Melasma Laser Treatment in Singapore

Melasma is a common skin condition that can instantly dull your complexion. It is more prevalent in women, especially those with darker skin tones. Why do people develop melasma and how can they be treated? Read on to find out more.

What Does Melasma Look Like?

Melasma is seen as dark, irregular patches on the skin. These patches develop into various sizes and often have well-defined borders. The pigmentation is typically brown, greyish, or tan and can look similar to freckles or sunspots but with larger, more distinct areas of discolouration. Melasma patches may merge to form broader regions of pigmentation, especially in areas exposed to sunlight.

The discolouration is usually flat and not raised, making it easy to differentiate from other skin conditions like acne or moles. Melasma often worsens with sun exposure, as ultraviolet light stimulates melanin production—the pigment that causes the dark spots to form. Unlike some other skin conditions, melasma doesn’t cause physical discomfort like itching or burning, but its prominence can affect one’s self-confidence.

In some women, melasma can become more pronounced during pregnancy, so much so that it’s been nicknamed “the mask of pregnancy.” While melasma is not cancerous or life-threatening, many want treatment for aesthetic reasons, as the uneven skin tone can be unsightly.

Where Does Melasma Most Usually Occur?

Melasma most commonly appears on the face, as this area is most frequently exposed to sunlight. The forehead, cheeks, and upper lip are among the most affected areas, often forming a symmetrical pattern on both sides of the face. Sometimes, they also appear on the nose and chin, contributing to the “mask-like” appearance.

Although less common, melasma can also develop on other sun-exposed areas of the body like the forearms, neck, and shoulders. The pigmentation condition is more prevalent in people with darker skin tones, as their skin produces more melanin in response to UV light exposure.

What Causes Melasma?

How Common Is Melasma / Who Is at Risk?

Melasma can affect both men and women, but it is more common in women. The hormonal changes associated with pregnancy, birth control pills, or hormone replacement therapy make women more susceptible to melasma, particularly during their reproductive years.

People with darker skin tones, such as those of Latin, Asian, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and African descent, are also at a higher risk. Their increased melanin production makes them more prone to hyperpigmentation when exposed to sunlight or hormonal changes.

Other risk factors include a family history of melasma and a tendency to tan easily. Due to prolonged sun exposure, those who spend more time outdoors or live in sunny climates are at higher risk. Hormonal fluctuations from medications like contraceptives also elevate the risk.

Types of Melasma

Based on the depth of pigmentation in the skin, melasma can be classified into three types: epidermal, dermal, and mixed.

Epidermal Melasma

This type affects the top layer of the skin (the epidermis) and is characterised by well-defined dark brown patches. This form of melasma often responds well to treatment because the pigmentation is closer to the surface of the skin.

Dermal Melasma

In this form, the pigmentation occurs deeper in the skin (the dermis), resulting in a lighter brown or bluish-grey appearance. Dermal melasma is more challenging to treat, as the pigment is embedded in deeper layers of the skin.

Mixed Melasma

Mixed Melasma is the most common type, with pigmentation occurring in both the epidermal and dermal layers. The discolouration appears as a combination of dark brown and lighter bluish patches. Treatment success varies, depending on the depth of the pigmentation.

Treatment for Melasma

DermAlly offers the following treatment options for melasma.

Yellow Laser

The Yellow Laser is a non-invasive treatment that targets melanin-producing cells without damaging the surrounding tissue. This laser treatment is highly effective for reducing pigmentation and improving skin tone, particularly in cases of epidermal melasma.

The Yellow Laser emits a wavelength of 577 nm to target melanin, breaking it down and allowing the body to clear the pigment gradually. A study found that Yellow Laser effectively reduced the severity of melasma with a low incidence of side effects compared to other lasers such as Pico.

Pico Laser is highly effective for other forms of pigmentation, but it can sometimes worsen melasma, which is more sensitive to inflammation and may respond poorly to aggressive treatments.

Patients often see improvement with Yellow Laser after several sessions.

Sylfirm

Sylfirm is a unique treatment combining microneedling with radiofrequency energy to treat deeper (dermal melasma) melasma. It delivers controlled energy into the skin to reduce pigmentation and stimulate collagen production.

Sylfirm is also effective for mixed melasma, as it addresses both superficial and deeper pigmentation issues. Patients generally experience mild redness after treatment, but recovery is fast, and the results can be long-lasting.

Treatment Success Variability

Success rates of melasma treatment can vary significantly among individuals. This variability is largely influenced by skin type, hormonal changes, sun exposure, and lifestyle habits, all of which can impact melasma’s persistence and response to treatment.

While some individuals experience significant improvement, others may see slower progress or need ongoing maintenance treatments to manage the condition.

Laser Treatment Limitations

While laser treatments, including Yellow Laser, can significantly reduce the appearance of melasma, they may not entirely eliminate the condition. Melasma is a chronic skin disorder that can be complex to treat, and results may vary from person to person.

Furthermore, if incorrect settings or unsuitable laser types are used, there is a risk of worsening pigmentation or causing other skin reactions, including post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Patients are advised to consult a qualified dermatologist to discuss the most appropriate treatment options for their skin type and melasma severity.

Other ways to manage melasma

Tranexamic acid

Oral and topical tranexamic acid can be effective in managing melasma. Tranexamic acid works by reducing the skin’s response to UV rays and oestrogen, two major triggers for melasma.

Topical agents

Retinoids (like Tretinoin)

Retinoids promote cell turnover and can help other topical agents penetrate more effectively, improving melasma gradually.

Azelaic Acid

This mild acid has anti-inflammatory properties and is suitable for reducing melanin production without significant irritation.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

Vitamin C helps inhibit melanin production and can improve skin texture, brightening dark spots over time.

Lifestyle adjustments

Hormone Management

Since hormonal fluctuations can trigger melasma, patients should discuss with their healthcare provider if hormone therapies could help with melasma.

Stress Management

Stress has an effect on hormone levels and, in turn, can influence melasma. Regular exercise, meditation, and adequate sleep can be helpful.

Melasma Prevention Tips

Sun protection

Use sunscreen diligently. Reapply every two hours, especially when outdoors.

Minimise exposure to blue light

Limit screen time to minimise blue light exposure. Pollution protection: Use serums or moisturisers with antioxidants to help neutralise free radicals, reducing oxidative stress.

Avoid hormonal triggers

If you take hormonal medications, consult your doctor for alternative options to help prevent melasma.

Healthy diet and antioxidant intake

A diet rich in antioxidants (like berries, leafy greens, and nuts) helps strengthen your skin against free radical damage.

Melasma Treatment in Singapore

At DermAlly, melasma treatment is customised to meet each patient’s unique needs. Before any treatment plan is developed, DermAlly conducts a thorough skin assessment to evaluate the pigmentation’s type, depth, and extent. A detailed assessment ensures that the most appropriate treatment is selected for each patient, maximising the chances of success.

Book an appointment today.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is melasma different from other pigmentation issues?

Melasma is distinct because it is hormonally influenced and often appears symmetrically on the face. Other pigmentation issues like sunspots or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation may not have the same hormonal triggers or symmetrical patterns.

What are the best treatment options for melasma?

Yellow Laser and Sylfirm are two effective treatments, but topical creams and chemical peels can also help, depending on the type and severity of melasma.

Is Yellow Laser the same as Pico Laser?

Yellow Laser is not the same as Pico Laser. Unlike Pico lasers, which deliver ultra-short bursts of energy across a broad spectrum, Yellow Laser uses a single wavelength that is finely tuned to target the melanin responsible for melasma.

Is melasma treatable or only manageable?

While melasma can be reduced with treatment, it may not be completely cured and can reoccur, especially if the underlying triggers remain.

How long does it take to see improvement with melasma treatment?

Improvement can take several weeks to months, depending on the treatment method and the depth of the pigmentation.

Can melasma return after treatment?

Yes, melasma can return, especially if sun protection and other preventative measures aren’t followed.

Are there any side effects associated with melasma treatments?

Some treatments may cause redness or irritation that eventually subside, but severe side effects are rare.

Is melasma treatment safe for all skin types?

Treatments like Yellow Laser and Sylfirm are generally safe for all skin types, though individual responses may vary.

What precautions should I take to prevent melasma from recurring?

Wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, avoiding excessive sun exposure, and managing hormonal triggers can help prevent recurrence.

How effective are topical creams in treating melasma?

Topical creams can be effective for mild cases, particularly those with epidermal melasma. They often contain ingredients like hydroquinone, retinoids, and vitamin C to lighten pigmentation.

What lifestyle changes can help manage melasma?

Avoiding direct sun exposure, using sunscreen, managing stress, and staying hydrated can help manage melasma.

Is sun exposure a significant factor in melasma development?

Absolutely. Sun exposure is one of the primary triggers for melasma, and consistent sun protection is essential for managing the condition.