Melasma is more prevalent in women and often appears during pregnancy or with the use of hormonal contraceptives. Symptoms include brown or gray-brown patches on areas of the face that are often exposed to the sun, like the cheeks, forehead, chin, and above the upper lip.
These patches usually develop slowly and evenly, with a distinct border. To find out if you have melasma, you will want to consult a dermatologist or a board-certified cosmetic doctor. They can diagnose melasma based on a physical examination of the affected skin and may use a Wood’s light to examine the skin more closely.
Depending on your individual case, a skin biopsy may be needed to confirm the diagnosis. This article explains the key areas your dermatologist may consider when choosing a top melasma treatment for you. However, before that;
What is the Gold Standard for Melasma Treatment?
Even though it is one of the most common skin conditions, melasma can be quite stubborn. Many people who visit our clinic for melasma treatment in Singapore frequently ask; what is the gold standard for melasma treatment?
The answer is hydroquinone. Hydroquinone is considered the gold standard for melasma treatment because it is a depigmenting agent that inhibits the cells responsible for melasma. Despite its effectiveness though, hydroquinone does come with potential side effects you should acknowledge before beginning treatment.
It is advised that you only use hydroquinone under prescription as guided by your dermatologist or cosmetic doctors. Potential side effects and limitations of hydroquinone include skin irritation and rebound hyperpigmentation.
Other than hydroquinone, there are also treatments that may be recommended for your melasma including topical corticosteroids, tretinoin, and combination therapies. Procedures like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and laser therapy may also help but should only be done by board-certified cosmetic doctors or dermatologists.
To enhance outcomes, you may need to combine treatments, along with sun protection and skincare. For a personalized treatment plan, please consult with a dermatologist. This is crucial as what works for one person may not work for another. After you’ve begun treatment, please maintain regular follow-ups as advised to monitor progress and to adjust your treatment as needed.
How to Choose a Top Melasma Treatment
Every person is different. And, a treatment that works for your friend may not deliver similar results for you. To ensure the best treatment outcomes and minimize the risks for complications, there are several things that your provider will want to consider to help you choose a top melasma treatment. Key among these considerations include;
â—ŹÂ Â Â Â Â Your Skin Type
Your skin type is one of the first key things that the dermatologist will want to consider to help you choose a top melasma treatment. In considering your skin type, they will want to know whether your skin is oily, dry, or a combination.
If you have oily skin, you may benefit from treatments that control oil production and if you have dry skin, you may require more moisturizing agents. Clarity on the type of skin is key for tailoring the treatment for better effectiveness and compatibility.
â—ŹÂ Â Â Â Â Melasma Severity
The severity of melasma also influences treatment choices. If you’re dealing with a mild case of melasma, your skin may respond well to topical creams or light therapies.
If it is moderate or severe melasma, you may require a combination of treatments like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or laser therapy. Essentially, it is the extent and intensity of the condition that will guide your dermatologist in choosing a top melasma treatment.
â—ŹÂ Â Â Â Â Your Age
Your age also affects how your skin may respond to some treatments. For example, younger patients may have more resilient skin that allows for more aggressive treatments.
On the other hand, older patients may need gentler approaches to avoid skin damage. So, you can expect to be asked about your age to help the dermatologist ensure the chosen treatment is safe and effective for your skin.
â—ŹÂ Â Â Â Â Medical History
Your medical history is also crucial in determining a top melasma treatment for you. That said, you can also expect to be asked about any existing health conditions and medications that you’re using.
This is to ensure that the medications you’re on don’t interact with melasma treatments, to ensure that the chosen treatment is safe and effective. This personalized approach minimizes risks and maximizes the effectiveness of the treatment.
â—ŹÂ Â Â Â Â Pregnancy Status
Pregnancy can impact melasma treatment options, as some treatments are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. This is largely due to potential risks to the fetus or newborn.
If you’re pregnant or nursing, a top dermatologist will prioritize safer alternatives to ensure that the treatment does not pose any harm to you or the baby. Also, be clear about your plans to conceive, if any.
â—ŹÂ Â Â Â Â Skin Sensitivity
Skin sensitivity is also a key consideration, as some treatments may irritate sensitive skin. This may lead to adverse reactions which is not desirable.
To reduce these risks, a good dermatologist will help you choose treatments that are gentle enough for sensitive skin. Alternatively, they may recommend pre-treatment to reduce sensitivity minimize the risk of skin irritation, and ensure a more comfortable treatment experience.
â—ŹÂ Â Â Â Â Time Commitment
Some treatments require more time and effort than others. So, you will also be asked about your lifestyle and schedule when selecting a treatment plan to ensure it is manageable and realistic.
This consideration ensures that you can adhere to the treatment regimen effectively. It is key for optimizing the results and increasing your chances of the best treatment outcomes.
â—ŹÂ Â Â Â Â Expectations
It is also important that you have realistic expectations of treatment outcomes. A good dermatologist will walk you through the expected results to ensure you understand what to expect and are satisfied with the outcome.
Clear communication is key in managing your expectations and ensuring a positive treatment experience. It isn’t just about having realistic expectations. If you have any concerns, share them with your provider to ensure clarity.
â—ŹÂ Â Â Â Â Side Effects
A good provider will also be keen to discuss with you the potential side effects and their tolerability. When choosing a top melasma treatment, a good provider will want to choose treatments with minimal side effects or provide strategies to manage side effects effectively. This is important to minimize the impact of side effects and ensure a more comfortable treatment experience.
Closing Thoughts
There are a lot of considerations that go into choosing a top melasma treatment. So, be keen to choose a good provider if you’re worried about melasma. They should be board-certified and reputed.
We help with melasma treatment in Singapore among other conditions. To learn more about how we can help, we invite you to schedule an appointment with our team for assessment and treatment tailoring. Visit or drop us a line at;
One Face Clinic – Pigmentation | Melasma | Acne Singapore
1 Tras Link,
#02-01 Orchid Hotel Singapore,
Singapore 078867
