Using Spectra Laser Toning to Manage Melasma

Melasma is a skin condition that primarily affects women and is characterised by dense freckling, odd swaths of tan, or blotches that are caused by a local overabundance of melanocyte – a type of pigmentation cell. Although it can arise spontaneously, melasma can also be brought on by pregnancy or sun exposure.

Regardless of why it emerges, however, melasma can be a source of discomfort, anxiety, and self-consciousness. Consequently, many affected individuals look to find ways to manage their melasma. This is easier said than done since melanocytes live on multiple layers of skin. Surface-level treatments like microdermabrasion can’t reach them and some laser treatments can actually make melasma worse by provoking the melanocytes into producing excess pigmentation.

This is where the Spectra Laser Toning comes in. Laser toning is a unique treatment for melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation as it uses the laser energy to reduce visible pigmentation by breaking down melanin molecules naturally, allowing your immune system to remove them.

Melasma Management

1. Avoid triggers

Sun exposure can trigger melasma because melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) in the skin are responsible for producing melanin (pigment) and are stimulated by UV rays from the sun. Darker skin individuals have more active melanocytes and so produce more pigment than people with light skin. Melanin production increases when stimulated by sun exposure. The main reason for melasma returning after it has faded is sun exposure; even small amounts can trigger melasma. For this reason it is very important to use a broad spectrum (protects from UVA and UVB rays) and has a SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 or more.

2. Melasma treatments

Melasma sometimes resolves or fades on its own, especially after pregnancy or discontinuing birth control pills. If, however, you have persistent melasma we offer various treatments to manage it:

• Skin Care Products (take home & in-clinic treatments)
• Chemical Peels
• Spectra Laser Toning

It may take several months for improvement to occur so it is important to follow up with our skin care staff and to follow their recommendations in order to maximize the benefit from melasma treatment. SKYN® offer a wide range of melasma treatments to help with this condition. In addition, our experienced Talent can recommend quality cosmetics that will not trigger melasma.

The Benefits of Laser Toning

The key to Spectra laser toning lies in a carbon facial mask. The mask allows the carbon to seep into your pores and the laser heats it up, resulting in a tiny explosion that dislodges debris and dead skin. Don’t worry, though, it’s not a painful treatment. In fact, not only is the Spectra laser toning painless, it’s downtime-free. You can come in for your session, go home after, and enjoy your skin to its fullest without any follow-up medication, downtime, or recovery period.

The reason that this treatment can affect melasma is that the darkened patches are due to clusters of melanocytes. When it comes to cells, few things are better at breaking up clumps than precise laser application combined with concussive force. As the carbon “pops” and the laser passes over, the melanocytes loosen and drift apart to become more evenly spaced and naturally disposed of.

Laser Toning for Radiant Skin

Laser toning has other key benefits, in addition to helping manage your melasma. The treatment can provide glowing, youthful skin, reduce acne scars, improve skin texture, reduce fine wrinkles, and more. These are long-lasting, ensuring you can get maximum enjoyment from your rejuvenated face.

SKYN® is a pioneer in the latest technology and practices for treating various skin conditions. Our Spectra Peel toning laser is just one tool dedicated to helping you get the clear, beautiful skin you deserve. Contact us to book a consultation today, our skin experts are more than happy to answer any queries you may have.

More about Spectra XT

Spectra XT by Lutronic is a revolutionary laser device that we use at SKYN®, here in Perth. It uses a well-known laser medium called Nd:YAG and uses it in diverse ways to treat both brown and red discolouration in the skin. The energy of the laser can be delivered quickly to address tattoos, pigmentation, sun spots, or melasma, or the energy slowed to treat shrink pores, tone skin, and fight acne in a procedure called “laser toning.” The Spectra is also used for our famous Hollywood Laser Peel and can help with both acne and skin tone, allowing for pore reduction and collagen formation.