Melasma Treatment Specialist in Coquitlam, BC

If you’re struggling with melasma, there are various treatment options available to reduce its appearance. It’s key to remember that melasma is a stubborn condition, which means complete eradication may not always be possible. However, various treatments can effectively fade the dark spots caused by melasma to make them appear less prominently.

The first line of treatment options for melasma include topical creams and ointments that contain ingredients such as hydroquinone, retinoids, or corticosteroids. These ingredients inhibit melanin production and promote skin cell turnover. In addition to topical treatments, interventions such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and laser therapy may be recommended by a skincare specialist. These procedures are specially designed to target the deeper layers of the skin to reduce pigmentation and promote an even skin tone.

It’s essential to consult a skincare specialist who can assess your skin and recommend the best treatment strategy for you. Our experts will take into consideration a variety of factors, such as the severity of your melasma and your skin type.

While melasma is primarily associated with hormonal factors and sun exposure, some studies have explored the link between melasma and vitamin B12 deficiency. These studies suggest that there is a correlation between low levels of vitamin B12 and the development of melasma. Vitamin B12 deficiency is known to have various effects on the body, so it’s likely that in some cases, it can contribute to skin pigmentation changes as seen in melasma.

Hormonal fluctuations, such as those that occur during pregnancy or while taking hormonal supplements, can trigger or worsen melasma. This is why melasma is sometimes referred to as “the mask of pregnancy.” Additionally, exposure to UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds stimulates the production of melanin, which is the pigment responsible for skin color, leading to the presence of dark patches.

Melasma is a common skin condition that’s characterized by the appearance of dark, patchy areas on the face, particularly on the cheeks, forehead, nose, and upper lip. The patches caused by melasma are usually symmetrical, meaning they occur on both sides of the face in a mirrored pattern. The color of the patches ranges from light brown to dark brown or grayish-brown. These patches are typically irregular in shape and have defined borders. The affected areas can cover small or large portions of the face. Additionally, the size of patches is different from person to person.

As melasma is often triggered and worsened by sun exposure, the patches tend to darken during periods of increased exposure and fade or lighten in the absence of UV rays. The condition is more common in people with darker skin tones; however, it can affect people of all skin types.

There are three different types of melasma, categorized based on the depth of pigmentation in the skin. These categories include:
 
• Epidermal melasma – This type of melasma affects the top layer of the skin, which is known as the epidermis. It’s characterized by brown patches that are well-defined and relatively easy to treat, as the pigmentation in epidermal melasma is closer to the surface of the skin.

• Dermal melasma – Dermal melasma affects the dermis, which is a deeper layer of the skin. This type of melasma presents grayish-brown or bluish patches that have less defined borders. As pigmentation in dermal melasma is located deeper within the skin, it is more challenging to treat than epidermal melasma.

• Mixed melasma – This type of melasma includes a combination of both epidermal and dermal variants. It presents with a mix of brown patches with well-defined borders and grayish-brown or bluish patches with less defined borders

The specific type of melasma you have can be accurately determined by one of our experts during an initial consultation. Properly pinpointing the exact type of melasma is important as it will guide the treatment approach. At Ageless 3.0 in Coquitlam, BC, we provide comprehensive melasma treatment. Through our treatments, you can have the assurance of even skin tone. You can get your complexion and skin tone back to normal with the professional help of Dr. David Owers. We are conveniently located at Unit 307, 1192 Lansdowne Drive, Coquitlam, BC V3E 1J7. For more information, please contact us or book an appointment online. We serve patients from Coquitlam BC, Vancouver BC, Anmore BC, Port Moody BC, Surrey BC, New Westminster BC, Meadows, BC Burnaby BC, and Belcarra BC