Fast Break: Q&A on Pigmentation and Melasma

We answer some of your most pressing concerns on pigmentation and melasma. Read more!

How do I prevent pigmentation and melasma?

You can prevent pigmentation and melasma by using sunblock and lightening creams. You also need to lessen your exposure to the sunlight, going out only when it’s a bit shady, or using umbrellas and hats. Reality is though, we can get busy that we forget to be careful. What’s more, various internal factors—not just external ones—can cause pigmentation and melasma.

Curing these skin conditions can also take time if you’re not doing it right, or if you’re not going to the right people.

What is the Difference Between Pigmentation and Melasma?

According to Dr. Rizza Mabilin of Belo S. Maison, she says that pigmentation and melasma are related. “Pigmentation refers to the coloring of our skin, hair, and eyes. It is due to the deposition of the pigment melanin produced by melanocytes.” 

Dark spots are due to the overproduction of pigments. External factors can affect our pigmentation, second only to our genetics so every person has a different rate of production of melanin. 

On the other hand, melasma is a form of pigmentation disorder. These are brown to grayish patches on the skin, often found on the cheekbones, nose, forehead, and upper lip. 

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Common Causes of Pigmentation and Melasma

Pigmentations that leave spots on your face are often due to sun damage, inflammation, medicines, darker skin type, and injury.  Darker skin, family history, hormones (such as those from pregnancy, use of OCPs, stress, or hormonal diseases), and sun exposure cause melasma.

On either front, they are both imperfections that a lot of people have. Since their causes are beyond skin deep, they need proper attention to get rid of them permanently. 

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5 Treatments That Get Rid of Pigmentation and Melasma

• Picosure. This treatment uses a picosecond laser that delivers energy directly to the affected area without heat, lessening the risk of skin damage. This laser triggers pressure into the dermis to stimulate collagen and elastin production. This fast remedy takes less than two hours, with one hour allotted for topical anesthesia before the 10 to 15-minute laser session.
• Fraxel. The major target of this treatment is aging/ sun-damaged skin via laser columns that penetrate deep into the skin. This causes collagen production. Fraxel creates microthermal zones by treating fractions of tissue at a time while leaving the surrounding tissue intact.There is minimal downtime and is advisable to do once a month, depending on your pigmentation and melasma. 
• Angel Whitening. This laser that breaks down pigments into smaller particles every session. You won’t need downtime, and the treatment takes only 10 to 15 minutes per session, with an average of six to 10 sessions done once a month.
• Revlite. The laser delivers pulses that safely and effectively blast out pigments. This leaves behind smooth skin which looks new and rejuvenated. Best done in multiple sessions, two weeks apart. 
• Cosmelan Depigmentation Treatment. A two-step treatment that inhibits the production of tyrosinase enzyme to prevent melanin formation and hyperpigmentation. The first step involves a mask that needs to be applied to the affected area from six to 10 hours. The second step is the use of the Cosmelan 2 cream and sublock for three weeks. 

Ready to book your Belo day? We have clinics located around Metro Manila, Pampanga, Cebu and Davao! Give us a call at 8819-BELO (2356) or book your appointment here.  Please note that prices may change without prior notice and the final price will be based on the doctor’s quotation upon consultation.