Evaluation of Melasma Treatment Effectiveness by Skin Biophysical Indices

Abstract

This article presents an assessment of the effectiveness of treatment of melasma according to the biophysical indicators of skin 176 patients who applied to the DIVA EFFECT private cosmetology clinic in Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan) in 2018–2020. The control group included 85 women without facial skin pigmentation. Criteria for inclusion in the study of patients: age 20–60 years, skin pigmentation for 1–12 years, residence in Kyrgyzstan, informed consent and consent to procedures for diagnosis, treatment. Amounts of sebum on skin surface, level of skin moisture and pigmentation, acid-alkaline balance of skin are determined. Despite the lack of sebum in all types of melasma, greater fat content was detected at 20–29 years old, including in the control group. The treatment helped to increase skin humidity, but with different intensities. Treatment slightly increased skin humidity, but only dry skin was characteristic of patients, both in the experimental and control groups. In patients of the control group, skin pH was from 4.1±0.5 to 4.8±0.5. The acid-alkaline balance of the skin in patients was mainly lower than normal, with the exception of the age group of 20–29 years, 30–39 years with dermal melasma. After treatment, the melanin content was within normal range at all types of melasma compared to the control group. The treatment performed reduced skin greasiness in epidermal and dermal type, acid-alkaline skin balance in dermal and mixed type. Melanin levels decreased and skin humidity increased slightly with all types.