Are you struggling to find the best melasma treatment in Singapore? If so, don’t worry – you’re not alone!
A lot of people are looking for information on this topic, and it can be tough to determine which treatment is right for you. This is particularly true considering that melasma can be a difficult and complex condition to treat.
The good news is that a good plastic surgeon in Singapore can help you understand the different treatments available and help you choose the one that works best for your individual needs. In this blog post, we will discuss why melasma is so difficult to treat, the ideal first-line treatment for melasma, and whether your melasma can come back after treatment. Keep reading to learn more!
Why is Melasma so Difficult to Treat?
Melasma is a common skin condition that causes brown or gray patches on the face. While it can occur in both men and women, it is most often seen in women, particularly those with dark skin.
While melasma is not harmful, it can be a source of embarrassment and distress for some people. Besides, it is also quite difficult to treat.
Now, the main reason for this is that the cause of melasma is not fully understood. Some experts believe it is caused by hormonal changes, while others believe it is triggered by sun exposure.
There are also a number of other possible factors, including genetic predisposition and certain medications. Because of this, finding an effective treatment can be a challenge. Currently, the most common approach is to reduce the appearance of discoloration.
However, the treatments for fading melasma can as well be expensive and may not always be effective. Additionally, they can have side effects, such as skin irritation. For these reasons, melasma can be a difficult condition to treat and, it is strongly recommended that you do not just try any treatment without consulting a plastic surgeon first.
What is First Line Treatment for Melasma?
When you check in with an experienced plastic surgeon for melasma treatment, one of the very first things you can expect from them is a close examination of your skin. One of the most important things a plastic surgeon will examine before recommending treatment for melasma is your skin type.
Melasma is more likely to occur in people with darker skin tones, so it’s essential to ensure that any laser or light-based treatments are safe for use on darker skin tones. Another factor that needs to be considered when treating melasma is the patient’s sun exposure history.
Excessive sun exposure can worsen melasma, so a plastic surgeon will want to avoid treatments that could increase the patient’s risk of sunburn. So, what’s the first-line treatment for melasma, then?
In most cases, a plastic surgeon would recommend topical treatments such as creams or gels containing ingredients like hydroquinone or retinoids. These topical treatments can help reduce melasma’s appearance, although they may not always be effective.
Hydroquinone works by blocking the production of melanin, while retinoids can help to reduce pigmentation. It is important to note that topical treatments may not always be effective, and some patients may need additional treatment.
Will Melasma come back after Treatment?
While treatments like creams can help to lessen the discoloration, melasma will not go away entirely. Chances are your melasma will still come back after the treatment though this is only quite common among patients who do not take good care of their skin post-melasma treatment.
To reduce the risks of your melasma coming back, here are five things your plastic surgeon will want you to observe after completing your melasma treatment:
- Protecting your Skin from the Sun
There are a few ways to protect your skin from the sun and help prevent melasma from returning. Some key methods are to use sunscreen regularly, wear sunglasses and a hat when outdoors, and avoid excessive sun exposure.
Sunscreen is essential for protecting your skin from the harmful UV rays that can cause skin cancer as well as aggravate pre-existing melasma. It’s important to choose a sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection, with an SPF of 30 or higher.
Make sure to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, especially if you’re going to be in the water or sweating heavily. Sunglasses and hats help protect your eyes and face from the sun’s damaging UV rays. Wearing these can help reduce skin cancer risk and lower your chances of melasma returning.
- Avoiding Irritants
It is also important to avoid products or activities that may irritate the skin and cause melasma. This includes harsh cleansers, fragranced skincare products, certain types of makeup, and hair removal treatments such as waxing.
- Eating Right
A healthy diet can help reduce the risk of skin problems such as melasma. Eating food rich in antioxidants can help protect your skin from the sun’s damaging UV rays. Additionally, avoiding processed and sugary foods can help prevent breakouts and other skin conditions.
- Managing Stress Levels
Stress is another factor that can worsen existing melasma or cause new outbreaks of the condition. So, it’s important to manage your stress levels and find ways to relax. This can be done through exercise, yoga, meditation, or simply taking time for yourself each day.
- Seeing a Dermatologist
If you’re still struggling with melasma after treatment, it may be a good idea to see a dermatologist for further advice. They can help to identify any underlying causes of your condition and recommend other treatments such as chemical peels or laser therapy.
In Closing
Overall, it’s important to remember that melasma is not always curable, but there are many treatments available to help lessen its appearance. Following the advice of your plastic surgeon and taking good care of your skin can help to reduce the chances of melasma returning.
If you’re looking for a reliable plastic surgeon in Singapore to help treat your melasma, contact us today. Our experienced professionals are dedicated to providing excellent care and delivering outstanding results. We look forward to helping you achieve clear, healthy skin. Call: +65 6222 2262 or Visit us at: 1 Tras Link, #02-01 Orchid Hotel, Singapore 078867
One Face Skin & Aesthetics Clinic
1 Tras Link, #02-01 Orchid Hotel, Singapore 078867
+65 6222 2262