Your Oral Medication for Melasma

Do you suffer from patchy pigmentation on your cheeks or forehead? Have you tried many whitening products, lasers and even chemical peels without significant improvement? If you do, you may benefit from a skin pigmentation treatment in Singapore which has been shown to help with your pigmentation problem.

What is Melasma?

Melasma is a type of skin pigmentation affecting mostly ladies in their 30s and 40s. It is also prevalent among pregnant women. Melasma appears as patchy brown pigmentation on the cheeks, forehead and nose bridge. These patches of brown pigmentation add a “dirty” look to an otherwise well-kept complexion and can affect the self-esteem of its sufferers.

Common Causes and Triggers of Melasma

The development of melasma is linked to a combination of factors. The most common triggers include:

• Hormonal changes: Pregnancy hormones, oral contraceptives, and hormone replacement therapy can increase the likelihood of melasma.
• Sun exposure: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a major trigger, as it stimulates melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) to produce more pigment.
• Genetics: A family medical history of melasma increases the risk of developing the condition.
• Skincare products: Certain products that irritate the skin may trigger or worsen melasma.
• Stress: Emotional stress and thyroid disorders are also potential triggers.

How Melasma Manifests: Symptoms and Affected Areas

Melasma usually presents as symmetrical, brownish patches on sun-exposed areas of the skin. The most affected regions include the:

• Cheeks
• Forehead
• Nose bridge
• Upper lip

In some cases, melasma can also affect the neck and forearms. The skin pigmentation is not raised or inflamed but can vary in intensity and may darken over time without proper treatment or protection from sun exposure.

Oral Medication Used for Melasma

Over-the-counter whitening products used to lighten pigmentation show limited results on Melasma, and topical medications and medical laser treatments on their own can sometimes produce marginal improvements. Melasma is also challenging to treat as it tends to recur with time and sun exposure.

Fortunately, researchers at Singapore’s National Skin Centre found that the oral medical Tranexamic Acid, used in treating heavy menstrual periods, showed significant lightening of Melasma in over 90 per cent of patients it studied.

How Oral Medications Work to Treat Melasma

Oral tranexamic acid is proposed to reduce pigmentation by inhibiting UV-induced melanocyte (cells that produce melanin) activation. Oral tranexamic acid can also stabilise the blood vessels and reduce skin inflammation, a contributing factor in melasma.

Side effects are minimal with the medication, it is generally suitable for those in good health. Contraindications include those with a personal/family history of blood disorders, pregnant women, and ladies on oral contraceptive pills.

Comparing Oral Treatments to Topical Solutions

When deciding between tranexamic acid oral medication and topical treatments for pigmentation, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of each.

• Topical treatments such as hydroquinone, tretinoin, and corticosteroids act directly on the skin to inhibit melanin production and promote exfoliation. These solutions are usually applied daily and can take several weeks or months to show results. They are ideal for mild to moderate cases of melasma but may be less effective for deep pigmentation or resistant cases.
• Oral medication targets pigmentation from within. It offers an alternative for those who have not seen improvement with topical solutions or who suffer from more severe melasma. Oral medication is convenient and can offer faster, more noticeable results, though it requires medical supervision.

What are Other Treatments for Melasma?

Besides oral and topical medications, several other treatments can be effective in managing melasma, including:

• Chemical peels: Exfoliating the skin to remove pigmented cells.
• Laser treatment: Targeting pigment with light energy to break it down.
• Radiofrequency Microneedling: Repair of the dermal-epidermal junction and reducing inflammation that triggers hyperpigmentation. Stimulating collagen production to improve skin texture and tone.
• Sun protection: The most essential step in preventing melasma is diligent sun protection with broad-spectrum sunscreens.

Do you suffer from patchy pigmentation and want to know if you’ll benefit from this treatment? Speak to any of our doctors at SL Aesthetic Clinic and we’ll be happy to advise on the pigmentation removal treatments most suited for you.