Ask anyone who has had to deal with melasma. The condition is stubborn but quite common in Singapore partly due to intense sun exposure and tropical humidity.
In case you didn’t know what it looks like, melasma appears as dark patches, typically on the face. It is influenced by factors like genetics, hormones, and environmental factors.
While there are effective treatments that can reduce melasma and even clear it from your skin, it’s equally crucial to know what to avoid to get the best results from your melasma treatment in Singapore.
And, that’s why we created this guide. On this page, we will walk you through essential steps to take and what to steer clear of to ensure you maximize your treatment success.
What to Avoid when Treating Melasma?
Usually, the goal of melasma treatment is to reduce dark patches on the skin, even out skin tone, and prevent further pigmentation. However, it may not be easy to achieve all these if you don’t take good care of your skin when treating melasma. To avoid recurrences which can prolong or make your melasma treatment in Singapore, here are the things you should avoid when treating melasma;
- Lifestyle Habits to Avoid During Melasma Treatment
When managing melasma, specific lifestyle habits can either help or hinder your progress. Here are the lifestyle habits you should avoid during melasma treatment;
- Extensive Sun Exposure: UV rays are a major trigger for melasma. Even if you’re undergoing treatment, unprotected sun exposure can reverse progress. Avoid direct sunlight during peak hours, usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher and reapply every two hours if you’re outside. A wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective clothing also add an extra layer of protection.
- Inconsistent Skincare Routine: Melasma treatment isn’t a one-time fix. It requires regular care. Skipping treatments or neglecting your skincare routine can delay progress. Use dermatologist-recommended products consistently and avoid experimenting with untested items that could irritate your skin.
- Stress: Stress doesn’t just affect your mental health. It can also make your melasma worse. High stress levels can cause hormone fluctuations, which are known to exacerbate melasma. Engage in relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga to keep stress levels in check. Small lifestyle adjustments, like a consistent sleep schedule, can also help your skin heal faster.
- Skincare Products and Ingredients to Avoid
When continuing with your melasma treatment in Singapore, there are certain skincare products that can interfere with the treatment process. In fact, they may even worsen the condition. Here are some of the skincare products and ingredients to avoid:
- Harsh Exfoliants: Melasma-prone skin is often sensitive. So, it is recommendable that you avoid rough exfoliants or scrubs that can inflame your skin. Over-exfoliation can damage the skin barrier and make it more vulnerable to pigmentation issues. Instead, use gentle cleansers and consider low-dose exfoliants like lactic acid if approved by your dermatologist. Always follow up with a hydrating moisturizer to keep your skin balanced.
- Alcohol-Based Products: Alcohol in skincare products can dry out and irritate the skin. So, they have the potential of worsening melasma. Alcohol-based toners and astringents strip the skin of moisture, which can trigger inflammation—a key factor in melasma. Stick to alcohol-free products to keep your skin calm and hydrated.
- Fragrance and Essential Oils: We get it, fragrances and essential oils smell nice. However, they may be counterproductive if you’re treating melasma as they can irritate sensitive skin. Some people develop allergic reactions to certain fragrances, which results in redness or itching, which can worsen pigmentation. Look for “fragrance-free” or “hypoallergenic” labels on products to ensure they’re gentle enough for melasma-prone skin.
- Activities and Procedures to Avoid Post-Treatment
The days following melasma treatment are critical for achieving good results. There are specific activities that the doctor helping with your melasma treatment in Singapore may want you to avoid to protect your skin and optimize healing. Key among these activities includes;
- Aggressive Exfoliation and Peels: After a melasma treatment, avoid strong exfoliants or peels for at least two weeks, or as advised by your doctor. Over-exfoliating can cause redness and may undo the progress you’ve made. Let your skin fully recover by using only gentle products that support hydration and healing.
- Intensive Exercise: Exercise is great for overall health. However, it can impact your skin post-treatment. Activities that lead to excessive sweating or facial redness, such as high-intensity workouts, can trigger inflammation and potentially worsen melasma. Opt for lighter exercises like walking or stretching in the days following treatment.
- Hot Environments: Did you also know that heat can stimulate melanin production. This action may darken melasma patches. Avoid saunas, steam rooms, and hot yoga classes post-treatment, as these can increase skin temperature and trigger pigmentation. Cool compresses or gentle cooling gels can help reduce any post-treatment redness and calm your skin.
- Dietary and Supplementary Cautions
What you eat can also impact your skin’s condition. As you continue with your melasma treatment in Singapore, here are some foods you may want to be careful with;
- High-Sugar Diets: A high-sugar diet can increase inflammation in the body, and impact your skin health. Potentially, this could make your melasma worse. Sugar spikes insulin levels, which can indirectly influence hormones and trigger pigmentation. Opt for a balanced diet rich in leafy greens, whole grains, and lean proteins to support skin healing and prevent inflammation.
- Hormone-Influencing Supplements: Supplements that impact hormones like soy or certain vitamins may not be ideal if you’re dealing with melasma. Soy, for example, can mimic estrogen, and potentially trigger melasma in some people. Check with your dermatologist before taking new supplements to avoid any unexpected effects on your skin.
- Quick-Fix Treatments and Unverified Products
Many products on the market claim to offer quick solutions for melasma. However, not all are safe or effective.
Using unverified DIY remedies or unapproved products can do more harm than good. Ingredients like lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, often touted as natural remedies, can irritate the skin and increase sensitivity to sunlight.
These “quick fixes” might offer temporary brightening, but they can in the end worsen pigmentation. Stick to treatments that have been tested and approved for safety and effectiveness.
It’s a Wrap!
Melasma is complex, and every case is unique. Consulting a skilled skin or cosmetic doctor ensures you get personalized advice based on your skin type and lifestyle.
Providers can also guide you toward proven treatments that target melasma without the risk of adverse reactions. For the best results, follow professional recommendations and avoid attempting self-diagnosis or at-home treatments.
Ready to see what might help with your melasma? Drop us a line below to schedule a skin assessment by a board-certified aesthetic doctor.
Edwin Lim Medical Aesthetic Clinic – Dr Edwin Lim
#02-12/13, Changi City Point
5 Changi Business Park Central 1,
Singapore 486038
By appointment only:
#05-51, Lucky Plaza
304 Orchard Road
Singapore 238863
+65690042218
+6596372218 (WhatsApp)
