Melasma is known for being stubborn skin pigmentation, in which melanin production increases. It can come and go according to the situation the person is in (like the use of medicaments, unprotected sun exposure, and stress).
The treatment can be done with topical and oral medications and chemical peels, along with the use of sunscreen every day but some alternative treatments like laser sessions and light therapy are also indicated.
These treatments are usually prescribed in cases of refractory melasma or when the patient desires an accelerated pace of improvement. They target the removal of pathways for melanin, not in the production itself and are not permanent cures, just remove the already present pigmentation.
The most used techniques nowadays are the following:
- Intense pulsed light
- Low influence Q-switched lasers
- Non-ablative fractionated lasers
- Ablative fractionated lasers
- Picosecond lasers
In general, intense pulsed light presents modest results but with the advantage of penetrating all skin layers with a low risk of thermal-related post-inflammatory pigmentation.
Q-switched lasers need more applications to obtain visible results; non-ablative lasers present a durable response and blend well with the non-pigmented skin. Ablative fractionated lasers have a very high risk of post inflammation and hyperpigmentation, so it should be used with caution. Picosecond lasers are a new class of treatment with great pigment removal without damaging the surrounding skin.
To summarize, the use of light and laser treatments to Melasma conditions are a great alternative, with quick and visible results but should always be done with professionals to avoid damages and the use of sunscreen cannot be skipped, to guarantee the skin lightening effect.
About the Author: MSci Maísa Melo is a Pharmacist and a current PhD student in cosmetic technology, from São Paulo, Brazil. She has earned her master’s degree from the University of São Paulo and has been involved with the development, stability, safety and efficacy of cosmetics since 2013. She has specialized in the clinical efficacy of cosmetics by biophysical and skin imaging techniques as well as the use of alternative models to animal testing. Her research work has been published in several scientific journals and book chapters from the field.
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