Melasma

The Melasma, also known as chloasma, is a cosmetic condition caused by excessive production and storage of melanin in the skin. Melanin is produced by melanocytes and then transferred to the keratinocytes, the cells of the epidermis, protecting the core especially from ultraviolet rays.

The Melasma appears as brown spots particularly on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, chin or side of the neck. Typically it occurs in young women between 30 and 40 years.

The colour of the Melasma spots depends on skin type of the subject: in a skin type 3 they are dark and clearly visible, in a skin type 2 they appear lighter and nuanced.
The Melasma continues to change color with the seasons. It is pointed out more after the summer due to the photoactivation. During the winter, the pigment of Melasma, no longer stimulated by light, tends to lighten and Melasma therefore seems to have diminished. In the spring, as early as March or April, the pigment darkens again and the contrast with the skin is again obvious.

Melasma has a genetic predisposition to develop and numerous triggers lead to the clinical manifestation:
• Pregnancy
• Contraceptive pill
• Exposure to the sun
• Phototoxic reaction to perfumes or cosmetics (or photosensitive substances, including hormones)

However, Melasma is also frequently observed in the absence of these causing triggers.

The nervous excitement is due to a state of stress of the subject. In fact it is common to observe the appearance of Melasma after a prolonged period of physical and psychological stress.

For the treatment of Melasma procedures using the micro peeling in a simple or combined scheme are followed. This treatment works by speeding up the cell renewal process and thus accelerating the elimination of the pigment melanin that caused the Melasma. To get an important result, one should identify the stressors whenever possible and eliminate them.
Recent studies on Melasma revealed some brilliant therapeutic solutions to treat the basal mechanism of melasma i.e the inflammation leading to excellent results. 

For further information or appointment, please contact our clinics in Beirut, Lebanon.