Suffering from Melasma Or Hyperpigmentation

Get beautiful, even toned-skin

What is Melasma?

Melasma is a skin discoloration marked by dark pigmentation on the skin. It is a type of hyperpigmentation that may be caused by hormonal changes, medications, pregnancy, and exposure to the sun. Melasma can be worsened with exposure to direct sun and UV rays, which is common in Southern California's sunny weather.

Spark Health's melasma and hyperpigmentation treatments are convenient and non-invasive with little to no downtime. Say NO to harsh peels and chemicals. Do you have skin discoloration? Are you suffering from dark pigmentation on your skin? It's time to give your skin a new look.

At Spark Health, we use Natural treatments to reduce skin discoloration and hyperpigmentation. Our treatments will not only reduce melasma but will also restore youthful skin.

Melasma Causes

The condition happens when melanocytes or cells in the skin produce too much pigment. Melasma appears as dark brown or grey discolored areas or dark spots, referred to as hyperpigmentation.

People with darker skin tones are more prone to melasma, and women are more likely to exhibit melasma. The most common locations are the forehead, above the upper lip, cheeks, and the bridge area of the nose. Even the neck and upper arms can show patches of dark color.

melasma-causes

Diagnosis of Melasma

A simple visual examination is enough for a doctor to detect melasma. However, since melasma has the propensity to look like other skin conditions, at times, a dermatologist may recommend a small biopsy for confirmation. Additionally, an ultraviolet device called Wood's light can be used to detect the severity of melasma. For instance, dermal melasma is darker than epidermal melasma when checked through this device.
melasma-diagnosis

Spark Health treatment procedures

There are different ways to treat Melasma.

melasma-treatment-procedure

Microneedling with Platelets

Known as collagen induction therapy, microneedling with platelets increases collagen production, by moving tiny needles over the skin. The plasma contains a higher concentration of platelets, proteins, cytokines, and growth factors to reduce melasma. At Spark Health, a device called SkinPen, which contains 14 microneedles, is used to create controlled micro-injuries to stimulate new healthy collagen production. Microneedling with platelets is safe and effective for all skin types when treating melasma. It is one of the best, most effective natural treatments for treating melasma on the forehead, around the eyes, above the lips, and on the cheeks.

Prescription Skincare

Your Naturopathic Doctor may prescribe skin care products in the form of topical applications like hydroquinone and tretinoin, or a combination of them with other support agents. The doctors at Spark Health often use compounding pharmacies to help customize a topical skincare formula that is right for you.

Choose Naturopathic Treatments from Spark Health

Spark Health is a trusted name in skincare and is known for proven results. The classic microneedling treatment at Spark Health not only takes care of melasma but also improves skin texture and tone, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Spark Health uses a naturopathic approach to skincare, which means minimal side effects or chemical interactions. Since your blood is used for microneedling with platelets, it is one of the most natural options to combat melasma with little to no side effects.

The treatment approach is holistic and well-balanced. Your doctor will work on what is going on internally to balance hormones as well as externally to improve the appearance of melasma. Every patient will have a personalized treatment plan based on their health goals and challenges. The emphasis is on making the skin heal in a natural manner by replenishing it with natural ingredients and growth factors. It is important to note that melasma is never cured and takes maintenance once you reach your skincare goals.

Our Skincare Specialists

Christina Bradshaw
Victoria Stegeman1

Frequently Asked Questions

It is difficult for melasma to resolve on its own, and may need a combination of topical skincare products and microneedling treatments, depending on severity and location. The appearance of melasma can be drastically reduced with classic microneedling and topical skincare treatments. It will require maintenance to keep hyperpigmentation from returning, and this can be included in your daily skincare routine.

Direct sun exposure, tanning beds, hormone imbalances, pregnancy, and certain medications can all affect melasma.

Melasma is most effectively treated with a combination of classic microneedling and topical skin care products. Your doctor can recommend specialty and compounded products to help make microneedling treatments more effective and reduce the chance of future hyperpigmentation. Classic microneedling is the best treatment for melasma on the face.

The microneedling facial is a collagen induction therapy that uses tiny needles to create hundreds of invisible punctures, called microchannels, in the top layer of the skin. This process improves your skin's overall appearance by stimulating collagen production, which reduces fine lines and wrinkles, fills in acne scars, decreases the appearance of pores, and evens out discoloration and melasma.

Downtime is very minimal. You can expect to be red with some sensitivity on the day of your appointment. Most people will choose to avoid any social events or activities after treatment. You will appear lightly sunburned for 2-5 days. You may also experience dry or flaky skin for up to a week. The treatment is much less invasive and has less downtime than IPL for melasma.

Most patients see skin changes starting 3-4 weeks after treatment. We recommend 4-6 treatments for optimal results. During your appointment, our doctors will discuss a proper regimen based on your skin type and goals.

Contact Us