Skin care to prevent and prevent the worsening of melasma

What is melasma?

Melasma is a type of blemish.

While common age spots are mainly caused by the effects of ultraviolet rays, melasma is said to be caused by an imbalance in female hormone levels .

A light brown spot with an unclear border appears on the high part of the cheek. In most cases, it appears equally on both sides. It is characterized by appearing as a cluster of small spots.

Melasma most often affects women, but it can also affect men. It can affect large areas of the face, and some research suggests it can lead to a lack of confidence in one's appearance.

If you think you may have melasma, first learn about the symptoms and what you should be careful of. Then, start with what you can do to prevent it.

How to prevent melasma

Melasma is not uncommon in women, especially as hormonal changes caused by pregnancy and birth control pills can cause the skin to become over-pigmented, which can lead to melasma.

Currently, genetics, skin color, hormone balance, and exposure to UV rays have been linked to the development of melasma, but unfortunately there is no known way to completely prevent it.

However, the effects of ultraviolet rays are still a major factor. Avoiding UV rays during the day and using sunscreen are preventative measures that can be taken on a daily basis.

What sunscreen should I use?

If you have melasma, choosing the right sunscreen is very important.

It is effective to use sunscreen that blocks not only UVA and UVB rays but also sunlight that is visible to the human eye (visible light), because research has shown that blocking visible light can reduce pigment production in the skin.

For example, iron oxide , a coloring agent used in foundations, is said to block visible light. The coloring provides a blocking effect against visible light.

Therefore, it is recommended to choose a sunscreen that is colored with iron oxide. Foundations, BB creams, and makeup bases with an SPF of 30 or higher that contain iron oxide are also good choices.
Please note that non-tinted sunscreens do not block visible light.

By choosing a product that matches your skin tone, you may be able to naturally camouflage melasma while also preventing damage caused by UV rays.

When should you apply sunscreen?

Visible light passes through windows and glass. Therefore, even if you are not outdoors, you are constantly exposed to visible light, even when you are driving or standing next to a window. If you have melasma, it is a good idea to apply a sunscreen containing iron oxide every day, even on days when you are not going outside.

Can melasma be cured?

At present, there is no established treatment for melasma.

In Japan, dermatologists often prescribe oral medications containing tranexamic acid and vitamin C , as well as whitening creams. In the United States, in addition to tranexamic acid, hydroquinone, azelaic acid, kojic acid, and niacinamide are also prescribed.

In Japan, skin care products containing hydroquinone are available on the market without prescription, so you can purchase them without a doctor's prescription.
However, hydroquinone has been noted to have risks such as skin discoloration and inflammation, so it is best to get a doctor to prescribe topical medications to treat melasma.

About hydroquinone: Is it okay to continue using the skin whitening ingredient hydroquinone?

Melasma may disappear naturally. If it appears during pregnancy or due to medication, it may fade after giving birth or when you stop taking the medication. However, it may persist for years or even forever.

4 skin care tips recommended for melasma skin

As mentioned above, there is no established treatment for melasma. In other words, unfortunately, there is no surefire way to cure it. However, here are four methods recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology to prevent the symptoms from worsening as much as possible.

1. Daily protection from UV rays and sunlight

Sunlight can cause melasma, so protect your skin from UV rays and sunlight regardless of the season or weather, whether it's a cloudy or rainy day, or autumn or winter.

Wear protective clothing, including a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection, and don't forget to apply sunscreen to areas that are difficult to cover with clothing.

2. Use tinted sunscreen

As mentioned above, sunscreens tinted with iron oxides block all visible light except UV rays. Choose a tinted sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher that contains iron oxides. Alternatively, you can apply a plain sunscreen and then a foundation or primer that contains iron oxides.

3. Use fragrance-free, gentle skin care products

If you experience a stinging or stinging sensation when using cosmetics, stop using them. Fragrances and essential oils contained in cosmetics can be very irritating to the skin. If you experience even the slightest irritation, it is best to switch to fragrance-free products.

Also, skin care products that cause friction on the skin are not recommended. Skin irritation and friction can cause melasma to darken or spread. For this reason, it is best to avoid the following skin care products.

• scrub
• Excessive washing of the face
• Face Roller
• Cosmetics that irritate the skin

4. Skin care focuses on firmness and radiance rather than whitening

Treatment for melasma takes time to show results. If your skin is smooth and firm, your makeup will go on better. Even if you have melasma, your appearance will improve if your skin foundation is in good condition. For skin care, incorporate the right moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid . If you use moisturized skin and makeup to naturally cover your melasma, you will surely feel more confident about your appearance.