Obagi Skincare for Melasma

WHAT CAUSES MELASMA

When the melanocytes in your skin are stimulated, it begins producing large amounts of melanin that will gather in patches on your skin, usually on the face. This condition is known as melasma, and generally affects more women than men, as only 10% of individuals suffering from melasma are male. Common causes include excessive exposure to the sun, hormonal changes and selected beauty products that irritate skin.

Pregnant individuals are also at risk of melasma, which is also referred to as a pregnancy mask or chloasma. This is due to an increase of progesterone, oestrogen and hormones that stimulated melanocytes in the second and third trimesters. However, it is thought that high progesterone levels causes melasma instead of oestrogen – a view that is supported by research.

HOW CAN IT BE TREATED?

Melasma patches might appear as patchy brown, tan coloured, or blue-gray skin discoloration which is easily treatable using the Obagi skin care treatment line. It gradually reduces the colour to restore your skin to a fresh and revitalised appearance. The surface of your skin is penetrated by the Obagi Nu-Derm System to help repair the unsightliness caused by melasma by boosting the growth of new skin cells to replace the old layer of damaged skin. Your complexion should become fresher and healthier, with melasma gradually reducing with each skin cycle.

This system is medically-based and is a programme that combines cleanser, skin lightener, toner, exfoliate and Retin-A. The effectiveness of Retin-A was recognised by Dr. Obagi early, and has since refined the system for optimum results while also stabilising some of the undesirable side effects that it caused.

Obagi Nu-Derm System consists of:

• Obagi Cleanser (200ml)
• Obagi Toner (200ml)
• Obagi Clear (57gm)
• Obagi Exfoderm (57gm)
• Obagi Blender (57gm)
• Obagi Sun Shield SPF50

RECOVERY

It usually takes about 2-4 weeks for your skin to get used to the regime, as it builds up tolerance to the strength of the products. You might experience minor skin peeling and irritation during the initial stage of treatment, but this will subside once your skin gets used to the products.