like me with Western European heritage, it means dealing with recurring almond-brown patches that seem to have a schedule of their own.
Besides genetics, hormones and lifestyle factors like UV exposure and stress also play significant roles in triggering melasma. As any modern woman can attest, stress is an inevitable part of life, making the idea of reducing it along with other melasma triggers seem daunting.
Macrene Alexiades, MD, PhD, FAAD, a double-board certified dermatologist, acknowledges the challenges in treating melasma. She points to the depth of pigmentation and hormonal fluctuations as key issues. Despite this, I was determined to find a solution, inspired by the flawless skin of celebrities sans makeup.
The journey to even-toned skin begins with topical products. Mild cases of melasma can see improvement with products containing active ingredients like tretinoin, hydroquinone, and corticosteroids. For those who prefer over-the-counter solutions or have deeper skin tones, products with retinoids, tranexamic acid, niacinamide, and alpha-hydroxy acids are recommended. Starting slow and gradually increasing usage is key to preventing skin irritation.
When melasma digs deeper into the skin, professional treatments like chemical peels become necessary. At-home peels might seem tempting, but they can exacerbate melasma, making professional treatments the safer bet. I’ve had mixed results with peels in the past, so I turned to laser treatments as an alternative.
Laser treatments for melasma require caution, as some can worsen the condition. Dr. Alexiades recommends the Picosecond Nd: YAG laser, which gently breaks up pigment without overheating or killing skin cells. The treatment involves three sessions spaced four weeks apart, starting in October, to avoid sun exposure before and after treatments.
The process itself is quick and mostly pain-free, feeling like a snap of a rubber band against the skin. Post-treatment, my skin was slightly red but quickly returned to normal. Sun protection with a high SPF is crucial afterward.
After three sessions, the results were astonishing. My skin tone evened out significantly, and the stubborn dark spots that once plagued my complexion were nowhere to be seen. However, the fight against melasma is ongoing, requiring a combination of sun protection and maintenance products to keep it at bay.
While professional treatments like Pico lasers can be costly, they offer a worthwhile investment for those struggling with persistent melasma. With the right approach and commitment to maintenance, achieving that celebrity-worthy, even-toned skin is no longer just a dream.
