Melasma in Singapore: Facts, Causes, and Treatment Options

3 Key Takeaways

1. Melasma is chronic and recurring. This skin condition causes brownish or grayish patches and is common in women, especially during pregnancy or with high sun exposure.
2. Sun protection is crucial. Daily broad-spectrum SPF, tinted sunscreen with iron oxide, gentle skincare, and avoiding heat triggers protect the skin and help prevent melasma worsening.
3. Professional treatment delivers visible results. Prescription creams, chemical peels, laser therapies, and oral medications can effectively manage stubborn pigmentation when guided by a doctor.

Do you have brownish or grayish patches on the face that are stubborn to fade or get rid of? If yes, you probably have melasma, a type of hyperpigmentation and a common skin condition that causes patches of darker skin to form, usually on the face or areas commonly exposed to the sun. 

While melasma does not pose any major health concerns, studies suggest that it can cause emotional distress and negatively affect a person’s quality of life. Its appearance, location on the face, resistance to conventional treatments, and recurrence after successful lightening are said to be the challenges related to melasma management in Singapore.

If you or a loved one is dealing with melasma, arming yourself with the right information is beneficial for effectively managing this skin condition. Continue reading as our aesthetic clinic in Singapore explores the facts, causes, and treatment options for melasma. 

What is melasma?

Also known as chloasma, melasma is a common type of hyperpigmentation and a chronic, recurring skin disorder characterized by brownish or grayish patches on the face. It is also referred to as “the mask of pregnancy”, as it is common among pregnant women, usually developing around the 3rd trimester and often fading after childbirth.  

Where does melasma usually appear?

Melasma often occurs on the face, particularly the forehead, cheeks, bridge of the nose, chin, and above the upper lip. It can also show up in other areas usually exposed to the sun, like the neck and forearms. It can extend into deeper skin layers, making melasma treatment in Singapore challenging. 

Melasma patches commonly affect women with darker skin, as they have more active melanocytes (melanin-producing skin cells). They are also prevalent in areas with intense sun exposure, like the tropical and subtropical regions, including Singapore, where high prevalence is noted.

What causes melasma? 

While the exact cause of melasma is unclear, there are factors known to trigger this skin condition. These include:

• Hormonal changes – These are common during pregnancy and perimenopause, or if you start or stop taking birth control pills or hormone replacement medication.
• Sun exposure – UV rays activate the melanocytes, which then prompts them to release melanin or pigments to protect the skin against the effects of UV radiation. Melasma, furthermore, is worse in summer due to heightened heat and sun intensity. 
• Genetics – There is some genetic link to melasma, where it can run in families and is more common among those with a family history of said condition. 
• Certain medications – Some medications may trigger the formation of these grayish-brownish patches. These include birth control pills, anti-seizure medications, and those that make the skin more sensitive to the sun (retinoids, certain antibiotics, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
• Skin irritation – skin trauma/injury, harsh skincare, and chronic skin irritation can cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which triggers or exacerbates melasma. 

Why is melasma common during pregnancy?

An increase in hormones such as estrogen and progesterone levels, which is common during pregnancy, can overstimulate melanin production in the skin cells. This can result in hyperpigmentation and make your skin and existing spots appear darker than usual. These hormonal fluctuations also trigger the melanocytes to form blotchy patches.  

If pregnancy is the cause of your melasma, the dark patches may go away on their own. They can fade within 3 to 12 months after delivery or once you finish breastfeeding and hormone levels go back to normal. 

There are, however, cases where it can persist and take months or years to fade. This requires more active melasma management or professional melasma treatment in Singapore. Make sure to consult a healthcare provider before starting any treatment, as some of them are not safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Can you prevent melasma?

Currently, not entirely. Some are more susceptible to developing melasma due to factors such as skin color/type, genetics, hormones, and level of sun exposure. Seeking professional melasma treatment and following other protection measures can help manage the condition and keep it from getting worse. 

• Prioritize sun protection – Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day. Tinted sunscreens (especially those with iron oxide) are said to reduce pigment production in those with melasma due to their ability to block visible light. Also, make sure to limit exposure during peak hours (10 am to 4 pm) and wear a brimmed hat, protective clothing, and UV sunglasses when you’re out in the sun.
• Use gentle skincare – Irritating products or those that cause burning or stinging lead to redness and irritation that may worsen melasma. Use mild or gentle formulas or ask your doctor for product recommendations. 
• Consider preventative skincare ingredients – These include azelaic acid, tranexamic acid, kojic acid, and arbutin acid. These ingredients help prevent the activation of tyrosinase, which is the enzyme responsible for melanin production. 
• Use antioxidants – Vitamin C, E, and ferulic acid help neutralize free radicals caused by sun exposure and pollution. They can help prevent the oxidative stress that triggers melanin production.  
• Don’t wax areas affected by melasma – As waxing can hurt the skin and cause inflammation, it can cause scarring and PIH, as well as make your melasma worse. You can consider hair removal methods like laser hair reduction and IPL hair reduction. 
• Avoid triggers – Limit exposure to heat, including sunlight, saunas, steam rooms, and hot tubs, which can trigger inflammation. It is also important to note that extensive use of electronic devices can also contribute to the formation and worsening of melasma due to high-energy visible (HEV) light or blue light.

Does melasma go away on its own?

Yes, melasma can fade on its own when its main triggers are hormones due to pregnancy or birth control pills. As previously mentioned, it may go away after delivery or stopping the pills, but do take note that this is not the case for everyone. 

For many, melasma is a chronic condition that can persist for years or even permanently. A consultation with a professional is essential for accurate diagnosis and tailored melasma treatment. This can also prevent you from misusing products or using aggressive at-home remedies that can irritate the skin and worsen the condition.

For further reading: Brown and Gray Skin Patches: Does Melasma Resolve on Its Own?

How can I treat melasma?

If these dark patches are making you self-conscious, melasma treatments in Singapore are available. And while you may be able to manage melasma at home with gentle products and sun protection, it is not advisable to treat it on your own, especially with DIY remedies and aggressive topical treatments. Consult a doctor first to ensure that the treatment is appropriate. 

• Hydroquinone – is a skin lightening agent that comes in creams, gels, or lotions. It works by inhibiting melanin production, targeting hyperpigmentation at the deeper layers, which in turn lightens the skin. In Singapore, it is only available via prescription and should only be used under a doctor’s supervision. 
• Tretinoin and mild corticosteroids – contains a retinoid and an anti-inflammatory, which help with skin lightening. Some medications may also contain tretinoin and corticosteroid, along with hydroquinone, to reduce inflammation and even out skin tone. Do take note that tretinoin and mild corticosteroids are also prescription-only medicines. 
• Chemical peel – like VI Peel is designed to treat age spots, pigmentation, fine lines, acne scars, and uneven skin texture. At Cutis, we have the VI Peel Precision Plus, which is the chemical peel for stubborn pigmentation, melasma, sun damage, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. 
• Skin resurfacing/microdermabrasion – removes a portion of the skin surface to accelerate cell turnover and gradually fade hyperpigmentation. These can stimulate cell renewal and improve skin tone and texture.
• Laser and light treatments – are used when topical treatments don’t work. These involve the use of a device that delivers light to break down pigment and target pigmentation. Pico Laser, for instance, uses ultra-short pulses to shatter pigment into smaller particles, so the body can remove them easily.
• Oral medications/supplements – can include treatments like tranexamic acid and antioxidants that help regulate pigment and reduce oxidative stress. These are often used alongside topical treatments and sun protection. These, of course, should be prescribed by doctors and taken under medical supervision. 

Schedule a consultation today

Bothered by melasma or stubborn pigmentation? Contact Cutis Medical Laser Clinics today and schedule a consultation with one of our aesthetic doctors in Singapore for proper diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan.