Are treatments for Melasma available at all Skin Renewal clinics?

Treatments for Melasma are available in Gauteng at the Morningside, Parkhurst, Rosebank, Bedfordview, Fourways, West Rand, Waterfall, Irene, Lynnwood and Brooklyn clinics, as well as in the Western Cape at Cape Quarter, Claremont, Constantia, Century City, Stellenbosch, Paarl and Willowbridge clinics, and Kwa-Zulu Natal at the Ballito, Durban and Umhlanga clinics.

What does melasma look like?

Melasma typically appears as brown or greyish patches on areas of the face, such as the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, and chin. The pigmentation is usually symmetrical and can vary in size, often triggered by sun exposure or hormonal changes.

What vitamin deficiency causes melasma?

A vitamin deficiency does not directly cause melasma, but low levels of certain nutrients, like Vitamin D and B12, may exacerbate skin conditions. A well-balanced diet rich in antioxidants and essential vitamins can support overall skin health and may reduce the risk of pigmentation issues.

How do you stop melasma from spreading?

To prevent melasma from spreading, it's essential to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50+ every day, avoid prolonged sun exposure, and use products containing ingredients like Vitamin C and tyrosinase inhibitors. Managing stress and maintaining hormonal balance can also help reduce the spread of melasma.

What foods cause melasma?

While there is no direct link between specific foods and melasma, diets high in processed sugars, dairy, and inflammatory foods can contribute to skin inflammation, potentially worsening pigmentation issues. A diet rich in antioxidants, such as fruits, vegetables, and foods high in omega-3, can promote healthy skin.

Does melasma go away?

Melasma can fade over time, especially if triggered by pregnancy or the use of birth control, but it often requires ongoing treatment and maintenance. It can persist or worsen without proper care, especially with continued sun exposure or hormonal imbalances.

What hormones cause melasma?

Hormones like oestrogen and progesterone are strongly linked to melasma. These hormones increase during pregnancy, when using oral contraceptives, or during hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which can trigger or worsen melasma.

Is melasma hard to treat?

Due to its chronic nature and deep pigmentation, melasma can be challenging to treat. To see noticeable improvements and prevent recurrence, a combination of professional treatments, consistent sunscreen use, and long-term skincare management is required.

Hormonal Pigmentation | Melasma | Skin Renewal Clinic | 2

What is Melasma?

Melasma is a form of hyperpigmentation characterised by brown or greyish patches, commonly on the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip. The condition is often associated with hormonal changes, particularly during pregnancy, when using oral contraceptives, or undergoing hormone replacement therapy (HRT). However, other factors such as thyroid dysfunction, certain medications, and excessive sun exposure can also trigger melasma.

Common Skin Pigmentation Disorders

Freckles (Ephelides): Small brown spots appear after repeated sun exposure, especially in people with fair skin. These tend to darken in summer and fade in winter.
Age Spots (Solar Lentigines): Flat, brown or black spots caused by prolonged sun exposure, typically found on the face, hands, and arms.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): Dark spots that form after skin injury or inflammation, such as acne or eczema.
Albinism: A genetic condition causing a complete lack of pigmentation due to the absence of melanin.
Vitiligo: An autoimmune condition that leads to a patchy loss of pigmentation, resulting in irregular white patches on the skin.

Triggers of Pigmentation Disorders

Various factors can trigger pigmentation disorders like melasma. Hormonal changes, such as those experienced during pregnancy, the use of oral contraceptives, or hormone replacement therapy (HRT), are common contributors. Prolonged exposure to sun ultraviolet (UV) light can also worsen pigmentation. Additionally, certain photosensitising medications, including tetracyclines and some anti-psychotic drugs, can increase the likelihood of developing pigmentation issues.

Why Treating Melasma is Challenging

Melasma involves both superficial and deep pigmentation, treating it more challenging than other pigmentation disorders. It is often accompanied by underlying issues such as redness, sensitivity, and inflammation. This means treatment requires a comprehensive, multi-layered approach that addresses these root causes while managing pigmentation.

Skin Renewal's Doctor-Led Approach to Melasma

At Skin Renewal, we believe in a holistic, doctor-led approach to melasma treatment. During your initial consultation, one of our experienced doctors will assess your medical history, lifestyle factors, and skin condition to identify any underlying health issues contributing to your pigmentation. This personalised consultation ensures targeted treatment and addresses the condition's root cause.

Our comprehensive consultation process includes a physical examination and discussion of any external factors, such as hormonal imbalances, medications, or environmental exposures, which could exacerbate your condition. This thorough evaluation enables us to design a tailored treatment plan that offers the best results for your skin type and pigmentation severity.

The Importance of Combination Treatments

Melasma is a complex condition that often requires a combination of treatments for optimal results. At Skin Renewal, we combine various therapies to target different layers of the skin and address both superficial and deep pigmentation. This ensures that all contributing factors—vascular issues, redness, and inflammation—are managed effectively. This multi-pronged approach improves the appearance of pigmentation and promotes overall skin health.

Melasma treatments are customised based on the depth and severity of the pigmentation. Superficial treatments, such as chemical peels, Laser Genesis, PicoToning, and RF skin needling, focus on exfoliating and rejuvenating the skin to reduce pigmentation. For deeper pigmentation, treatments like PicoFractional, MesoBrite™ depigmenting mask, injected mesotherapy with Tranexamic Acid, and Dermapen skin needling with tyrosinase inhibitors are effective in targeting and breaking down pigmentation for long-term results.

Supplementation and Lifestyle Recommendations

For long-term management, we recommend daily use of a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen, topical antioxidants such as Vitamin C and E, and essential supplements like glutathione and MSM to boost skin health and reduce pigmentation.

Skin Renewal Tips for Managing Melasma

Avoid excessive heat exposure, such as hot baths and saunas, which can worsen inflammation and pigmentation.
Use a daily tyrosinase inhibitor to prevent new pigment production.
Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 50+) daily to block harmful UVA rays.
Take oral antioxidant supplements, such as Heliocare 360 Capsules, to increase your skin's resistance to sun damage.

Reviewed on 17 January 2023 by Aiden Bosman

Skin Renewal Century City | Limelight™

They were super accommodating and made me feel very comfortable throughout the day and my procedure. Also very friendly staff that want to help wherever they can.

Reviewed on 12 September 2022 by Nastasha Olding

Skin Renewal Parkhurst | MesoBrite™

I am absolutely blown away by the skin journey I have recently been on. My facial pigmentation has been a real struggle over the years having had much hormonal imbalance and sun damage. I have had an incredible journey at Skin Renewal and visibility has drastically changed! I no longer have the dark spots and blotchy patches. There is a wonderfully even tone that I never thought possible! I cannot recommend Dr Trent Harris highly enough and to top my whole experience off - Sharon (Branch leader) and Beverly (Therapist) have been such great sources of knowledge and comfort throughout. Hoping to see further improvement the way I have thus far. A truly great team and a wonderful experience overall!

I want to thank Parkhurst Skin Renewal, especially Beverley for making me look my best. On my first visit, I was assessed by the doctor and I was given a treatment plan. Have been coming for my sessions with Beverly. The way I look now, I feel so great, I'm no longer hiding under the mask. I have gained confidence as a teacher. Thank you so much

Reviewed on 13 June 2022 by Robyn Capendale

Skin Renewal Cape Quarter | Skin Needling

I have been seeing Dr Ross and Riekardt for 8 months and cannot believe how my skin has been transformed and enhanced. The texture has improved 10-fold and my pigmentation basically a thing of the past. Their professional yet personal approach has made my skin journey all the better and I cannot recommend Skin Renewal, Dr Ross and Riekardt highly enough. They gave me the gift of skin confidence on my wedding day, which is the biggest gift ever - I will never be able to thank them enough.

Reviewed on 15 October 2018 by Anonymous

Skin Renewal Bedfordview | Laser Hair Removal

Service was great, and very friendly staff.

Reviewed on 8 October 2018 by Anonymous

Skin Renewal Irene | Beauty Treatments

I come for regular skin treatments at Skin Renewal. Illona and Deone are excellent at their job and always makes you feel at ease.

Skin Renewal Irene | Laser Hair Removal

I recommend this hair removal laser to anyone and everyone as I've had spectacular results with it, and prefer it over any other lasers I've tried in the past.

Reviewed on 5 October 2018 by Anonymous

Absolutely best service from begging, and excellent communication. Very friendly staff.

Reviewed on 14 September 2018 by Anonymous

Skin Renewal Claremont | About IV Infusion

The staff is very friendly and helpful. I personnaly appreciate the fact that you get assigned to your own therapist from day one of your treatments until the end. My therapist Maries has been doing a brilliant job with my skin as well as checking up on my progress every now and then. My "black skin"is definetly in good hands.

Reviewed on 10 September 2018 by Anonymous

Skin Renewal Claremont | Anti-Ageing Mesoglow Facial

I particularly enjoy my treatments with Maries. She is very gentle, informative and explains everything very clearly. She is very professional throughout and I always feel in in good and safe hands. Thank you.