Skin Laboratory Chemical Peels

Chemical peels.

Our HQ+ peel has been specifically designed to provide a deeper peel to remove melasma, and inhibit new pigmentaion.

The lactic peels are also very effective at fading pigmentation,

In treating melasma, stronger peeling agents tend to have a higher effectiveness rate than lighter strength peeling agents. Stronger peeling agents may also carry the risk of side effects such as burning, skin peeling, scarring and even worsening the skin discoloration.

No matter what you choose, sunscreen is a must. No treatment for melasma will be successful without sunscreen. The best sunscreens are those which are mineral based, such as zinc and titanium.

Skin lightening agents. There are many skin lightening agents on the market and the most commonly used is hydroquinone. Numerous other agents sold in herbal and nutrition stores may work as skin lightening agents as well, however each patient has a unique skin type and reactions to skin lightening agents vary.

These treatments do not necessarily cure the cause of melasma and the effectiveness of each will vary from patient to patient. Even after treatment, skin discoloration may not always disappear completely and each patient may have to try various different treatment options to see a satisfactory result. Some treatments may have to be continually performed to sustain results, such as applying a skin lightening agent on a regular basis, combined with effective sunscreen usage and sun exposure avoidance.

To help prevent melasma from worsening, patients may wear sunscreen which contains a mineral based shield from the sun with an SPF at least 20. Protective clothing and wearing a hat may help to prevent melasma from worsening. Protective facial make-up may also be worn to help even skin tone and block out the sun.

Causes of Melasma

The cause of melasma remains unknown but is believed to be due to an increase in the production of cells which release the pigment melanin, which is responsible for the dark color of the skin.

What causes the increased production of melanin is not known but some triggers include:

• Heredity factors and hormone fluctuation/production: the rash is most common in pregnant females
• Prolonged sun exposure
• Use of birth control pills
• Certain medications like tetracycline and anti-malarial drugs (derived from quinine)

Melasma is not related to any medical disorder and by itself is a harmless skin condition despite the cosmetic concern associated with its appearance on facial skin. Diagnosing melasma in pregnant women is relatively simple, yet in men and women who are not pregnant, drug related skin reactions and other medical conditions may have to be ruled out. A skin biopsy may be performed for diagnosis in some cases.

Melasma is usually a transient skin disorder that may resolve itself. This may occur after childbirth in pregnant women. In cases where the melasma occurs in men or non-pregnant women, it may exist for a few months to a few years and then suddenly disappear. Thus treatment is not always warranted and it is difficult to know if and when the rash will remain and in whom it will disappear.

What treatment options are available?

The best treatment for melasma is prevention. The key to preventing melasma is sun avoidance and daily sunscreen use. However, for most of us, it is too late for prevention, and there are a number of treatment options available.

Chemical peels can be applied to remove age spots, melasma, freckles, wrinkles, and fine lines. Chemical peels may smooth and firm the skin and may lighten dark areas gradually. The superficial peels, such as a glycolic acid peel can be done during your lunch hour, and there is no recovery time. Deeper peels are more effective but require longer recovery. See more details under discussion chemical peels.

What are the risks?

Different kinds of peels carry different risks. Superficial peels are usually quite safe. However, you may need a series of superficial peels (done approximately once a month) before you'll notice improvement. Costs can add up if you choose a series of peels. The risks and benefits vary depending on the kind of peel and need to be discussed in detail with your physician.

What are some causes and treatments for melasma?

Melasma is said to be a form of pigmentation on the face usually mistaken for a tan, appearing around the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, nose, chin, and jaw line. It also may appear on the forearms, but this is quite rare. Although it is most common in women of childbearing age, you don’t even have to be women to be afflicted by it. Up to 10% of cases are shown in dark skinned men. Although there is no real cure, there are steps you can take to avoid it, to minimize the visible effects and keep them at a minimum. Successful treatment usually begins with the trio of sunblocks, bleaching creams and time.

Sun exposure is said to be the biggest culprit. In the summer, melasma tends to darken after exposure to the sun, fading in winter when the sun is not as harsh. Melanin absorbs the energy of the sun’s rays in order to protect the skin, tanning occurs as a result, causing dark areas to get even darker.

The melasma pregnancy mask syndrome impacts Latino and Asian women primarily, producing darkened coloring spots on the face. Skin inflammations from allergic reactions, or waxing of facial hair especially above the lip, can also be a trigger, in addition to a predisposition to the affliction. Some medications can also contribute to the cause, such as the antibiotics like tetracycline, and some anti-seizure and anti-malarial drugs.

The good news is that melasma symptoms tend to fade over time, usually a 3 to 4 month period after initial manifestation. Chemical Peels offer a relatively successful and controlled short-term strategy to the facial areas affected by melasma.

It is vital that you avoid the sun contraceptive pills that are prone to this type of reaction. Lifestyle choices have a heavy impact on the rise and spread of melasma. Since genetics and family heredity are key initial factors, but avoidance of these two main elements can really impact the continued affliction.

Complex factors may trigger melasma in women, as well as the 15% of men that are afflicted. Topical creams have been known to have great results, as have skin bleachers, chemical peels and laser skin resurfacing all provide positive results. Left alone, and not intensified by sun exposure, melasma tends to stay around for less than a year. Impacted skin cells with the discoloration are "surface" cells, and melasma becomes "permanent" is if the discolored area splits, allowing these hyper-pigmented cells to go deeper into the skin layers. When the discolored cells with melasma are settled within your deeper dermal tissue levels, they resist conventional treatments.

Be aware of the health of your skin is a major responsibility. Try to avoid drying your skin out, as well as over moisturizing it. It is a good rule of thumb to avoid sun exposure, but to use sunscreen daily with atleast a SPF 30 while taking in the appropriate supplements to counter the sun’s rays, ensuring both your inside health and outside appearance are as well as they can be.