By Ava Malkin
If you recognize patches and spots of skin darker than your natural skin tone, you may be experiencing melasma.
And you are not alone. Between 1.5% and 33% of the population may face melasma concerns. [1]
At SKNV, we understand melasma, and we offer customized topical medications to address the skin condition.
But, what is melasma, exactly? What are its causes, populations at risk, medications and treatment methods, and frequently asked questions? To provide field insights, we also spoke with our expert consultant, Richard Cocchi, about SKNV’s melasma medications in practice.
Melasma is a skin condition often referred to as the “mask of pregnancy.” Melasma appears as a series of discolored patches, causing the skin to appear a brown or grey-brown tone.
These freckle-like spots often appear on the skin of the face, particularly the nose, cheeks, upper lip area, chin, and forehead, but they also can occur on the arms, neck, or back. Melasma patches often worsen or darken during the summer months.
Melasma is a benign condition that is not a type or indicator of skin cancer. Melasma is not painful or itchy, nor is it contagious.
There are three main types of melasma.
Epidermal melasma: This type of melasma is characterized by dark brown patches with clear margins; it responds well to treatment.
Dermal melasma: This type of melasma is characterized by light brown or blue patches with blurry margins; it is more resistant to treatment
Mixed melasma: This is the most common type of melasma, and it is characterized by a combination of brown and blue patches.
Melasma occurs when skin cells called melanocytes produce melanin, a dark pigment. This excess pigment can create areas of darker skin in response to light or heat.
Common melasma triggers include:
Hormones: Melasma is common among pregnant women and women who are taking birth control pills.
Sun Exposure & UV rays: Direct exposure to ultraviolet radiation via the sun and tanning beds can stimulate melanocytes to produce excess pigment characteristic of melasma.
Genetics: Around 50% of individuals with melasma report a family history of the skin disorder.
Thyroid Disease: Individuals with melasma experience a four-fold increase in thyroid disease.
Medications: Some medications, including antiseizure and phototoxic drugs, are believed to make melasma worse.
Cosmetics: Certain makeup, skincare, and soaps can worsen melasma.
SKNV comprehends the causes that might trigger melasma, and we offer tailored medications dedicated to targeting the skin concern, no matter its origins.
There are particular populations in which melasma is more common.
Women are more likely to develop melasma. In fact, females encompass 90% of melasma patients [2].
Dubbed the “mask of pregnancy,” melasma appears most often in reproductive years, and up to 50% of pregnant women experience melasma patches [3]. It is believed that this prevalence among pregnant females is caused by hormonal changes, particularly increases in levels of estrogen and progesterone hormones.
Because of these hormonal causes, those taking oral contraceptive pills are also more at risk of triggering melasma.
While individuals of any ethnicity can experience melasma, the skin condition is more common among those with darker skin tones. In fact, one of the most common reasons that people with darker skin tones see a dermatologist is to diagnose melasma and seek treatment for melasma. [3]
Also, because direct sun exposure and other forms of ultraviolet radiation stimulate melanin production, those who do not properly protect their skin with shields like broad spectrum sunscreen are more susceptible to developing melasma. Sun protection works to prevent individuals from triggering melasma, especially in sun exposed areas like the cheeks, upper lip, and forehead.
The goal of medications targeting melasma has two main facets:
Decrease pigment production in the skin
Even out the skin tone
Addressing melasma often begins with topical medications as the first line of defense. Some commonly prescribed agents for lightening melasma patches include:
Hydroquinone: This active ingredient is used to lighten dark patches of skin and even out skin tone. [1]
Hydrocortisone: This topical corticosteroid helps to fade the color caused by melasma. [1]
Tretinoin: This retinoid is considered an anti-inflammatory, which can work to counteract skin irritation and to even out skin tone. [1]
Triamcinolone Acetonide: This topical corticosteroid aims to reduce the appearance of melasma spots and hyperpigmentation. [4]
SKNV’s topical medications employ some of these ingredients to begin addressing melasma concerns.
At SKNV, we recognize that melasma is a complex skin condition that requires customized remedies. We know that with skin conditions like melasma, branded and generics are not one-size-fits-all. So, we offer a variety of melasma formulations dedicated to targeting the skin concern. Whether you are dealing with epidermal melasma, dermal melasma, or mixed melasma, SKNV offers personalized topical medications manufactured in our U.S. FDA-Registered 503B Outsourcing Facility that aim to begin your healthy skin journey. Your prescriber will determine which SKNV medication will make a clinical difference for you.
At SKNV, we have 24 different medication formulations dedicated to addressing melasma. Using various potencies of active ingredients like hydroquinone, tretinoin, triamcinolone acetonide, hydrocortisone, and niacinamide, SKNV’s emulsions and cream work to make a clinical difference, as determined by each prescriber, for certain patients with sensitive skin.
We offer melasma medication options that are formulated without certain inactive ingredient(s) that could be potential allergens or irritants for certain patients, as determined by the patient’s prescriber. Many formulations aim to eliminate ingredients like trolamine, benzyl alcohol, alcohol, methylparaben, isopropyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, propylene glycol, and mineral oil.
We also aim to combine active ingredients, like hydroquinone, tretinoin, and triamcinolone acetonide, into one medication. We also add inactive ingredients, such as kojic acid, upon providers’ request.
SKNV aims to ensure that your melasma journey is simple and accessible.
To access our topical melasma medications formulated for your skin’s unique needs:
Ask your provider about SKNV medication and discuss which formulation is best for your skin. You can also view the list of our melasma medications.
Your provider can find our melasma Rx through their Electronic Medical Records (EMRs).
Providers can prescribe the medication directly from their office, and you can leave with your Rx in hand.
OR
You can receive your Rx at home with free shipping.
Richard Cocchi is a SKNV expert consultant who creates partnerships with practices in Long Island, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and the Bronx. He has been working in healthcare his entire professional career, and he began with SKNV in February.
“From my time in the space, I had become familiar with SKNV,” Cocchi explained. “But it wasn’t until my early conversations with different team members that I had a better understanding of what SKNV was doing in Dermatology, and I immediately knew I had to be a part of it!”
“Melasma is a condition that is prevalent in practices throughout my territory. Those who have looked to treat melasma patients have encountered few options and challenges due to the coverage issues many providers face when prescribing medications today,” Cocchi noted. “This is where SKNV has become a great partner to practices because we can aide in the treatment of patients based on their specific needs and not on what their insurance plans dictate.”
So, with the increasing quantity of melasma patients, especially following the summer, Cocchi helps his practices recognize the advantages of SKNV’s customized melasma medications in addressing these skin concerns.
Cocchi said that providers “are excited to know that SKNV can facilitate a customized treatment plan for each individual patient in a compliant, affordable way.”
But, how does Cocchi know that providers and patients appreciate SKNV medications? He hears from prescribers about positive patient experiences.
I have had many providers share success stories of patients that have suffered from melasma for years who have desperately tried to treat the issue,” Cocchi explained. “It’s very rewarding to hear that we are helping patients treat their concerns and feel better about their appearance.” [DISCLAIMER: Results may vary and are not guaranteed. Each patient may have a different experience with the medication. Please consult your physician.]
Not only does Cocchi appreciate hearing about SKNV’s medications and their ability to make a clinical difference in certain patients’ lives, as determined by each prescriber, but he also enjoys positioning our formulations so that providers and patients see the benefits of a SKNV partnership.
Beyond the fact that Cocchi has received such fulfilling feedback, he also fully understands the advantages of SKNV melasma medications.
“Providers are very receptive when I meet with them regarding SKNV’s melasma medications,” Cocchi said. “They love the variety of options for a tailored treatment plan, the ease of use of our platforms for both the office and the patient, as well as the affordability of a medication coming from an FDA-Registered 503B Outsourcing Facility.” I think the providers love most that we can accommodate sensitive skin. Because one size does not fit all, and the only thing to date that has ever remotely helped them was a one-size-fits-all formula,” Cocchi explained. “I think they love that we take varying active ingredients and we put it all into one. They love that because they’re not used to seeing something that has all of those types of active ingredients in one medication.”
Our “variety of options” of melasma medications largely revolves around our use of varied active ingredients, including hydroquinone, hydrocortisone, and tretinoin.
“The Melasma medications that I see prescribed most frequently are our Hydrocortisone/Hydroquinone/Tretinoin with Kojic Acid formulations. These are most popular amongst providers because they are able to prescribe multiple active pharmaceutical ingredients in one easy-to-use bottle,” Cocchi explained.
Our topical formulations, like the ones that Cocchi mentioned, are all manufactured with the patients in mind, aiming to target melasma while also addressing sensitivity, tone, texture, and a patient’s tolerance for certain patients, as determined by the prescriber.
Cocchi understands and emphasizes this appeal of SKNV’s offerings.
“What I find most appealing about our melasma medications is the number of options available to providers and their patients. That is really what resonated with me when I started at SKNV. Healthcare has adopted a one-size-fits-all approach, and each patient who walks into a dermatology office has their own specific needs. SKNV offers providers the ability to take that into consideration across multiple disease states, but especially for melasma patients.”
Not only is SKNV unique in its quality and multitude of customized formulations, but it is also accessible and convenient.
Whether the patients leave with their prescription in hand with our DIO method or receive it directly to their home via our DTP process, we ensure that accessing our medications and targeting melasma is simple.
Cocchi even explained that once patients complete their prescription, their melasma journey with SKNV does not have to end.
“It’s great that we have the ability to continue the patients’ care to maintain the progress they have made,” he said.
So, in Cocchi’s field experience, SKNV’s melasma topical medications receive positive reviews because of their ingredients, their variety, their convenience, and their adherence.
It is entirely normal to have questions and confusion about melasma, the use of topical medications, and the role/advantages of SKNV medications.
We compiled a list of some frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help alleviate some uncertainty.
While melasma may be distressing to a patient, it is not cancerous, painful, itchy, or contagious.
A medical professional will be able to officially diagnose melasma and prescribe SKNV’s melasma medications. The diagnosis process often involves a specialized device, such as a Wood’s lamp or a dermatoscope, being placed on the skin to assess the pigment creating the dark patches. [1]
The most effective ingredient in topical medications for melasma is hydroquinone, as it is widely considered the gold standard and is often used in various concentrations to inhibit melanin production. SKNV offers melasma emulsions with hydroquinone at various potencies, including formulations with hydroquinone 4%, hydroquinone 6%, and hydroquinone 8% depending on a provider’s professional opinion of a patient’s melasma needs.
While melasma cannot be completely and permanently cured, its appearance can be significantly reduced through targeted therapies and preventive measures.
Sun exposure can trigger melasma, but it is not the only cause of the skin disorder. Melasma lesions might also be caused by hormonal changes, genetic predisposition, thyroid disease, cosmetics, and medications.
While there is a correlation between thyroid disease and melasma, individual healthcare providers can diagnose thyroid disease and melasma independently.
No, there are other medical measures that a board-certified dermatologist may take to improve the treatment of melasma. This may include chemical peels, microneedling, laser/light treatments, or plasma injections. [1] Chemical peels often involve glycolic acid- or salicylic acid-based compounds to work as skin-lightening agents. [3] However, these treatment options present additional risks like scarring and hyperpigmentation, so each patient must consult their dermatologist about the best path for treating their melasma. There are also certain forms of oral treatments, like oral tranexamic acid, that work to decrease melasma spots from the inside.
No, SKNV’s medications are manufactured at our Florida FDA-Registered 503B Outsourcing Facility. Being an FDA-Registered 503B facility, we are able to produce medications in large batches under adherence to Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) requirements, strict FDA regulation, and state boards of pharmacy regulations. We also offer melasma medication options that are formulated without certain inactive ingredient(s) that could be potential allergens or irritants for certain patients, as determined by each prescriber. Your prescriber will determine which SKNV formulation will make a clinical difference for you. So, when you receive your melasma emulsion or cream, you can feel confident that your Rx underwent extensive testing and quality measures, and you know that the active ingredients, potencies, and vehicle are what your medical professional deemed to be effective for your skin.
