Melasma is a most common skin condition that causes the coloration of dark patches in the face areas, including cheeks, forehead, nose, and upper lip. This most common skin condition affects people of all ages and is most common in some people living in the most sun-exposing countries like Dubai, India, Brazil, and the Philippines. 

This article explicitly helps people in Dubai because melasma is common in Dubai due to sun exposure throughout the year. This blog enables you to understand the causes of melasma, how to get treatment for melasma in Dubai, the diagnosis process, and the benefits of melasma treatment in Dubai.

What Causes Melasma?

There are three types of melanin in the body. Among them, eumelanin provides brown to black pigmentation to protect the outer layer of the skin from harmful UV radiation. When the melanocytes in the outer layer of the skin produce enormous amounts of melanin, dark patches appear on the face. 

Several factors trigger the overproduction of melanin. The factors that trigger the overproduction in Dubai are explained below,

• Sun Exposure
• Hormonal Changes
• Heat and Infrared Radiation
• Genetics
• Skincare Products and Medications

Sun Exposure

Dubai is a country with intense UV radiation due to its desert climate. The UV Index (UVI) of Dubai in summer is between 7 and 11+, which is classified as very high to extreme. Even a few minutes of sun exposure without protection can worsen melasma, as the high UV radiation in Dubai is the primary cause of melasma, triggering the melanocytes to produce more melanin.

Hormonal Changes

Women are more prone to melasma due to hormonal fluctuations. This hormonal fluctuations in women are caused by,

• Pregnancy (also called the “pregnancy mask”)
• Birth control pills
• Hormone replacement therapy

Heat and Infrared Radiation

Not only UV rays. Also, the heat and infrared radiation from the sun, saunas, or cooking can also worsen melasma. Living in a hot country like Dubai is challenging for those with melasma.

Genetics

If melasma runs in your family, you are more likely to develop it. Studies show that people with a genetic predisposition tend to experience melasma at an earlier age.

Skincare Products and Medications

Certain skincare products that cause skin irritation or inflammation can lead to melasma. Some medications, including those for epilepsy or blood pressure, can also make the skin more susceptible to pigmentation issues.

How is Melasma Diagnosed?

Melasma is diagnosed and treated by skin doctors. In Dubai, many skin doctors are experienced who have experienced melasma for many individuals. The following diagnosis method is used in most clinics in Dubai. 

• Visual Examination
• Wood’s Lamp Test
• Skin Biopsy (In rare cases)

Visual Examination

The very first step in diagnosis is inspecting the skin. A skin doctor will examine the skin and assess the patches’ size, shape, and color. This helps the doctor identify the trigger of melasma, the severity of the melasma, and the treatment plan selection.

Wood’s Lamp Test

A Wood’s lamp is a specialized UV light that helps dermatologists determine the depth of pigmentation. Whether in the epidermis (surface layer) or dermis (deep layer), this is also done to determine the treatment planning.

Skin Biopsy (In Rare Cases)

The patches are very irregular in rare cases, such as when the doctor cannot determine whether the patient has melasma. A skin biopsy may be suggested to discover other skin conditions’ presence.

Melasma Treatment in Dubai

Melasma treatment in Dubai cannot be resolved in a single visit. It requires several visits, and a combination of therapies is recommended at the end of your diagnosis to determine the melasma skin condition. Some effective treatments available in Dubai for treating melasma are listed below,

• Sun Protection (The First Step)
• Topical Treatments
• Chemical Peels
• Laser Therapy
• Microneedling with PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)
• Oral Medications

Sun Protection (The First Step)

• Always wear broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 50+) every day, even indoors.
• Use wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and scarves when going out.
• Stay away from the sun during its peak hours (10 AM – 4 PM).

Topical Treatments

• Hydroquinone: A skin-lightening agent that reduces dark patches.
• Tretinoin & Retinoids: Help speed up skin cell turnover.
• Kojic Acid & Azelaic Acid: Natural skin-brightening agents.
• Vitamin C Serums: Reduce oxidative stress and brighten the skin.

Chemical Peels

• Mild chemical peels with glycolic, salicylic, or lactic acid can exfoliate the skin and reduce pigmentation.
• Deeper (TCA peels) may be needed for severe cases but require professional supervision.

Laser Therapy

• Q-switched lasers and fractional lasers help break down excess pigmentation.
• Dubai has several dermatology clinics offering PicoSure and Fraxel laser treatments, which are safe for darker skin tones.

Microneedling with PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)

• Microneedling helps stimulate collagen production and reduce pigmentation.
• PRP enhances the healing process and brightens the skin naturally.

Oral Medications

• In some cases, oral tranexamic acid is prescribed to block melanin production.

Benefits of Melasma Treatment in Dubai

Dubai is home to some of the best dermatologists and advanced skin clinics. Also, there are a lot of melasma-treating specialists in Dubai. Here are some of the reasons for seeking treatment in Dubai. 

Access to Advanced Technology

Dubai’s dermatology clinics offer cutting-edge treatments like PicoSure laser, Q-switched lasers, and PRP therapy, which provide faster and safer results.

Customized Treatment for Different Skin Types

Skin Specialists in Dubai have experience treating diverse ethnic backgrounds and skin tones. This helps in ensuring personalized treatments that minimize side effects.

Professional Supervision

Melasma is a complex condition. So, self-treating with over-the-counter products can worsen pigmentation. Dermatologists provide tailored treatment plans to prevent further damage.

Wide Range of Treatment Options

Whether you prefer topical treatments, chemical peels, or laser therapy, all are available in Dubai. So, there are a variety of options tailored to individual skin needs.

Faster Recovery and Visible Results

Most patients see a noticeable improvement with professional treatments within 3-6 months.

Preventing Melasma Recurrence

Melasma is a chronic condition. That means it can come back if not appropriately managed. Here are some long-term prevention tips,

• Always apply SPF 50+ sunscreen and reapply every 2 hours.
• Use gentle skincare products that do not irritate the skin.
• Avoid heat exposure, including saunas and steam rooms.
• Follow a dermatologist’s recommended skincare routine.
• Eat a healthy diet of antioxidants (fruits, vegetables, and vitamin C-rich foods).

Takeaway

Melasma is a frustrating skin condition, but you need not worry about it as it is treatable. Living in Dubai’s sunny climate requires extra skincare precautions to prevent and manage melasma effectively. If you are getting dark discoloration on the face, consult a skin specialist to plan your tailored treatment plan. The condition can be resolved with straightforward skin protection, a treatment plan, and a skin specialist In Dubai.

Contact Oris Dental Center Skin Specialist to eliminate the melasma condition and achieve clearer skin.

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