Melasma
What is melasma?
Melasma is a skin condition, common in adults. It is a patch of pigmentation (usually on the face) that is brown in colour. It is more common in women and, even more so, in pregnant women. Melasma is more frequently seen during the summer when the skin has been exposed to the sun and is likely to tan, and it tends to fade during the colder months. Melasma is not contagious and is not cancerous.
What does Melasma look like
Unlike normal pigmentation caused by the sun or sunbeds, Melasma is typically seen on the face.
It is characterised by a similar butterfly pattern on the cheeks, a darker upper lip that looks like facial hair from a distance and sometimes an irregular pattern on the forehead.
Sufferers can have one or all of these characteristics. In the Clinic, we use a special camera that will highlight these characteristics and will confirm whether the pigmentation is Melasma and not just sun damage.
What are the causes of melasma?
The cause of melasma is believed to be hormone-related and mainly affect females, it can occur at puberty, pregnancy, menopause and lots of other times hormones changes occur in the body these can be hormone medication, IVF treatments and the birth control pill.
Abnormal production of the pigment is created in the dermis( inner layer of skin) and the Epidermis (outer layer of skin) causing irregular patches of pigmentation. The other name for melasma is Cholasma or commonly known as the mask of pregnancy.
How can Melasma be treated?
This is a difficult condition to treat as – unlike a suntan which will affect the upper layers of the skin and will fade with time – Melasma can affect the epidermis (top layer of the skin) as well as the dermis (deeper layer of the skin).”
There is also an inflammatory aspect to this skin condition which causes redness. This redness can, in turn, make the pigmentation look darker.
Over the years, lasers, peels and topical prescription products have been used to treat melasma. These treatments require compliance, and in some cases, they either don’t work or have made the condition worse.
How Can You Develop Melasma?
With this experience in mind and an understanding of how resistant the condition is to treatment, we have, we have found that the best treatment to help with the appearance of Melasma is the Obagi Nu-Derm.
Melasma Treatment
This prescription-only skin treatment regime has been formulated to synergistically work on all the layers of the skin that are affected. It calms the overproduction of pigment and corrects and transforms the skin.
The treatment takes 26 weeks, and positive changes can be seen at 6+ weeks in the majority of cases. The regime continues after the 26 weeks in a modified form to maintain the outcome achieved; this includes a sunscreen that must be used and repeatedly applied throughout the day.
Do I need to worry about sun protection during and after my course of Obagi Nu-Derm?
When treating the skin with the Nu-Derm® System, it is vital to protect your skin from UV rays. UV from the sun is damaging to the skin, accelerates the ageing process and stimulates melanocyte activity which can increase pigmentation; the very things you are trying to improve with this treatment system.
What is Melasma Treatment?
We advise using the SPF 50 which comes with the kit, with regular application throughout the day and suggest using a hat to further reduce the risk of damage. Although patients do not need to totally avoid sun exposure, the skin is more sensitive during treatment and requires more protection than usual.
It is vital to continue using a high-factor daily SPF following the completion of your Obagi course to help to maintain your results; new hyperpigmentation may be stimulated post-treatment if the skin is exposed to UV rays.
I’m breastfeeding, can I go ahead with Obagi Nu-Derm?
Due to the use of topical hydroquinone in some steps of the Nu-Derm® System, we advise that if you are pregnant, considering pregnancy or breastfeeding discuss the possible effects of treatment with the dermatologist in advance; the usual protocol for these cases is avoidance of the treatment until a more appropriate time.
Can Obagi Nu-Derm help with freckles from birth control pills?
Obagi Nu-Derm is a complete skincare system specially formulated to help correct hyperpigmentation, such as sunspots and melasma, as well as improve the appearance of ageing skin.
At The Skin to Love Clinic you will be under the care of one of our aesthetic practitioners for this treatment. This treatment helps with hyperpigmentation caused by birth control pills. This treatment works by blocking the process in the skin that leads to discolouration.
My skin is dry, will Obagi Nu-Derm be suitable for me?
There are two types of Nu-Derm® Systems; one for normal to oily skin and one for normal to dry skin. The most appropriate system for you will also be discussed with your dermatologist.
I have melasma after having children, does Obagi Nu-Derma treat this condition?
Yes. This is the only way we treat melasma at The Skin to Love Clinic. Dermal melasma will materialise in dark patches of skin or skin irritation. These discolored patches of fair skin are a form of epidermal melasma. Melasma appears as one of the more common skin disorders in pregnant women. Facial melasma diagnosed, even on the upper lip, by a registered dermatologist is easily treatable.
How do I know I am developing Melasma?
The Symptoms of melasma include discolouration. Melasma causes patches of discolouration. The patches are darker than your usual skin colour. It typically occurs on the face and is symmetrical, with matching marks on both sides of the face. Other areas of your body that are often exposed to the sun can also develop melasma.
Can sun exposure cause Melasma?
Melasma is a darkening effect of the facial skin, resulting in brown patches most commonly found on the forehead, cheeks, nose and lip. Sun exposure can trigger melasma because the pigment cells that contain kojic acid and azelaic acid are in the skin are responsible for producing colour in the skin and are stimulated by UV rays from the sun.
What is Kojic Acid?
Kojic acids primary use is to lighten visible sun damage, age spots, or scars. This can result in an anti-ageing effect on the skin. In addition to skin-lightening effects, kojic acid also contains some antimicrobial properties. … This can help treat acne caused by bacteria in the skin.
What is a Chemical Peel?
Light chemical peels improve skin texture and tone and lessen the appearance of fine wrinkles. The results are subtle but increase with repeated treatments. If you have a medium chemical peel, treated skin will be noticeably smoother.
What is Dermal Melasma?
Melasma can be categorized as “epidermal” or “dermal”, or mixed. Epidermal melasma means the pigment (melanin) is in the more superficial layers of the skin called the epidermis. Dermal melasma means that the pigment is in the deeper layers of the skin. It can manifest in the form of skin irritation, mixed melasma or melasma patches. Melasma treatments like Obagi Nu-Derma offer a way to reset skin cells and your skin tone.
How much does Obagi Nu-Derma cost?
Prices start from £550.
We offer a bespoke approach to treatment, tailored entirely to your needs and desires, therefore the cost of your individual treatment will be confirmed during your consultation following a thorough assessment.
What people have said...
Had an appointment at Skin to Love today (my first in a while) and oh boy was it good to be back! It was great to see that they are still taking the safety of their clients so seriously with strict PPE guidelines being adhered to. Had a consultation with Jane and can’t wait to go back for my treatment! Thank you ladies ☺️
Olivia
01:18 28 Jan 22
Rashad Koura
11:12 23 Jan 22
Stella Carcone
17:11 11 Jan 22
Emma is so professional and kind. At an initial consultation with her on a viral wart on my face, Emma explained my options and the procedure carefully and thoroughly. Afterwards I tried various lotions and wart removal products, but to no avail. Three months later I saw Emma again. It only took her a few minutes to surgically remove my wart. It was done with such a precision that my skin has been recovering really quickly and well. I highly recommend Emma!
Maggie Lu
20:35 31 Dec 21
Spencer Baker
15:54 23 Dec 21
Maggie McGivern
17:55 21 Dec 21
Jane was excellent and extremely professional, giving a clear and detailed picture of my son’s skin post acne. Jane put my son at ease and presented options for reducing pigmentation and improving texture. Highly recommend The Skin to Love clinic.
Louise Allen
12:20 19 Dec 21
I love coming to Skin to Love, where everyone remembers my name, even though I wouldn't consider myself a regular. I feel safe and welcomed each time. Every member of staff is so lovely and I've had the best treatments from each practitioner.
Gillian Maxwell
16:20 18 Dec 21
Margarita Germanos
02:08 13 Dec 21
Exceptionally positive experience:* A consultation is required to determine whether the requested treatment is suitable for me. This reassured me of their expertise and integrity (that they wouldn't just push any treatment on me)* Specialist Jane is clearly an expert on the Clear&Brilliant treatment and provided me with a comprehensive insight in the procedure + follow-up care and answered all my questions* Tomorrow I'll receive a check-in call, which shows their level of attentiveness* Reception staff is very friendly, welcoming and helpful* So far my Clear and Brilliant treatment looks good, will see results in 2-4 weeks
L eila
12:57 29 Oct 21
Skin to Love is a super professional clinic, all the staff are kind and helpful if I ever have any questions. Anna makes me feel very comfortable during treatments and I would highly recommend her (and the clinic in general) to others.
Rebecca Wilkins
15:55 27 Oct 21
Anne Thomas
11:51 24 Oct 21
I really appreciate Jane's extensive medical back ground & professionalism, generosity with her time (I never feel rushed when I come here), and most importantly, skillful placement of injectables & application of procedures.It has been a pleasure to build a rapport over the past few months and I am delighted with the result of the customized care & treatments I have received here.The ladies at the reception are always welcoming, kind & accommodating, and the clinic is a beautifully designed & charming space to visit.I look forward to many future appointments.
SFT
22:57 23 Oct 21
Outstanding from start to finish. Professional, knowledgeable and caring people. Highly recommend
Daniel Farney
15:06 21 Oct 21
I am extremely happy with the treatment I received and the professionalism of the staff. Emma and Jane were extremely friendly and reassuring too. Thank you.
Catherine Rumsey
15:27 14 Oct 21
It's always such a pleasure to visit Skin to Love. Everyone is always so friendly and welcoming. Natalia carried out the second part of my Profhilo course today but I have seen her a number of times for various treatments over the years. She listens to me and always takes the time to talk about the procedure and what I can expect and I am never disappointed! Thank you :)
Karen Taylor
11:24 08 Oct 21
Excellent service and explained everything thoroughly so I understood. Really impressed with the level of care. Thank you.
Melissa Uddin
18:02 07 Oct 21
FV Lessers
14:31 07 Oct 21
Would recommend, had a consultation by the nurse , very informative and all staff are extremely knowledgeable of their treatments. Not pushy in selling products or services , the look and feel of the store is very warm and welcoming. I am looking forward to getting treatments there.Update in 4/10/2021 - after going to mobile therapists and now here, I must say there is a big difference ! much much more professional and great customer service - I have had anti wrinkle injections and was reassured this will work and it has! ( I had deep frown lines) worth the bit of extra money for sure!
Camillia Barton
12:17 04 Oct 21
Nadine Lackhee
17:43 25 Sep 21
Valerie Minchella
10:20 19 Sep 21
Excellent experience. Emma was very professional and efficient. Would highly recommend.
Holly Le Blond
12:59 11 Sep 21
Had my second byonik facial and could see improvements instantly. Skin looked dewy and redness reduced. Looking forward to the next treatment already. All staff were wonderful as always.
Caz CC
20:39 04 Sep 21
Michelle Shearly
08:28 29 Aug 21
Sherie Ariaee
18:47 21 Aug 21
Jane was very good. I had some skin tags/moles removed and it was painless and very quick. Everything from the consultation to the actual removal was great. Would highly recommend.
Belinda Butler
11:15 17 Aug 21
Deborah Jones
21:00 16 Aug 21
A very reassuring and thorough mole check. Emma was friendly and helpful.
Tamsin
11:09 14 Aug 21
Sam Murphy
19:06 05 Aug 21
Servicio impecable. Te hacen sentir bienvenido y cómodo. El asesoramiento es magnífico y cualquier tratamiento se explica paso a paso. ¡Totalmente recomendada!----------------------Impeccable service. They make you feel welcome and comfortable. The advice is great and any treatment is explained step by step. Fully recommended!
Monica Galan
16:13 02 Aug 21
Very friendly very knowledgeable
Richard Garcia
11:04 31 Jul 21
I had some laser treatment for my facial pigmentation and I have to say it was amazing! The marks - which were relatively dark - have virtually gone. It was so much better than I thought. Also painless.Jane was very helpful and put me at ease.
Samantha Smith
13:03 30 Jul 21
This is my 3rd visit to the clinic and it's always so nice. I'm always well informed and I feel confident in the treatment offered to me.
Chelsea Martin
17:44 14 Jul 21
I went for a laser hair removal consultation and patch test, Anna made me feel really comfortable, she is very knowledgable and can’t wait to have her for my first session
Erin Jackson
15:51 08 Jul 21
Maggie McGivern
13:12 08 Jul 21
Aoife Kiely
12:49 06 Jul 21
Excellent service from NataliaLooking forward visiting again
Mia Karal
12:34 26 Jun 21
Patricia Woodward
15:38 19 Jun 21
Thank you Jane for your care and attention from start to finish, all the ladies are welcoming and lovely from the moment you walk into the clinic, can't rate them highly enough.
David Herman
19:39 18 Jun 21
From my initial consultation and thoughout my treatment I felt at ease and in good hands i didnt feel talked into anything , friendly and informative. Thank you to Jane, will be returning soon
Karen Smith
12:43 13 Jun 21
Max Gibbons
00:01 05 Jun 21
david jay
16:31 03 Jun 21
From start to finish I received excellent service and advice. Maura kindly stepped out the shop to find me, as it was my first time and Jane had so much knowledge of skin that I felt right at ease with the products she had chosen for me. A week in and my skin feels so much softer. Thank you all, see you soon.xoxo
Louise Findley
18:22 02 Jun 21
Siobhan Godfrey
15:44 01 Jun 21
Carol Washington jones
16:03 27 May 21
Hannah F
21:39 15 May 21
amanda ling
10:32 14 May 21
Yet again an amazing service!! Natalia is an absolute expert at her job! I had lip fillers and i LOVE THEM! shes is so bubbly and fun to be around but also is professional at her job. She always makes sure i look amazing before leaving and makes me feel so comfortable. I would highly suggest going here if you havnt already been. The front desk staff are so lovely and welcoming also.
Roxy W
18:13 12 May 21
Natalia is my practitioner and I could not be happier. She explains everything and gives advice which is much appreciated. Also she is kind and very professional. But what I appreciate the most is her gentle and light touch so am never left bruised. I am already booked for my next treatment. I highly recommend Skin to Love Clinic and Natalia.
Tanya Jepuranovic
19:19 07 May 21
Gemma Shrimpton
17:55 05 May 21
zarah lloyd
11:45 04 May 21
I have been going to the skin to love for my acne. I have recommended to my friends and family as they are so professional and friendly with amazing products. I look forward to my peel at the end of the month.
Elizabeth Pitcher
16:27 01 May 21
Penny Taliadoros
16:57 29 Apr 21
Joanne Conlon
19:28 22 Apr 21
Jane Gill
15:33 15 Apr 21
Angelique Rowan
13:46 14 Apr 21
Brilliant service from the minute you walk in to the moment you walk out. My therapist, Natalia is very knowledgeable and I trust she always makes the right decisions for me. I appreciate the friendly but professional approach. Thank you!
Barbara Salomon
11:16 18 Dec 20
Cat Powerlifter
23:06 17 Dec 20
Always feel I'm in safe hands with Jane. No hard sell which is very refreshing.
Alice Moss
18:16 08 Dec 20
Lauren McAleer
17:49 07 Dec 20
Very friendly and personal. Always a feeling of being in safe hands with the very best advice and treatment.
Max Campbell
09:20 07 Dec 20
The staff were very welcoming and asked me thorough questions in order to choose products that best fit me.
JulieT-T
18:19 05 Dec 20
Jane & Natalia were very informative and friendly. They were quickly able to diagnose my skin condition through facial scanning & recommended a skincare course for me. I was assured they are there to help with any questions along the way & with regular reviews too. My first time at this clinic and from when I walked in through the door I was greeted with a warm welcome by the front desk staff.
Soraya
15:20 04 Dec 20
Excellent service and treatment worked really well after second treatment. No more spider veins visible on my son's face. Staff very friendly and easy to talk to. Appointment very easy to make and rescheduling made very easy on day of appointment with no extra charge. Very satisfied customer!
Alison Chapelier
18:53 26 Nov 20
Great treatments, superb advice and wonderful products. Jane and her team are always very professional and make sure they giving accurate and meaningful advice for their client. I have loved going to the Skin to Love Clinic for more than 2 years and intend to continue for many years to come.
CHERYL Cook
08:56 24 Oct 20
I would recommend this place lovely staff and very helpful
Donna
11:41 14 Oct 20
Perfect!
J
15:56 13 Oct 20
Julian Laite
15:36 09 Oct 20
Excellent treatments and always pleased with results. Professional and friendly, thank you.
Theresa Harding
22:45 01 Oct 20
Ross McBrearty
21:29 01 Oct 20
Paolo Armentano
13:54 26 Sep 20
Natalia was brilliant and really knowledgable. Felt very comfortable and left with a good grip on my options. Excellent Covid compliance also. Thank you
Emma Richardson
12:04 22 Sep 20
Marisa Rivero
16:52 10 Sep 20
I went to the clinic last week. I met Jane who explained the types of treatment to me. It was very clear and I opted for the reduction of fat from the abdomen and love handles.Today i had my first session and it was absolutely fantastic.Initially you can feel like a painful but bearable pinch on the abdomen. After five minutes everything becomes very quiet and you can do another activity like checking your email and maybe chat on the phone with a friend.Jane and Nathalie were great , kind , and very professional .I can t wait to do the second treatment to see the results . I highly recommend this Clinic 100%.Rita
Rita Chillemi
22:27 08 Sep 20
From the consultation to the end of the treatment, Natalia was kind, patient, understanding and extremely professional. She listened to my issues and then recommended the right treatment but put no pressure on me. Infact she encouraged me to have a think and do some research before i committed to anything. On the treatment table she explained everything she was doing and I could tell I was in very good hands. The procedure was uncomfortable and it could have been very easy to start panicking but she put me totally at ease and her confidence and professionalism meant that I had the utmost faith in her and my results were brilliant, far better than I had anticipated. Would throughout recommend her and the practice. 5 stars!
ZARAH LLOYD
15:27 04 Sep 20
Very pleased with the procedure I had. The staff were knowledgeable, reassuring and friendly. Their COVID-19 precautions were very good which made me feel safe.
Beeple Sauce
14:09 19 Aug 20
Always very professional and lovely experience.
Natalie Waites
15:36 17 Aug 20
Andreea Fuioara
11:26 15 Aug 20
Extremely pleased with results and impeccable service in beautiful surroundings .Thank you .
Lee Moran
21:12 13 Aug 20
Always a pleasure to visit this salonJane and her team are so friendly ,professional and enthusiastic about their treatments.No high pressure sales here just information on treatments and products that you can go away and think about.Thank you all ,as ever
alison lee
15:59 26 Jul 20
Andria A
09:50 10 Jul 20
Debbie Moore
21:46 12 Mar 20
No fuss just a friendly and professional welcome and treatment.
Sally G
17:09 03 Mar 20
Had a consultation with Jane, who was very helpful with her recommendations & explanations. Gave me confidence in using the clinic
Mary Grindle
10:32 02 Mar 20
Amazing & very knowledgeable staff. Very informative in regards to how to use products and the products are very high quality. Not too expensive and already showing signs of improvement. Would highly, highly recommend.
Lucas Wagstaff
08:07 02 Mar 20
Amazing experience. Jane The dermatologist was knowledgeable but also caring, she gave me tailored advice and an aftercare plan. She made sure I knew what was going to happen and was comfortable throughout the whole procedure. She listened to my concerns and found ways to work with my situation, even gave me some stress ball to help with my nerves :). Looking forward to my next appointment.
Al Bo
16:01 23 Feb 20
had my first treatment today what a lovely experience. Can’t wait till I can see the results and my follow up treatment next month. Thank you Jane 😊
Jacqui Coleman
14:22 23 Feb 20
Thank you Jane, for the friendly professional way you looked at my skin problem with me, it was certainly a lot more in depth and informative than I was expecting, the before and after photos are testament to that the treatments you gave has almost removed all the scarring that acne left on my face. I cant thank you enough.— Brandon
Ian Nixon
16:19 22 Feb 20
Lisa Chapman
09:19 16 Feb 20
My therapist was very attentive listening and watching to check I was not uncomfortable.I felt confident in her hands due to her professionalism.
Rachel Moffat
07:25 14 Feb 20
Can’t speak highly enough of the team at the skin to love clinic. Everything from the consultation to the treatment is amazing and I’d highly recommend them
Geoffrey Banks-Smith
21:47 11 Feb 20
Alex Miles
12:48 28 Jan 20
I had 2 skin tags removed by my eyes made me feel very calm and was told what was going on lovely staff make you feel comfortable definitely recommend to anyone
amanda cooper
13:34 18 Jan 20
Pauline O'Brien
18:48 15 Jan 20
zoe traynor
17:06 11 Jan 20
Fantastic clinic. Lovely warm and welcoming team who really are experts in their field. My skin has never looked better! I highly recommend.
Hayley Naunton
18:52 03 Jan 20
I had my consultation with Jane today to discuss best treatment for my skin concerns. she was very knowledgable and informative and gave me the best options for my concerns. I was very happy, definitely recommend "Skin to Love Clinic".
Pari Nixon
15:29 27 Dec 19
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The Skin to Love Clinic
13-15 Chequer Street,
St Albans,
Hertfordshire,
AL1 3YJ
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