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 | 4

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.

Amazing staff, they are all super firendly and helpful

Reviewed on 24 August 2018 by Anonymous

Skin Renewal Constantia | Dermapen Skin Needling

I have been having dermapen and skin peel treatments at Constantia Branch for some time now. My therapist has a magical touch and all my treatments have been extremely relaxing and time well spent. She is professional, knowledgeable and keeps me updated on other skin treatments and products that will compliment my skin type. I highly recommend her and will continue having her as my skin therapist for my pigmentation problems.

Reviewed on 15 August 2018 by Anonymous

Skin Renewal Irene | Anti-Ageing Mesoglow Facial

I love coming to this branch. I always get greeted with the warmest, friendliest greetings from everyone. Ilona is very professional, makes you feel comfortable and relaxed.

Reviewed on 14 August 2018 by Anonymous

Skin Renewal Bedfordview | Laser Genesis™ Rejuvenation

Dr Zander restored my confidence with Skin Renewal. He is passionate about making sure the client achieves the desired results possible.

Reviewed on 13 August 2018 by Sherry James

Skin Renewal Fourways | Anti-Ageing Mesoglow Facial

Prior to my journey with Tammy Taylor Mrs. South Africa, the Renewal Institute was but only a building that I would walk by on the odd occasion. I always thought that it was an ordinary day spa. Having now actually consulted with Dr. Pitsi and having had the signature Mesoglow facial, I am blown away as to how amazing they are. It’s a spa like no other, focusing on long term benefits for your skin. I loved my experience with the Renewal Institute and I look forward to all my upcoming treatments. The therapists and staff are amazing too!

Reviewed on 13 August 2018 by Sharlene Correia

Skin Renewal Morningside Sandton | Anti-Ageing Mesoglow Facial

I met with one of the doctors last week who did a skin analysis and have prescribed four products that I should use on my skin to improve the dryness. I have had to prepare my skin with these products this past week for my next consultation where I will be going in for a light peel. I am quite excited as she said this will bring new cell generation to the surface and help with the pigmentation that I developed when I was pregnant.

Reviewed on 7 August 2018 by Anonymous

It's always a pleasure to come to Irene Skin Renewal. Everyone is extremely helpful and friendly. The best branch by far!

Reviewed on 4 August 2018 by Anonymous

Skin Renewal Umhlanga | Radiance Peel

Skin Renewal Umhlanga not only makes you feel comfortable and welcomed but offers you a wide range of treatments and products. The staff are all highly experienced and equipped to offer the best advice. After only a few sessions of the Radiance peels, I have noticed a change in my skin tone and texture. I have no doubt that by the end of my treatment, I would have achieved exactly what I sought out to.

Reviewed on 21 July 2018 by Amy Wessels

Skin Renewal Constantia | Laser Genesis™ Rejuvenation

My therapist has been my 3rd therapist at the Renewal Institute over the past 1,5 years I've been having treatment. She is by far the best of all characteristics in the heading of this review, of all the treatments I do here. She has also been the most caring about the sustainability of my treatments, by suggesting only the most needed products for my skin. This is the best investment of mine, and my therapist is instrumental in making it so. She is the best.

Reviewed on 7 July 2018 by Lulu Khumalo

Skin Renewal Bedfordview | MesoBrite Lite™

Well it was my first time to come and know more about my pigmentation on my face. I was so scared that maybe they will say there is nothing that they can do because I have been like this for a very long time. But surprisingly the staff was excellent. Starting from the reception to the Dr. Will recommend Bedfrodview to everyone.