top of page
restore skin tone

Melasma

Melasma is also known as Chloasma, or the

pregnancy mask. This form of hyperpigmentation is a tan or dark skin discoloration that looks symmetrical on both sides of the face with an irregular border.

Melasma is thought to be caused by sun exposure, genetic predisposition, hormone changes, and skin irritation. Although it can affect anyone, melasma is particularly common in women, especially pregnant women and those who are taking contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) medications.

The cause of melasma is complex. The pigmentation is due to overproduction of melanin deposited in the dermis. There is a genetic predisposition to melasma, with at least one-third of patients reporting other family members to be affected. In most people, melasma is a chronic disorder.

Characteristics

​

​

Known triggers for melasma include:

Sun exposure and sun damage: this is the most important avoidable risk factor. Visible light and ultraviolet rays contribute to abnormal pigmentation.

Pregnancy: the pigment often fades a few months after delivery.

Hormone treatments: oral contraceptive pills containing oestrogen and progesterone, hormone replacement, and implants are a factor in about a quarter of affected women, scented soaps, cosmetics may cause a phototoxic reaction that triggers melasma due to artificial fragrances and ingredients.

​

Melasma presents as freckles like spots and larger flat brown patches. These are found on both sides of the face and have an irregular border. There are several distinct patterns.

Centro facial pattern: forehead, cheeks, nose and upper lips

Malar pattern: cheeks and nose

Lateral cheek pattern

Mandibular pattern: jawline

Poikiloderma: reddened, photoaging changes are seen on the sides of the neck,

mostly affecting patients older than 50 years.

Brachial type of melasma affecting shoulders and upper arms 

​

​

​

Skin Treatment Options

 

​

​

COSMELAN

Brightens and reduces pigmentation by inhibiting the melanocytes from the over production of melanin minimising the deposit of the pigmented cells in the dermal layer of skin. This treatment is a deep peeling treatment which peels off unwanted damaged and pigmented cells helping reduce the look of uneven patchy hyper-pigmentation and future pigmentation deposits while helping the overall appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for an overall bright fresh and youthful looking complexion

​

We believe in true transparent advice to guide you in choosing the right treatment options for you and to provide you with as much information and answers throughout your journey with us. "

  • WHAT IS MICRODERMABRASION?
    The Microdermabrasion Treatment is a skin resurfacing treatment suitable for all skin types. It combines a deep clean and exfoliation, extractions and antioxidant rejuvenation for instantly brighter, cleaner and clearer skin.
  • HOW DOES THE MICRODERMABRASION WORK?
    Using an abrasive hand-piece with vacuum suction directed onto the skin, it simultaneously exfoliates, clears blocked pores, buffs and polishes the skin for a smooth even complexion. This treatment is completed within half an hour. The Microdermabrasion treatment buffs and polishes the surface of the skin, stimulating the receptors in the epidermis which in turn stimulates the production of new skin cells in the deepest layer of the epidermis. This encourages the production of new epidermal skin cells, while the buffing and polishing action removes dead skin cells from the surface. Together this process creates glowing skin, refreshed with bright new skin cells. As we age the regeneration of skin cells slow down leaving our skin looking dull and lifeless, showing wrinkles, pores and old acne scarring, by stimulating the upper layers of the skin, we will begin the process of regeneration. We recommend combining with Skin Needling treatments to stimulate the second layer of the skin, the dermis. Clinical trials and studies of microdermabrasion show a smoother, more even and healthier looking epidermis. The results of Microdermabrasion are instant with little downtime. Your skin may be pink immediately after treatment, this subsides over the next few hours. For those with a more sensitive skin type it may appear pink to red until the next day.
  • WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS?
    It is normal to experience some redness immediately post treatment, which usually subsides within a few hours. Some people may experiences dryness or peel several days post treatment as the skin cells shed and fresh new skin cells are brought to the surface.
  • HOW MANY SESSIONS DO I NEED?
    You will notice improvements immediately after your first treatment. One treatment will improve the skin, however a series of treatments will give you long-term stimulation of the epidermis, leading to fresher, brighter looking skin. Depending on your age or the nature of why you are having the treatment, your skin therapist will discuss with you how many sessions it will take to get the results you're looking for. We recommend a course of 6 to 12 sessions depending on your skin focus and a maintenance session with every change in season.
  • WHAT HAPPENS DURING MY TREATMENT?
    The Microdermabrasion is performed as a multi-step process. First we will deeply cleanse and exfoliate your skin. Next we will perform the Microdermabrasion on your skin, and then apply a pumpkin enzyme peel to smooth the skin. This is followed by an extraction of blackheads and whiteheads. The final step offers rehydration where hyaluronic, peptides and an infusion of antioxidants and essential nutrients is applied to the skin. The entire treatment takes 30 minutes.
  • WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER MY TREATMENT?
    You may experience slight redness for up to an hour following your treatment, similar to that after a workout. Otherwise you will notice instantly fresher, dewy, clear and glowing skin.
  • WHAT PRECAUTIONS CAN I TAKE PRE AND POST TREATMENT?
    As we have removed layers of dead skin cells, we recommend no scrubs, acids or anything harsh for 24-48 hours post treatment. We also recommend to not use any harsh products on the skin for at least two days before a treatment – specifically no Vitamin A or home masks. We always recommend the daily use of SPF 30 sunscreen to prevent the skin becoming sun damaged. Please apply at least once every two hours when out in the sun.
True Dermal Clinic Beauty Treatments

Fabulous At Every Age

Stay radiant and fabulous at every age.

Transformative anti-ageing, skin vitality, and longevity solutions delivered straight to your inbox.

bottom of page