Are you a Martyr to Melasma? Try ZO Medical Brightenex

Melasma is skin discolouration that can affect anybody, although it is particularly common in women, and more so in pregnant women or those taking contraceptives or hormone.

The cosmetic discolouration is bothersome; melasma presents as dark, irregular, hyperpigmented (usually brown) patches commonly found on the upper cheek, nose, lips, upper lip, and forehead.

As there is thought to be a link between Melasma and hormone levels, it is unsurprisingly also common in pre-menopausal women whose hormone levels have begun to fluctuate.

Causes of Melasma

Melasma is thought to be a result of over-stimulation of melanocytes, the cells in the epidermal layer of skin that produce a pigment called melanin. This is the same pigment that rises to the skin surface when you get a tan.

In Melasma, it appears as unsightly patches, and it’s thought to be triggered by the female sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone which will produce more melanin pigments when the skin is exposed to sunlight.

There are other conditions linked to Melasma, including thyroid disease and in some cases, stress. Other rare causes of melasma include allergic reaction to medications and cosmetics.

Melasma is usually diagnosed using a special light to view the skin, to see excess melanin in the epidermis and distinguish it from that of the dermis.

Treatments may include cessation of oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy, but there are a number of ways to fade the discoloured patches.

• Topical agents containing a de-pigmenting agent or ‘lightening cream’ such as hydroquinone, which is a chemical that inhibits tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in the production of melanin.
• Tretinoin, an acid that increases skin cell (keratinocyte) turnover. This treatment cannot be used during pregnancy.
• Chemical peels.
• Microdermabrasion
• Laser and IPL

However, in all of these treatments the effects are gradual and you must avoid the sun; use a high SPF with physical blockers, such as titanium dioxide and zinc dioxide, as UV-A, UV-B and visible lights are all capable of stimulating pigment production.

Multi-action Brightenex fades pigmented marks

One of the most effective solutions for Melasma is a product from the ZO Medical range called Brightenex. It’s a non-hydroquinone skin brightener and correcting crème, bioengineered to target skin discolouration; even colour and tone, and treat hyperpigmentation.

ZO Medical Brightenex is a blend of potent retinol, melanin inhibitors and antioxidants that are released into the skin to rapidly brighten and even skin tone quality. It works on several levels, and the multi-action formulation minimizes skin redness caused by environmental factors and helps maintain an even and restored skin tone.

Brightenex contains vitamin A and ascorbic acid-2 glucoside; bio-active levels of vitamins E and C, antioxidants and retinol microencapsulation in an oleosomes delivery system. It can only be given to you by a physician, as its use must be monitored as you build up a tolerance.

Expect to experience some dryness; irritation and peeling at first, but this will go away as new, fresh skin is revealed.

To find out more about the range of physician-only ZO Medical products and seek help with your Melasma or hyperpigmentation, call Cosmetic Doctor on 01 685 3100.