Melasma – known for the dark spots that occur mainly on the face – is a common reality for millions of Brazilians. According to the estimates of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD), up to 35% of women in fertile age in Brazil coexist with this chronic condition of skin hyperpigmentation. Although it can influence men, the cases are much more frequent in the female audience, especially in brown skin or in the intermediate tone, typical of the Brazilian population set. It is a benign problem from a medical point of view, that is, it does not bring direct risks to physical health. However, the emotional and aesthetic impact can be significant. “I serve many patients with melasma and I know how much these imperfections can influence self -esteem”, reports Dr. Juliana Toma, a dermatologist specialized by UNIFep and a member of the Brazilian society of dermatology. “Although melasma does not damage physical health, it can shake emotionally, requesting constant attention and care”.
Why does the melasma appear?
THE Melasm It is characterized by brown or gray and irregular spots on the skin, often symmetrical in the cheeks, on the forehead, on the nose and the hands. It can also emerge in other areas exposed to the sun, such as arms and lap. The exact cause of melasma is complex and multifactorial. It is known that there is a genetic predisposition and the influence of hormones, combined with environmental factors. Exposure to the intense sun is indicated as the main trigger: ultraviolet rays stimulate melanocytes – cells that produce melanin – to produce excess pigments in a leather defense reaction. “Melasma occurs when there is an exaggerated stimulus of these cells that produce pigments, which leads to an irregular deposit of melanin on the skin,” explains Dr. Juliana. The heat and visible light are also aggregated the table: the high temperatures spread the blood vessels of the skin and can highlight the stains, while the lighting of lamps and electronic screens emits energy which to a lesser extent also stimulates pigmentation. In addition, hormonal changes play an important role: it is not a coincidence that the condition is common during pregnancy (known as “pregnancy mask”) and in women who use hormonal contraceptives. Estrogen at high levels make melanocytes more active. Stress and factors such as environmental pollution are underlined as aggravating potential, since they increase free radicals and inflammation that can worsen the condition. In temperate countries, where solar radiations are weaker, the melasma is rare, strengthening the fact that the tropics sun is the great bad bad behind this common problem of the skin in Brazil.
Available treatments and new technologies
Although there is no definitive care for melasma, the points tend to resort periodically – there are a series of effective treatments to soften their manifestations. “Today we have several approaches to soften melasma,” says Dr. Juliana Toma. “Whitening creams with substances such as hydrochinone or acids such as kojic, glycolica and transamics are often indicated. Medical procedures, such as chemical peeling and laser, can also help bleach if used correctly.” In general, dermatologists recommend a combination of therapies, chosen based on each case, since melasma is a resistant and variable condition in depth and extension.
In recent years, modern technologies have brought further hope to cases of difficult control. One of the news is the pecoscundos laser, the state -the equipment originally used to remove tattoos and has now gained space in the treatment of skin imperfections. Unlike traditional laser, which emit light impulses on the nanosecond scale (second billiaries) and act mainly for heat, the laser of the pecoseconds shoots ultra -rere -rere (trillion of the second).
This speed allows you to break the stain pigment through a photo -acoustic action – that is, mechanical – rather than burning directly through heat. In practice, melanin is fragmented in much smaller particles, facilitating its elimination by the body with a lower risk of damaging the skin around or causing a rebound effect (worst that obscure after treatment). “Picoscondos Laser is one of the most exciting innovations in the treatment of melasma,” says Dr. Juliana Toma. “By acting more carefully on the pigment, we can see an improvement in many patients, with less possibility of adverse effects.” Usually different sessions are needed to obtain significant bleaching and the procedure must be performed by a dermatologist, since inappropriate parameters can aggravate the stains.
In addition to the picoscundos laser, other technological strategies are added to the Arsenal Anti-Numbers. Microaging techniques – which use skin microperfure to increase the absorption of whitening active ingredients – showed positive results when combined with depigmentation serums applied shortly after (procedure known as the delivery of drugs). New types of “technological” skins have also emerged, so called, combining combinations of acids and exfoliating devices to reach the most controlled specific skin layers. Despite all these innovations, the experts warn: Melasma is still a challenge and tends to return if the cure is abandoned. “Even after lightening the stains with the treatment, they insist on returning to new internal or external stimuli,” says the dermatologist. Therefore, the best result usually derives from a continuous and multifactorial approach, combining dermatological treatments and changes in habit.
Prevention: ally indispensable against melasma
If there is a consensus between doctors, preventing melasma or avoiding worsening, it is as important as the treatment. The main measure of prevention and maintenance of results is a rigorous photoprotection in everyday life. “No treatment makes a miracle if the person does not protect himself from the sun daily”, warns Dr. Juliana. Following a few simple guidelines can make a difference in control of stains:
• Use sun protection every day: The daily application of a broad spectrum sun protection (which protects from UVA and UVB rays) with high FPS (30, 50 or more) is essential, even in the cloudy days or inside the office. Dermatologists preferably recommend protectors with color (pigment) or makeup at the top, since they form an additional barrier against visible light, another factor that can trigger pigmentation.
• Reapply all day: It is not enough to pass the protector only in the morning. If you expose yourself outdoors, reapply every 2 or 3 hours to maintain efficacy. In the workplace or home, a mid -day reapposition also helps to guarantee constant protection.
• Physical barriers: By completing sun protection, we wear large hats, caps, sunglasses and clothes that cover the skin in the activities under the strong sun. Trying to walk in the shade and avoid direct exposure to the tip of radiation (between 10h and 16h) are also prudent measurements.
• Avoid excessive irritation of heat and skin: High temperatures can aggravate melasma, so it is worth minimizing intense heat situations (such as saunas or hot ovens). In the same way, pay attention to aggressive aesthetic procedures or the use of irritating chemicals without medical advice: irritation and inflammation of the skin can act as a “trigger” for new imperfections.
Finally, it is important to emphasize patience and professional monitoring in melasma management. Since it is a chronic and difficult to control condition, many people are frustrating with points. In these times, the support of a trusted dermatologist makes the difference to regulate the treatment and offer support.
“Assistance goes beyond creams and laser; also implies understanding and support to the patient,” says Dr. Juliana. Despite the ups and downs, with discipline in daily treatments and modern treatments available, it is possible to keep it under control and resume trust in the skin itself. Every small improvement in the points represents a victory – and millions of Brazilians follow in search of this daily victory against melasma, with quality information and specialized help to live well on your skin.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
