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Discover the Best Melasma Treatment Options in Singapore

What Is Melasma?

Melasma is a common pigmentary condition where melanin accumulates in the epidermis, dermis or both. Melasma appears as brown, tan or blue gray patches on the face, typically on the forehead, upper cheeks and chin.

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What Causes Melasma?

Though more research is required on its cause, medical studies point to the overactivity of melanocytes (cells which produce melanin pigments). UV radiation activates inflammatory pathways involving histamine, prostaglandins and mast cells to generate melanin. Hypervascularity (excess blood vessels) is a component of melasma and patients with co-existing inflammatory conditions commonly present with worse melasma. Experts hypothesize that various factors can trigger melanocyte overactivity, causing skin discolourations.

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Possible Triggers

Sunlight and heat

melasma develops on frequently exposed skin on the face, neck and arms as blotches or spots.

Pregnancy

higher estrogen and progesterone levels during pregnancy is thought to trigger melasma. Melasma may start to clear on its own after birth.

Medications

birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, anti-seizure medications, some antibiotics, some blood pressure medications. Melasma tends to improve upon discontinuing these medications.

Stress

Cortisol produced during stress may trigger melasma.

Thyroid disease

Dysregulation of hormones by the thyroid gland can increase the risk of developing melasma. In some cases, treatment of the thyroid disorder can clear up melasma.

Genetics

Genetics also plays a significant role in the development of melasma. Darker skin tones contain a higher amount of melanin and are generally more prone to developing pigmented conditions.

Am I At Greater Risk Of Developing Melasma?

You may have a higher risk if you fit into these groups:

Women aged 20s to 40s: Estrogen and progesterone are thought to play a role in melasma

Medium or dark skin tones: Women of Asian, Latin, and African descent have a higher incidence of melasma

Have a blood relative with melasma: Several studies found a strong hereditary association with 48% of melasma patients reported having a blood relative with melasma in one study.

How Do Doctors Diagnose Melasma?

Diagnosis is often based on presentation. To get a close-up look, your doctor may use a specialized device that examines pigments in the layers of your skin for a definitive analysis. At VIDASKIN, we use a clinic-based VISIA skin analysis machine to accurately identify the type of pigment you suffer from, before recommending an appropriate course of treatment.
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Which Treatments Can Resolve My Melasma?

As different patients suffer from different root causes of melasma, there is no one-size-fits-all treatment for melasma. Additionally, since melasma is a long-term condition due to upregulation and sensitization of pigment-producing cells, treatment usually starts with reducing all risk factors for pigment production as much as possible. Sometimes melasma can stay around for years or decades, but many advancements have been made in recent years.

Sun Protection

Sunlight causes melanocytes to produce more pigment, which can darken existing melasma and lead to new patches being formed. Your doctor will advise consistent use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 50 or higher) throughout the day, minimising direct sun exposure and shading with hats or umbrellas. For melasma, it is recommended to have sunscreen containing physical filters ie. zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or iron dioxide. An appropriate amount of sunscreen is necessary for effective coverage.

Topical Medicated Creams

Hydroquinone (HQ) is the mainstay of melasma treatment. It is a prescription-only cream which disrupts melanocytic processes by destroying the membranous organelles of melanocytes. When using hydroquinone, it is essential to ensure good sun protection and avoid sunlight, as this chemical may heighten sensitivity to solar rays.

Tretinoin and hydrocortisone combination creams contain a retinoid to drive turnover and discharge of melanin within the epidermis. Hydrocortisone is an anti-inflammatory which may reduce the irritation caused by tretinoin.

Triple combination (TC) creams contain all three ingredients – hydroquinone, tretinoin and hydrocortisone. Studies show that topical triple combination cream was far more effective than HQ cream alone.

Topical Tranexamic acid inhibits melanin production through interfering with molecular processes within keratinocytes in the skin. Multiple studies in South Korea and China have verified its significant efficacy and good safety profile.

Arbutin, azelaic acid, kojic acid and ascorbic acid are gentler on the skin, but still inhibit the production of melanin.

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In-Clinic Treatments

If topical creams do not significantly improve melasma, clinic treatments may be added to your treatment plan.

Chemical peels using tretinoin (retinoic), trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and amino fruit acid currently show significant results in studies, and outperform older generation chemicals such as glycolic acid (GA).

At VIDASKIN, we also have a specialised Depigmentation Treatment which is a customisable, skin-brightening protocol performed by a medical doctor. This treatment not only lightens existing pigment, but tones down the activity of pigment cells to reduce the risk of recurrence. Based on your skin type and condition, our doctor can determine the concentration of acids required in every session.

Laser treatments can also be used to target different types of melasma. The Laser Medley programme offers great flexibility and customisation when it comes to selecting a laser that is suitable for your skin.

When used correctly, clinic treatments can speed up recovery; and in recalcitrant melasma that responds poorly to topicals, lasers and peels have a strong role to play.

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Oral Medications

Oral Tranexamic acid (TA) gives more significant results compared to topical creams, but rare side effects that may occur include gastrointestinal discomfort and hypomenorrhea (light periods). In one study, recurrence while taking oral TA was low (9.5% of cases). Your doctor may recommend a course of this medication as part of your treatment plan.

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Frequently Asked Questions

There is no single cure known yet since the processes underlying melasma are still poorly understood. With a suitable treatment plan, it usually takes 3 to 12 months to see results.

As melasma is a chronic, long-term condition which can worsen if approached with the wrong course of treatment, it is best to consult a medical professional who can personally analyze your condition to combine modalities for optimal results.

Melasma is a common skin condition characterized by dark, discolored patches on the skin, usually on the face. It is more prevalent in women and individuals with darker skin tones.

The exact cause of melasma is not fully understood, but it is believed to be triggered by a combination of genetic factors, hormonal changes, sun exposure, and skin irritation. Pregnancy, birth control pills, and hormone therapy can also contribute to melasma.

To prevent melasma, it is crucial to use broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, avoid excessive sun exposure, and wear protective clothing. Avoiding harsh skincare products and treatments that irritate the skin can also help.

There are a range of treatments for melasma, including topical medications, oral medications, chemical peels, laser therapy, and microneedling. These treatments target the pigmented cells and help to lighten the dark patches, improving skin tone and texture.

Laser treatments can be effective for melasma, especially when combined with other treatments. They work by targeting and breaking down the pigmented cells. However, melasma can be a recurring condition, so maintenance treatments and proper skincare are essential for long-term results. Laser treatments also require multiple treatment sessions to see a good result.

This depends on the cause or trigger of melasma. For example, melasma may fade over time, especially if it is triggered by pregnancy or hormone therapy that has since ended. However, without treatment, it often persists or recurs.

The time it takes to see results from melasma treatments varies depending on the treatment method and individual skin type. Generally, patients may start to see improvements within a few weeks to months. Consistent treatment and proper skincare are essential for optimal results.

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