Learn about Melasma and Freckle Removal Procedures (+Causes, Differences, and Post-Procedure Care for Melasma and Freckles)
Source: Clipart Korea
When looking in the mirror, if you notice brown spots around your cheekbones or the bridge of your nose, it can be difficult to distinguish whether they are melasma or freckles. Although both melasma and freckles are pigment disorders related to melanin, there are differences in their causes and treatment methods.
Today, I will summarize everything from the reasons why melasma and freckles form, the differences between them, removal procedures, and post-procedure care methods!
1. Reasons why melasma and freckles occur
1) UV exposure
Both melasma and freckles are pigmentation disorders significantly affected by ultraviolet (UV) rays. It is said that when skin is exposed to UV rays, melanin production increases to protect the skin, and as this melanin accumulates in specific areas, melasma and freckles can develop.
2) Hormonal changes
It is said that melasma is closely related to hormonal changes. Hormonal fluctuations, such as pregnancy or the use of oral contraceptives, can affect the onset or worsening of melasma.
3) Genetic influence
Freckles can be genetically influenced, and it is said that small brown spots appear around the nose and cheeks from a young age, becoming darker with increased exposure to ultraviolet rays.
2. Differences between melasma and freckles
Melasma and freckles look similar, but it is said that there are differences in how they appear.
1) Form
- Melasma: Broad, irregular brown/grayish-brown spots
- Freckles: Several small brown dots distributed
2) Major parts
- Melasma: Cheekbones, forehead, nose, around the upper lip, etc.
- Freckles: Nose, both cheeks, cheekbones, etc.
3) Major causes
- Melasma: UV rays, hormones, genetic factors, etc.
- Freckles: Genetic influence, UV rays
4) Pigment location
- Melasma: Epidermal, dermal, or mixed type
- Freckles: Primarily pigmentation in a relatively shallow layer
3. Dermatological procedure for removing melasma and freckles
If you are concerned about melasma or freckles, you might consider dermatological procedures to remove them. It is said that if you are considering melasma or freckle removal, you can choose from the following procedures.
1) Pico Toning
Pico Toning is a procedure that uses picoseconds to break down pigment particles into smaller pieces, helping to improve widespread and faint pigmentation such as melasma or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
The event price for Maypure Pico Toning is 29,000 won per session, and it is said that you can receive the treatment for 9,000 won on your first visit.
👉Brighten dull skin! Check out Pico Toning details
2) Clarity blemishes
Clarity Blemish Treatment is said to be a procedure that uses a 755nm long-pulse laser to help manage small, distinct epidermal pigmented lesions such as freckles, epidermal blemishes, and flat lentigines.
The price for the Maypure Clarity blemish event is said to be 130,000 won per session.
👉 Improve clear and even skin tone! Check out Clarity Blemish Details
3) Collagen Toning
Collagen toning is said to be a procedure that delivers energy deep into the dermis without damaging the epidermis, helping to improve pigmentation disorders such as melasma, blemishes, and redness, as well as improving skin texture and pore care.
The price for the Maypure Collagen Toning first-visit event is said to be 40,000 won per session.
👉 Care for freckles and blemishes without skin irritation! Check out Collagen Toning details
4) Meladys
Meladuse is said to contain ingredients that make the skin white and bright, helping with whitening and improving blemishes, and helping to even out skin tone through its effect of reducing pigmentation.
The Maypure Meladuse event price is 120,000 won per session, and the first-visit event price is 89,000 won.
👉 Achieve bright and radiant skin! Check out Meladuse details
4. Care Instructions After Removing Melasma and Freckles
Since melasma and freckles are continuously affected by ultraviolet rays, the pigmentation can darken again if proper care is not taken after treatment, so it is said that consistent post-treatment care is important.
1) Use sunscreen consistently
Since ultraviolet rays are a major factor in worsening melasma and freckles, it is said to be important to apply plenty of sunscreen when going out.
👉 Check information on sun care products used in dermatology clinics
2) Do not forcibly remove the scab
After a pigment laser treatment, the treated area may temporarily appear darker or thin scabs may form. It is recommended to wait for the scabs to fall off naturally.
3) Moisturizing and Soothing Skin Care
It is said that it is important to apply a gentle moisturizer thoroughly after laser treatment, as the skin can become more sensitive and dry than usual.
👉 Check out information on moisturizing creams for smooth skin texture
4) Using whitening ampoules
Consistently using whitening products can also be helpful to prevent blemishes and freckles from darkening. The Meladuse Brightening Ampoule is said to contain functional whitening ingredients that help brighten dull skin tones.
👉 Check out information on whitening ampoules for clear and radiant skin
5. Q&A
1) Can melasma and freckles be removed with a single laser treatment?
Treatment varies depending on the type, depth, and extent of the pigmentation. In particular, melasma is often treated gradually to avoid excessive irritation to the skin, rather than removing it with high energy in a short period.
2) Can melasma and freckles appear darker after laser treatment?
It may appear temporarily darker. After some pigment lasers, the pigment may appear darker or a thin scab may form, which may then naturally fall off and fade.
Source: Clipart Korea
Although melasma and freckles appear to be similar brown pigments on the surface, they differ in their depth of location, causes, and treatment methods. Therefore, rather than simply removing the visible pigment, it is important to first determine whether the current pigmentation is melasma, freckles, or if other pigmentary disorders are present, and then select a treatment method tailored to the skin type and pigmentation depth.
I hope you refer to the freckle and age spot removal methods I shared today when planning your treatment!
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