Solutions & treatments
If you suffer from melasma, blue light protection is essential. New Photoderm M SPF50+ provides the highest blue light coverage on the market*. The combination of filters and pigments provides effective broad-spectrum protection that blocks out UV radiation, including blue light. Your hyperpigmentation is reduced, skin tone evens out and relapses are avoided.
Melasma is a symmetrical distribution of hyperpigmented skin across the face. Patches with blurry edges appear on both sides of the face, as well as on and under the nose, on the chin and across the forehead. They recede and relapse following time out of and in the sun, often in keeping with the seasons. And they may eventually become permanent, so that people who have melasma may feel disfigured.
A number of factors can affect the development of melasma. Hormones are known to play a role that hasn’t yet been fully understood. For example, melasma often appears among young women during pregnancy, which is why it can be referred to as ‘pregnancy mask’. But despite this name, 80% of cases happen before or after the pregnancy. Certain medications are known to provoke it. And there can also be a genetic predisposition.
While mainly women develop melasma, it can also affect men. It is more likely to occur in people with darker complexions, affecting in particular Asian and Hispanic populations. They also tend to develop it at a later age, in their mid-30s, compared to people with a fair complexion who can develop it slightly earlier1.
When skin is exposed to the sun, the UV rays stimulate an enzyme called tyrosinase. This travels to cells that are called melanocytes and that are responsible for producing melanin. The melanin they produce is what gives us our tan.
With melasma, melanin accumulates in pockets, producing the hyperpigmented areas that affect different parts of the face.
It was recently discovered that visible light, blue light in particular, can also cause pigmentation. Visible light has shorter wavelengths (400-500 nm) than red light or infrared light. It bypasses the tyrosinase enzyme and stimulates melanocyte activity directly. The result is more pronounced hyperpigmentation than UVB rays alone, which also tends to last longer – up to three months2.
When choosing a sunscreen, if you are only looking at the SPF , this mostly shows the protection against UVB rays. You should choose a sunscreen which also offers very good protection against UVA, which is responsible for skin ageing. And for people with melasma, high energy visible light, blue and violet light, has been demonstrated as responsible in part for the hyperpigmentation. So you require protection for your skin that includes UVA, UVB and especially visible light.
As a NAOS brand, BIODERMA considers the skin as part of an ecosystem where the skin and its environment interact with each other. In the case of melasma, Laboratoire BIODERMA collaborated with dermatologists to develop Photoderm M’s new formula, combining dermatological skin care with a highly effective sunscreen that provides skin with the means to protect itself. A selection of four filters part of BIODERMA’s SUN ACTIVE DEFENSE high technology protection. They are combined with a high concentration of pigments and active ingredient glabridin. The resulting sunscreen offers the greatest protection on the market3 against blue light. Reducing melasma relapses and evening out skin tone, it is also pleasant to use. Skin’s own defence mechanisms are boosted, ensuring lasting skin health.
Each of the ingredients in Photoderm M has been chosen specifically for the role it plays in protecting skin from sun damage over the short- and long-term. Acting as a broad spectrum sunblock, it also acts on the causes of hyperpigmentation, reducing melasma and melasma relapses.
As blue light is responsible for hyperpigmentation, Photoderm M offers the highest BLUE LIGHT PROTECTION to act on the causes of melasma. The formula contains a high concentration of pigments that protects against blue light damage. Depending on the colour, they block out between 61 and 66% of blue light, the highest rate on the market.
Photoderm M also contain the SUN ACTIVE DEFENSE high technology protection. Four specially selected UVA and UVB filters and a patented biological protection are providing SPF 50+, and also supports skin’s antioxidant defence and immune systems. Your skin is protected from short-term burning, melasma relapsing and longer-term risks of premature ageing and cancer.
The high concentration of pigments allow a high coverage without mask-effect. Available in light, golden or brown, there is a tint available for all phototypes.
Active ingredient glabridin is a natural extract from liquorice root. It inhibits tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for triggering melanin production. A reduction in melanin results in less hyperpigmentation and therefore melasma that is less present.
Tested for its effectiveness at reducing melasma, Photoderm M is also favoured among consumers for its non-sticky, non-greasy and pleasant texture. It is an easy sunscreen to wear all day, helping your skin to take care of itself within its environment.
Photoderm M reduces the Melasma Area Severity Index by 3.4
96% of patients agreed Photoderm M controls melasma4.
90% of patients using the product said their melasma has reduced during the study.4
97% of users feel better each day, thanks to high coverage of their hyperpigmentation5.
93% of users agreed that the product holds trough the day5.
Laboratoire BIODERMA has drawn on its formulation expertise to create a sunscreen that is pleasant to use and comfortable to wear. When your sunblock is something that is easy to apply, you are more likely to use it daily, ensuring better protection, less melasma, and lasting skin health.
The powdery gel-cream texture is lightweight and spreads easily
Suitable for sensitive and combination to oily skin. 8-hour matte finish.
Heat and humidity resistant. Suitable for all climates.
Doesn’t sting eyes
No perfume, for better tolerance
Respects freshwater and ocean environments