Melasma is something that is close to my heart, as I have struggled with it personally for many years. For as long as I can remember, I had fairly good skin. Until one day in my early 30s, I began to notice dark patches slowly appearing on my cheeks and forehead. Little did I know, this was the beginning of my journey with Melasma.
What is Melasma?
Melasma is a common skin condition that causes dark patches of pigment to form typically on the forehead, cheeks, nose and upper lip. This condition is triggered by hormonal changes, sun exposure, genetics and stress, and can be very difficult to treat. For me, it seemed to appear out of nowhere. Initially I thought it would go away on its own, but as time passed I noticed the pigment becoming darker and more pronounced.
Before
Before
Before
My attempts to find solutions
Melasma was not something I knew a lot about and I was growing increasingly self conscious about the change in my skin. I quickly discovered that this was a journey of trial and error to find the right solution, as Melasma often does not respond to traditional pigment treatment, with some treatments making it worse.
Learning more about Melasma and understanding what triggers it was key for me. One thing I learnt along the way is that sun protection is crucial in preventing Melasma from getting worse. Seeking advice from medical skin therapists to create a skincare plan specific to my skin needs, and being consistent with using a mild, but active range that does not cause further inflammation was when I began to see real progress.
Actives that helped me: Pigment inhibitors, Niacinamide, Retinol, Vitamin C, SPF
After
After
Treatments that helped me: A course of microneedling and customised peels
One thing I have learnt about my journey with Melasma is the power of consistency, and to trust the process. Melasma does not go away over night, but with patience, self care and consistency I have gained confidence in my skin. Today I feel my skin is healthy and glowy, and while my Melasma is a condition that requires life long management, with the right skincare routine it is something I can manage well. I often get asked what my secret to my skin is and genuinely believe it comes down to being consistent with an active skincare range that is tailored to address my skin needs. If you are struggling with Melasma, know that you are not alone. Focus on your skincare, be diligent with sun protection, and most importantly, be kind to yourself.
Cosmedicine Nurse
If you would like to talk to us about pigmentation or any other skin condition that concerns you, call us to book a Medical Skin Consultation. Ph 0800 267 633
