This week’s Ask A Doctor Kenya Question is about melasma treatment in Kenya.
Dear Doctor, I am a 39 year old woman who developed dark patches on my face 5 years ago. I have used many face creams but they do not get finished. What can I do to remove them completely?
Ask A Doctor Kenya Answer – Melasma Treatment in Kenya
The dark patches on your face are caused by a condition called melasma or chloasma.
Melasma is a type of hyperpigmentation (excessive pigmentation) since it caused dark patches on the skin.
Melasma usually develops in women who are aged between 20 and 50 years old. It is caused by a combination of sun exposure and hormonal changes. These hormonal changes can be due to using oral contraceptives (birth control pills) or due to pregnancy. When it develops die to the latter it is called the “mask of pregnancy”.
Melasma Symptoms
Symptoms of melasma include dark patches on the cheeks, nose, chin, forehead and other parts of the face.
In some situations, these patches can develop on the neck and forearms.
Melasma Diagnosis
The diagnosis of melasma is usually made by the Doctor examining the dark patches on the skin.
Melasma Treatment in Kenya
The following are some of the methods of melasma treatment in Kenya:
1. Non-Prescription Products
a. Melasma Skincare Products
Skincare products used to treat melasma include those with ingredients like azelaic acid, kojic acid and tranexamic acid.
Azelaic acid inhibit the cell processes of hyperactive melanocytes and as it also antityrosinase activity. It also boosts cell turnover and it’s antioxidant properties help remove the free radicals that damage the skin. Studies have shown that 20% Azelaic acid is just as effective as 4 percent hydroquinone in treating melasma but without the side effects.
Kojic acid blocks and prevents melanin production. Niacinamide helps with skin lightening. Tranexamic acid has been shown in studies to effectively reduce pigmentation when applied on the skin. Vitamin C brightens the skin and its antioxidant effects also help to protect the skin from UV damage which can trigger melasma trigger.
Examples of melasma treatment creams include the following products:
Tranexamic Topical Acid 5% – for Dark Spots and Melasma with Kojic Acid
These melasma treatment products can be obtained from our Nairobi Almasi Skincare Products Store. Email almasiskincare@gmail.com or call 0721963156 for countrywide delivery.
b. Sunscreens
Sunscreens are very important for melasma treatment because sun exposure aggravates it. The sunscreen should be a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a SPF 30 or higher.
We recommend using La Roche Posay Invisible Fluid SPF 50 Sunscreen because it can be used by persons with oily, acne-prone skin, dry skin, combination skin, sensitive skin and normal skin. It it can be purchased from our Nairobi Almasi Skincare Shop located on Moi Avenue, Sawa Mall, 3rd floor, Shop C15. Call 0721963156 or WhatsApp +254 721 963 156 to order. We deliver countrywide/worldwide.
You can also use EltaMD’s moisturizing UV Clear SPF 46. If you are pregnant you can use Belli Pure Radiance Tinted Facial Sunscreen SPF 30. Click here to read The Best Sunscreens in Kenya. These melasma sunscreens can be obtained from our Nairobi Almasi Skincare Products Store. Email almasiskincare@gmail.com or call 0721963156 for countrywide delivery.
2. Prescription Medications
Prescription medications are also used to treat melasma. Click here to Consult our Doctor for a prescription.
3. Dermatology Procedures
Dermatology procedures used to treat melasma include the following:
a. Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a procedure in which a device with a diamond tip is used to remove the dead cells on the surface of the skin. This reveals the brighter skin below and results in a more youthful appearance which is more even-toned as it reduces the dark patches. The removal of the dead skin cells also enhances the absorption of skincare products by the skin which increases their effectiveness. The gentle vacuuming pressure of microdermabrasion also boosts the circulation of blood in the skin and enhances the delivery of nutrients to the skin. Almasi Skincare offers microdermabrasion for melasma treatment.
b. Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are special solutions which are applied to the skin to remove the top layer of dead cells by loosening the glue that holds the cells together. This leaves the skin with a more youthful and even-toned appearance. Chemical peels also help other treatment and skin care products penetrate the skin better. Almasi Skincare offers chemical peels for melasma treatment.
Almasi Skincare Melasma Treatment
At Almasi Skincare we combine non-prescription skincare products, suncreens, prescription medications and dermatology procedures to ensure we clear melasma completely in 6 months.
For effective melasma treatment in Kenya, Consult Us today via almasiskincare@gmail.com
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