What should I do if a woman has melasma on her face

Melasma can be improved through sun protection care, local medication treatment, oral medication conditioning, medical beauty laser treatment, and traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis and treatment. Melasma is usually caused by UV stimulation, endocrine disorders, chronic liver disease, changes in pregnancy hormones, genetic susceptibility, and other factors.

1. Sunscreen Care

Ultraviolet radiation is the main factor that induces and aggravates melasma. It is necessary to use broad-spectrum sunscreen in daily life and choose products with SPF30 or above and PA+++labeling. When going out, use a sun hat, sunglasses, and other physical coverings to avoid exposure to strong sunlight from 10am to 4pm. It is still necessary to maintain sun protection on cloudy days and indoors near windows, as UVA in ultraviolet rays can penetrate glass and continuously damage the skin.

2. Local drug treatment

Hydroquinone cream can inhibit tyrosinase activity and reduce melanin synthesis, tranexamic acid essence can block melanin transmission path, and retinoic acid cream can accelerate epidermal metabolism and fade spots. These topical medications should be used alternately under the guidance of a doctor to avoid skin sensitivity caused by long-term monotherapy. During medication, there may be slight flaking or stinging sensation, which should be relieved with moisturizing and repairing skincare products.

3. Oral medication regulation

The combination of vitamin C and vitamin E has antioxidant effects and can neutralize the stimulation of free radicals on melanocytes. Tranexamic acid tablets alleviate vascular leakage pigmentation by inhibiting plasminogen activation. Traditional Chinese patent medicines and simple preparations, such as Jingtian Quban Capsule, can regulate the liver and kidney functions and improve the circulation of qi and blood. Oral medication needs to be used continuously for several months to take effect, during which liver and kidney function should be monitored regularly.

4. Medical Aesthetics Laser Treatment

Q-switched laser can selectively explode melanin particles, and picosecond laser can more accurately decompose pigments through optomechanical effects. Before treatment, a skin type assessment is necessary. Temporary darkening may occur after surgery, and strict sun protection and the use of restorative medical dressings are necessary. Laser treatment needs to be repeated every 1-2 months, and usually shows significant improvement after 3-5 sessions.

5. Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis and Treatment

For liver stagnation and qi stagnation type, Xiaoyao San can be used to soothe the liver and relieve depression. For spleen deficiency and dampness accumulation type, Shenling Baizhu San can be used to strengthen the spleen and eliminate dampness. For kidney yin deficiency type, Liuwei Dihuang Wan is often selected to nourish yin and kidney. Acupuncture and moxibustion points are mainly Ganshu, Spleen Shu and Sanyinjiao, and auricular points are applied to regulate endocrine. The traditional Chinese medicine facial mask is commonly used to make powder and apply with angelica dahurica, white poria cocos and other medicinal materials, and it can help fade the spots 2-3 times a week. Patients with melasma should maintain a regular daily routine and ensure adequate sleep to help regulate melatonin levels. Eat more foods rich in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits and tomatoes, and consume less photosensitive celery and cilantro. Avoid excessive cleaning and rubbing of the face, choose mild amino acid based cleansing products. Emotional management is equally important, as long-term anxiety can exacerbate endocrine disorders, which can be relieved through mindfulness meditation. It is recommended to follow up every 3-6 months to evaluate the treatment plan and gradually improve pigmentation by combining multiple methods.