Microneedling For Melasma: The Best Basic Guide

Microneedling is a treatment that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It is a non-invasive procedure that uses tiny needles to create micro-channels in the skin. These channels help to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, which can improve the appearance of aging skin, acne scars, and other blemishes. Microneedling can also treat melasma – a condition that causes dark patches on the skin. If you are looking for information about microneedling for melasma, you have come to the right place. This article will discuss everything you need to know about microneedling for melasma.

What Is Melasma?

Melasma is a common skin condition that results in brown or gray patches on the face. The patches usually appear on the cheeks, nose, forehead, and upper lip, ranging in size from small spots to large blotches. While melasma can affect people of any age or race, it is most common in women of childbearing age and people with darker skin tones.

Although the exact cause of melasma is unknown, it is believed to be triggered by hormonal changes, sun exposure, and genetic factors. There is no cure for melasma, but treatments are available to lighten the patches. If you have melasma, be sure to protect your skin from the sun and consult with a dermatologist about the best treatment options for you.

5 Possible Causes Of Melasma

Melasma is a common skin problem, especially in women. Some women will naturally be more sensitive to melasma than others, whereas some women may not ever develop it simply because their body isn’t as sensitive to its development. Read below to find out what can cause melasma.

1. Hormone Sensitivity

Melasma is more common in women than men because of the hormone fluctuations that occur during pregnancy and menopause. It can also be caused by birth control pills or estrogen therapy. The exact reason hormones cause melasma is unclear, but these hormone level changes may trigger an increase in melanin production by your skin cells.

2. Sun Exposure

Sun exposure is another major cause of melasma. The condition can be triggered by sun damage, which happens when your skin is exposed to sun ultraviolet (UV) rays. These rays can damage the melanocytes in your skin, causing them to produce more melanin as a way of protecting themselves from further harm.

3. Heat And Stress

Heat and stress are also known triggers of melasma. Heat can cause your body to release certain hormones, triggering more melanin production by your skin cells. Stress causes the body to produce more cortisol and other stress hormones, which also increases melanin production.

4. Product Irritation

Product irritation is also a common trigger of melasma. Products containing irritating ingredients can cause your skin cells to produce more melanin to protect themselves from further harm. This may include sunscreens and makeup products with alcohol, fragrance, preservatives, or other ingredients that may irritate the skin.

5. Genetics

Genetics is another common trigger of melasma. If you have a family history of melasma, there’s a good chance that you also have the genes that make your skin more sensitive to UV light and hormone changes.

5 Benefits Of Microneedling For Melasma

Microneedling for melasma is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that involves the use of tiny needles to create shallow wounds on the skin. Microneedling has many benefits for people with melasma, including the following.

1. Even Out Skin Tone

The primary benefit of microneedling for melasma is that it can improve the appearance of your skin. By creating minor wounds on the surface of your skin, microneedling treatment helps to stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin. This helps to improve your skin tone by reducing hyperpigmentation and improving its overall texture.

2. Smoothen Skin Texture

Besides improving the overall tone of your skin, microneedling for melasma can also help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. As you age, these channels are filled with dead cells and oil secretions that cause fine lines and wrinkles on your face. By stimulating the production of new collagen through microneedling treatment, you can smooth out the skin’s texture and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

3. Improve Circulation

Microneedling for melasma can also help to improve your skin’s circulation. This is because the needles inserted into your skin cause micro-punctures in the epidermis. These punctures cause minor wounds that allow fresh oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to flow into these areas. This helps to promote cell regeneration, which results in clearer and brighter skin tone.

4. Reduce Sun Spots

Microneedling for melasma can also help to reduce sun spots. This is because the treatment stimulates the production of new collagen, which helps to smooth out your skin’s texture and improve its appearance. By improving the skin’s elasticity, you can also prevent further damage from exposure to UV rays.

5. Decrease Pore Size

Lastly, microneedling for melasma is also effective at reducing the appearance of large pores. This treatment helps to smooth out uneven skin texture and increase its elasticity by stimulating collagen production. This helps to tighten the surface of your skin and reduce pore size by making it appear smaller.

5 Tips To Prepare Before Doing Microneedling For Melasma

Here are five tips you should know before doing microneedling for melasma.

1. Prepare Your Skin

Always prepare your skin before doing any procedure, especially microneedling for melasma. Make sure you cleanse your face with a gentle cleanser and pat it dry, so there is no excess moisture on the surface of your skin. This will help to ensure that the needles penetrate effectively into your skin without causing irritation or redness in the process.

2. Take A Break From Retinoid Products

It would help if you also took a break from using retinoid products before doing microneedling for melasma. Retinoids are medications that help to clear up acne and prevent the signs of aging. However, they can make your skin more sensitive to sun exposure and cause irritation or redness when you use them in conjunction with any other skincare treatment.

3. Stop Tanning and Waxing

Tanning and waxing can worsen melasma, so you should stop these practices before doing microneedling for melasma. Tanning introduces more UV exposure to your skin, which can cause irritation and inflammation. Waxing also removes the top layer of your skin, which leaves it vulnerable to further damage.

4. Avoid Aspirin, NSAIDs, and Ibuprofen

Aspirin, NSAIDs, and ibuprofen can increase your risk of bleeding during the procedure. You should also stop using these painkillers six weeks before microneedling for melasma to ensure they don’t cause increased sensitivity or irritation.

5. Avoid Sun Exposure

Sun exposure can increase your chance of developing melasma, so it’s essential to avoid it as much as possible. You should also use sunscreen before you go outside, wear hats and sunglasses when possible, and ensure you don’t stay in the sun for too long if you have sensitive skin.

8 Steps Of Microneedling For Melasma

Microneedling for melasma helps to stimulate the production of new collagen, which can improve the appearance of your skin and reduce the signs of aging. Here are eight steps you should follow when undergoing microneedling for melasma.

1. Select The Right Needle Depth

Microneedling is best used for medium to deep pigmentation, so you’ll want to select a needle size that will penetrate deep into the skin. The safest bet is a 0.5mm needle length, giving you the most control over how deeply it goes into your skin without causing damage or complications.

2. Check The Sterility Of The Needles

The most important thing to remember about microneedling is that the needles are sterile. This means that they haven’t been used on anyone else before you, so there’s no risk of spreading any infections or diseases. You should also use a new set of sterile needles each time you microneedle, as this helps ensure they stay clean and free of germs.

3. Cleanse And Exfoliate Your Skin

Next, you’ll want to ensure that your skin is clean and free of dead skin cells. You can use a gentle cleanser and washcloth to remove dirt and grime from your face. You might also want to exfoliate before microneedling, as this will help remove flaky skin cells or other debris that could get caught in the needles during treatment.

4. Do A Patch Test First

It’s also vital that you perform a patch test before using a microneedling device on your face. Simply rub the needle tips across an inconspicuous skin area such as behind your ear or on your forearm. If there are no adverse reactions after 24 hours, then it should be safe to proceed with treatment.

5. Apply Numbing Cream

Once you’ve made sure it’s safe to proceed with treatment, apply numbing cream over the area where you’ll be using your microneedling device. Numbing creams help reduce pain and discomfort during the procedure, making it much easier for people who have never tried microneedling before.

6. Use a Serum Or Oil

Once you’ve applied the numbing cream, it’s time to apply a serum or oil on top of it. This will help your skin retain moisture and prevent irritation during treatment. You can use any moisturizer or oil you like, as long as it doesn’t contain alcohol.

7. Start With Light Pressure

Once your skin has been adequately prepared, it’s time to start microneedling. Start with light pressure and gradually increase it as you go along. This will help prevent any damage to your skin while allowing the device to penetrate effectively.

8. Move In Slow, Consistent Directions

When you start using your microneedling device, move it in slow, consistent directions. Try to move slowly enough that you don’t leave any gaps between the strokes and let them overlap slightly. This will help ensure that every part of your face is treated correctly and can prevent damage.

5 Aftercare Tips After Microneedling For Melasma

Microneedling is a popular treatment for melasma, and while it’s not always 100% effective, it can help improve your skin’s appearance. Here are five aftercare tips you should follow after microneedling for melasma.

1. Use SPF And Moisturizers

SPF is one of the most critical parts of your skincare routine, and it’s especially true after microneedling for melasma. The treatment can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so use a high-quality sunscreen that provides broad spectrum protection daily. You should also moisturize—a lot! Your skin will be extra dry after microneedling, so using a hydrating product like Aquaphor or Vaseline can help with this issue.

2. Avoid Touching Your Skin

One of the most common mistakes people make after microneedling for melasma is touching their skin. This is especially important if you get any bleeding or crusting, as this can cause infection. If you touch your skin, it could lead to scarring and hyperpigmentation in some cases.

3. Use Mild Products

After microneedling for melasma, it’s important to avoid using harsh products on your skin. You should stick with mild cleansers and moisturizers that contain ingredients like aloe vera, green tea, licorice root extract, or hyaluronic acid. These ingredients will help soothe your skin while promoting healing.

4. Avoid Friction on the Skin

You can help reduce the appearance of melasma by avoiding friction on your skin. This includes not wearing tight clothing, which can rub against the discolored areas and make them look worse. You should also avoid using a loofah or washcloth when showering, as these items can irritate your skin.

5. Don’t Pick At Skin

You should avoid picking at your skin as this can cause irritation and inflammation. You may notice that the discolored areas look like scabs or dark spots, but these are just areas of hyperpigmentation. Picking at them will only make them worse.

6. Stay Hydrated

You should drink plenty of water to help reduce the appearance of melasma. This is because drinking enough water will keep your skin hydrated and prevent it from drying. If you don’t drink enough water, your body will pull moisture from other areas such as your lips or mouth and cause them to become dry.

Conclusion

While melasma can be challenging to treat, you must take steps to prevent it from worsening. Following the tips above can reduce your chances of developing melasma and keep your skin healthy. It’s also essential to follow the aftercare tips to prevent any complications. You’ll get the most out of your microneedling sessions with the proper steps.