Melasma Treatment for Dark Skin Types and The Sciton Difference

Welcome to AYA Medical Spa’s September edition of Beauty Buzz! This newsletter is focused on skincare basics from head to toe. Check out the latest on skin conditions, treatments, our favorite skincare products!

Skincare September is Here | Melasma Treatment for Dark Skin Types

• Melasma On Dark Complexions Melasma is a form of hyperpigmentation that causes dark spots on the face and body and is caused by sun exposure, hormonal changes, and even some skincare products. The development of these dark spots is a result of melanocytes, the cells responsible for the color in the skin malfunctioning. Although melasma is harmless, many people don’t like how it looks, and those with dark skin are at a higher risk of developing it.

• What does melasma look like?On dark skin melasma often appears as grey or dark brown patches of darker skin with irregular borders. Melasma patches can appear blotchy, freckly, or form solid patches of discoloration.

• Where is melasma likely to occur? Melasma most often appears on the high points of the face such as the forehead, nose, cheeks, upper lip, and chin. On the body, melasma is most often found on the neck, shoulders, chest, and arms.

• Why are people with dark skin more likely to develop melasma?People with darker complexions are at a higher risk of developing melasma because melasma forms when melanocytes overproduce pigmentation in the skin and those with brown or black skin naturally have more melanocytes than those with lighter complexions.

• How do you diagnose melasma on dark skin?We can easily identify melasma because of its distinctive appearance on the skin. Because melasma can resemble other hyperpigmentation conditions such as dermatitis or melanoma, it’s best to have a medical professional rule out other diagnoses.

• How do you treat melasma on dark skin?There is a wide variety of topical treatments and cosmetic procedures that can fade dark spots caused by melasma such as Sciton MOXI™ non-ablative laser, and Sciton Halo™ laser resurfacing, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, DiamondGlow, and microneedling. Since exposure to the sun is one of the biggest factors for developing melasma, we recommend people wear sunscreen at all times.

• What’s the first step in eliminating melasma?The first step is a personal skin analysis. We offer complimentary skin consultations using advanced technology to evaluate your concerns and provide each patient with effective treatment plans to reach their individual goals.

Melasma On Dark Complexions

What does melasma look like?

Where is melasma likely to occur?

Why are people with dark skin more likely to develop melasma?

How do you diagnose melasma on dark skin?

How do you treat melasma on dark skin?

What’s the first step in eliminating melasma?

The Sciton Laser Difference

Written by Erin McLean-Blackwell, Licensed Esthetician

Aesthetic laser technology for skin resurfacing has advanced so much over the years. We are now able to treat so many different people with all sorts of varying concerns. At AYA Medical Spa, we have modalities to treat rosacea, melasma, scars, redness, vascular lesions, fine lines, sun damage, acne, and acne scars. The right laser treatment can tighten, brighten, and provide a youthful glow.

Which Laser Skin Treatment is Right for You?

When it comes to laser skin treatments, it is important to see an experienced professional who can advise the best laser treatment for your needs. I have been at AYA Medical Spa for 16 years and have specialized in aesthetic laser treatments from the beginning of my career. I have experience with a wide range of lasers, including Lluminus, Light Sheer Diode, Syneron Elos, Candela GentleMax pro 1064 & Alexandrite, Sciton BBL, Sciton BBL Hero, Sciton Erbium Micro Laser Peel, Sciton Moxi, Halo & Sciton Erbium profractional. My insider secret is that Sciton lasers are far superior to all the rest!

At Aya Medical Spa we adopted the Sciton technology 10 years ago and I have been hooked ever since! My patients over the last 10 years could not agree more. I am able to provide amazing results using the many modalities that Sciton has to offer.

Types of Sciton Lasers and Their Benefits

Sciton® Halo™ will turn back the hands of time by treating texture sun damage, melasma, skin tightening, collagen reproduction for all skin types.

Sciton® BBL Hero® is fast, comfortable, and can be done on the entire body. Hero will treat sun spots, acne, vascular lesions, crepey skin, and redness. It also offers long term maintenance for any deep resurfacing treatment

Sciton® Moxi™ is a superficial, non-ablative treatment to treat melasma and improve the appearance of pores, texture, and tone. It can give the skin an amazing glow.

Sciton ProFractional is customizable and safe for all skin types. It treats scars and wrinkles and can tighten skin.

Sciton® MicroLaserPeel™ Microlaser peel can be done from very superficial (nano peel-to deep resurfacing with significant downtime.) treats texture and is a peeling process.

Provider Highlight

Obagi Tretinoin Gel .05%

“I love this product for controlling breakouts, keeping hyperpigmentation, including melasma, under control, and combatting find lines. I have dry skin and consistent use of Tret Gel helps to balance my hydration levels and keeps my skin looking extra clear.”