Melasma Cream to Work: What does it do?
Even though melasma is not harmful, it can affect your self-esteem which explains why you may want to get melasma cream for managing the condition. But even if you’re bothered by the patches, it is always wise to consult a dermatologist first before trying a melasma cream.
It is also best to seek the opinion of a dermatologist before trying melasma cream if the patches change in appearance or if you experience irritation or other symptoms. An experienced dermatologist cannot only diagnose melasma.
They can also recommend treatments tailored to your skin type and the severity of your condition. Treatment may include topical medications, chemical peels, or other procedures to lighten the patches. On this page, we clarify what melasma cream is and what it is used for.
What is Melasma Cream used for?
If you have melasma, chances are it will go away on its own. This is most likely to be the case if your melasma was due to a trigger like a medication, or pregnancy for example.
The idea here is that when you discontinue the specific type of medication triggering your melasma or give birth, melasma can fade. However, if you’re bothered by melasma or it just doesn’t seem to fade, you may be recommended melasma cream to help diminish its appearance.
Melasma creams are specifically formulated for use in treating pigmentation due to melasma. These creams work by blocking pigment formation to reduce melanin production, and promote cell turnover, which helps to lighten the skin and fade dark patches. Melasma creams are most effective for epidermal melasma, which affects the skin’s top layer.
Unlike skin-bleaching creams, melasma creams target the pigment-producing cells in the skin, with the key focus being to reduce skin darkening without bleaching. Most likely, your dermatologist will prescribe a melasma cream that is formulated with hydroquinone.
Depending on your dermatologist’s advice, you may use these creams on your own or in combination with other prescribed medications to effectively manage melasma. Beyond helping with melasma, melasma cream can offer several other benefits. While results may vary, here are five general advantages of using melasma cream;
- Melasma Cream can Help Reduce Freckles:Freckles, which are small, concentrated areas of increased melanin production on the skin can also be a bother for some people. Melasma cream can help reduce their appearance by targeting these areas to gradually lighten freckles and give you a more even skin tone.
- Removing Acne Spots and Blemishes:Melasma cream can be formulated with a wide range of ingredients including hydroquinone, kojic acid, retinoids, etc which can help fade acne spots and blemishes. These ingredients work by inhibiting melanin production and promoting skin cell turnover, to ensure clearer, brighter skin.
- Treating Hyperpigmentation:Hyperpigmentation is a fairly common skin condition. Characterized by dark patches on the skin, it can also be a cause for concern especially if it affects your self-esteem. Melasma cream can help treat hyperpigmentation by lightening these dark patches and restoring a more uniform skin tone.
- Treating Dull and Uneven Skin:Melasma cream can also help improve the overall appearance of the skin by addressing dullness and uneven skin tone. The active ingredients in the cream can exfoliate the skin to remove dead skin cells, and promote cell turnover, to give brighter, more radiant skin.
- Removal of Age and Dark Spots:Another benefit of melasma cream is its ability to fade age spots and dark spots, which are often caused by sun damage or aging. The ingredients in the cream can help lighten these spots, making them less noticeable and giving the skin a more youthful appearance.
How long does it take for Melasma Cream to Work?
When beginning melasma treatment, it is natural to be curious about the kind of results you can expect and how long it will take to see the results. Here’s what you need to know;
The effectiveness of melasma cream depends on your skin type and the chosen ingredients. Generally, within the initial weeks, your skin should start reacting to active components. After any initial redness or irritation subsides, fading should commence within 6-8 weeks.
Although it might take longer to see optimal results, significant improvements are typically visible within 12 weeks. You can still use SPF alongside your treatment during this period, applying a minimum SPF of 30 in the morning after moisturizing. You can continue reapplying it every two hours during prolonged sun exposure or after water contact (like swimming or sweating).
What are the Side Effects of Melasma Cream?
Melasma creams are generally very effective for melasma. But as earlier explained, these creams are formulated with ingredients like hydroquinone which can have varied side effects so you will need to not only use them correctly as directed but also keep an eye out for any adverse reactions.
Also, you will want to follow the directions on the product package or as advised by your dermatologist. Also, just to be sure, conduct a patch test before using the cream on a larger area. The most likely side effects of using melasma cream include;
- Itching
- Redness and
- Puffiness, or
- Blistering
Mild redness is normal and may indicate the treatment is working. Apply the cream to affected areas twice daily and avoid contact with eyes, nose, and mouth.
Incorrect use may lead to unwanted skin lightening. Side effects like mild burning, stinging, redness, and dryness are common but should subside. If they persist or worsen, consult your doctor.
Although serious side effects are rare, stop using the cream if you experience blistering, skin cracking, or blue-black darkening of the skin. These can indicate an adverse reaction.
Seek medical help immediately if you develop symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, such as rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
Your doctor prescribed the cream because they believe the benefits outweigh the risks. However, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects. Also, if you notice any effects not listed, inform your doctor or pharmacist.
Final Thoughts
Melasma cream is used to fade melasma. Provided that you’re a good candidate, it should give appealing results if you use it as directed. But, keep an eye out for side effects.
We provide tailored melasma treatment in Singapore and may prescribe melasma medication if, after our assessments, we feel that it is the right treatment option for you. To learn more about melasma cream in Singapore or schedule an assessment, call or visit us at;
One Face Clinic – Pigmentation | Melasma | Acne Singapore
1 Tras Link,
#02-01 Orchid Hotel Singapore,
Singapore 078867
