Melasma Removal in Barcelona

Service Description

Melasma is a common skin condition causing dark patches on the face, often triggered by hormones and sun exposure. Effective treatment involves a combination of non-ablative fractional laser therapy and depigmenting products like hydroquinone, but results from single treatments are usually limited. Laser therapy should specifically use non-ablative types, and hydroquinone requires careful, intermittent use to avoid irritation and is contraindicated during pregnancy. Understanding Melasma Appearance: Brown or grayish patches on the cheeks, forehead, nose, and upper lip. Risk Factors: More common in individuals with medium to darker skin tones and often linked to pregnancy, oral contraceptives, and sun exposure. Cause: An overproduction of melanin, the skin's pigmenting cells. Effective Treatment Approach Combination Therapy: The most successful approach combines non-ablative fractional laser therapy (3-4 sessions annually) with topical depigmenting agents like hydroquinone. Why Combine? Using laser or topical products alone yields limited results; a combined strategy is essential for significant lightening. Laser Treatment Specifics Recommended: Non-ablative fractional lasers, particularly Erbium lasers, are suitable for melasma. Avoid: Q-switched Nd:YAG, Alexandrite lasers, or Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) can be ineffective and may worsen the condition. Depigmenting Products Top Choice: Hydroquinone (2-5%) is a powerful skin-lightening agent. Usage: Use it intermittently with breaks to minimize side effects and potential irritation. Important Considerations: Pregnancy: Do not use hydroquinone during pregnancy or if trying to conceive. Irritation: It can cause redness or irritation, which may necessitate stopping the treatment. Prevention Sun Protection: Protect your skin with a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 daily to prevent melasma from worsening. Avoid Tanning: Limit exposure to tanning beds, as the ultraviolet (UV) radiation can trigger melasma.