Types of Melasma and Effective Treatment Options

Melasma is one of the most common skin concerns, especially among women. While there are many treatment options, it’s essential to understand the types of melasma in order to choose the right approach. In this article, HBIO Clinic will guide you through melasma classification, how to differentiate types of melasma, and the most effective treatment methods.

What is Melasma?

Melasma is a skin condition that often appears in women over 30, particularly during pregnancy and perimenopause. It is caused by excess melanin pigment accumulating under the skin, forming brown or grayish patches.

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Common Types of Melasma and How to Differentiate Them

According to clinical research, melasma is categorized into three main types: epidermal melasma, dermal melasma, and mixed melasma. Below are the features, causes, and images of melasma types that are commonly seen.

Epidermal Melasma

• Identifying Signs: This is the most common type of melasma. It appears as flat brown or gray patches around 2–4 cm, spreading gradually. It affects the upper layers of the skin and is often found on the cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin.

• Causes: Triggers include UV rays, pollution, side effects from birth control pills, or low-quality skincare products. Since it affects only the epidermis, it’s one of the easier types of skin melasma to treat.

Dermal Melasma

• Identifying Signs: Appears as small dark brown, bluish, or gray spots, about the size of a pinhead. These spots lie deeper in the skin layers compared to epidermal melasma. Common on the forehead, cheeks, and chin.

• Causes: Often linked to aging, hormonal imbalances, genetics, stress, and postpartum changes.

Mixed Melasma

• Identifying Signs: A combination of both epidermal and dermal melasma. Skin shows both large light patches and deep-colored spots of various sizes. This is the most difficult melasma type to treat. It typically appears on the nose bridge, cheeks, upper lip, forehead, and under the eyes.

• Causes: A mix of aging, genetics, sun exposure, environmental pollution, and hormonal shifts.

Causes of Different Types of Melasma

Melasma can be caused by internal body factors or external environmental reasons. Specifically:

Due to Hormonal Changes and Aging Process

The natural aging process and hormonal fluctuations weaken our skin and reduce its ability to protect itself against harmful external factors. This makes the skin more vulnerable to pollution and sunlight, stimulating melanin production and leading to melasma.

Due to Unhealthy Diet and Lifestyle

If our diet is unbalanced and we frequently consume fried and oily foods, protein molecules lose elasticity and reduce the skin’s ability to regenerate. Collagen fibers in the skin are severely damaged, making the skin weaker, more susceptible to UV rays, and forming melasma.

Due to UV Exposure

Likewise, when directly exposed to sunlight, melanocyte cells in the skin produce melanin to protect it. Although this mechanism defends the skin against harmful agents, it unintentionally causes melanin buildup, resulting in pigmentation and melasma.

Due to Cosmetic Overuse

In certain whitening and brightening cosmetic products, there are harsh bleaching agents that weaken the skin, making it more sensitive to environmental damage. This leads to irritation, redness, sunburn, and eventually dark patches and melasma after sun exposure.

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How to Prevent and Treat Melasma Effectively

Although melasma is difficult to treat, it can be managed and minimized through several methods:

Use Sun Protection Measures

Sunlight is one of the major factors that cause melasma. Therefore, sun protection is the most important step in preventing melasma. You should apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and a PA+++ rating, 30 minutes before going outdoors, and reapply every 2 hours to maintain effectiveness.

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Instead of eating oily, fried foods, you should consume more fruits, green vegetables, and foods rich in vitamins C, A, and E to help improve pigmentation and reduce dark spots from within. Drink at least 2 liters of water daily and limit spicy, salty foods and carbonated or alcoholic drinks that damage the skin.

Avoid staying up late, as stress and tension can lead to hormonal imbalance. Maintaining a happy and optimistic mindset is also an effective way to reduce the risk of melasma.

Choose Trusted Skincare Products

Avoid unbranded or unverified skincare products, including those with harmful acids or bleaching ingredients. These are among the fastest agents that erode the skin, weaken its barrier, and allow harmful factors to penetrate and form melasma.

Choose Aesthetic Technologies to Treat Melasma

Currently, many modern aesthetic solutions are available and widely chosen by women. At HBIO Clinic, various advanced techniques are being developed and upgraded to effectively treat different types of melasma, including:

• Laser Treatment: Uses light waves at specific wavelengths to penetrate deeply into the epidermis and dermis to fade melasma patches.

• Biological Peeling: A safe method used to remove old skin cells on the surface and gently regenerate the skin.

• Microneedling: Uses ultra-fine needles to create minor skin damage, stimulating the skin’s self-healing mechanism and restoring a youthful appearance.

• Iontophoresis (Electroporation): A technique that uses electric currents to deliver active ingredients like vitamin C and hyaluronic acid deep into the epidermis, hydrating and reducing pigmentation.

Understanding types of melasma, recognizing them early, and selecting the right treatment plan is key not only to successful therapy but also to protecting the skin from harmful factors. With the insights shared by HBIO Clinic, we hope you will choose the most suitable treatment method. And don’t forget to maintain a healthy lifestyle and consistent skincare routine to keep your skin youthful and radiant.

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