Pigmentation

Melasma is believed to be related to the overproduction of melanin, the pigment that gives color to your skin. Some factors that can trigger or worsen melasma are:

• Hormonal changes, such as pregnancy and birth control pills
• Sun exposure, which stimulates the production of melanin and can darken the patches
• Skin irritation, such as from cosmetics, skin care products, or treatments that can cause inflammation or allergic reactions
• Genetics, as some people may have a family history or a predisposition to develop melasma
• Race and skin type, as people with darker skin tones are more likely to develop melasma

Bad news: there is no cure for melasma, as it is a chronic skin condition. Good news: there are lots of ways to reduce its appearance and prevent it from getting worse. Dr. Tkatch takes a comprehensive approach to the treatment of melasma, understanding it can be stubborn and require an individualized treatment plan with multiple modalities.

• Sun protection, which is the most important step to prevent and manage melasma. You should wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day, even on rainy West Coast days! During outdoor activities or summer days, move up to SPF 50.  You should also try to avoid direct sun exposure, especially between 10 am and 4 pm, by wearing a hat, sporting sunglasses, and using long-sleeve protective clothing.
• In addition to sun protection, it is important to avoid prolonged exposure to heat sources, like infrared heaters, saunas, and cooking appliances. 
• Topical creams, which can lighten the patches and improve the skin tone. Some of the ingredients that can help are hydroquinone, azelaic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide, tranexamic acid, and Vitamin C. You should consult your skin doctor before using any of these products, as they may have side effects or interactions with other medications.
• Chemical peels, which can remove the top layer of the skin and reveal a more even complexion. Chemical peels can vary in strength and depth and should be performed by a skin care professional. They can cause temporary redness, peeling, and sensitivity, and may not be suitable for all skin types.
• Laser therapy, which can target the pigment cells and reduce the patches. Laser therapy can be more effective and faster than topical creams, but it can also be more expensive and riskier. Laser therapy can cause scarring, hyperpigmentation, or hypopigmentation, and may not work for all skin tones.
• Microneedling, which can stimulate the production of collagen and elastin and improve the skin’s texture and appearance. Microneedling involves creating tiny punctures in the skin with fine needles and applying a serum or cream afterwards, including brightening agents. 
• Prescription products including hydroquinone and tranexamic acid. These prescriptions require close medical supervision and an experienced skin care doctor to prescribe them. Dr. Tkatch has extensive experience treating melasma with prescription-strength medications and a track record of excellent results. 

Melasma is difficult to treat, and successful outcomes require the use of preventative sunscreens, topical creams, facials, lasers, peels, microneedling, and prescription products. It takes a lot of time and effort, yours and ours, to improve melasma. Most people who have tried one or two of these approaches find themselves frustrated with their results. That’s why Dr. Tkatch offers a comprehensive six-month program that is all-inclusive and includes the cost of all of your skin care products and in-clinic treatments, including lasers and your visits with Dr. Tkatch. The only cost not included is the cost of your prescriptions, which you will fill at the pharmacy. The cost of the program is $4,000 and can be paid in installments with our financing partner Affirm. If you are ready to stop hiding behind your melasma and are committed to tackling it seriously, Dr. Tkatch and her team of medical estheticians are ready to help. Call (604) 385-3838 to reach our Surrey office today.