What is Melasma?
Melasma is also referred to as "pregnancy mask" and such a common pigmentation disorder that causes symmetrical, blotchy, brownish facial pigmentation. The pigmentation is due to your melanocytes (a type of skin cell) over producing melanin, which is responsible for giving skin its color.
Melasma is not just limited to women but very low percentage of male cases have been reported. The most common areas it's found is on bridge of nose, upper lip, forehead and cheeks. It may also be found on the body as well especially areas heavy exposed to sunlight.
Melasma has a lot of different causes and potential triggers
Hormones
This also includes any hormonal therapy medications such as birth control or hormone replacement therapy. Fluctuations in certain hormones can cause melasma and is why it commonly occurs in pregnant women. For some when hormones stabilize the melasma can fade but for others it won't. This could be after delivery or stopping use of birth control.
Sun Exposure
Is a huge contributing factor whatever the underlying cause. Melasma is very easily activated and worsened by not only the sun's rays, but also heat and visible light. This is why it worsens in summer months and improves during winter.
Although Melasma can't be completely cured, it can be controlled
Since a main trigger is sun exposure be very diligent about sun protection. Wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 or higher daily. Also add a vitamin C in the morning before applying your SPF. Using L- ascorbic acid or vitamin C on the skin can protect you even further from the sun. It’s a powerful antioxidant which means it helps to protect your skin from free radical damage.
We suggest iS Clinical Super serum it contains powerful botanical antioxidants and safe skin brighteners.
Hydroquinone
hydroquinone is a skin-lightening agent that works by blocking melanin from over producing. We would suggest Alumier MD Lightening Lotion. A lightweight lotion with hydroquinone and licorice root extract to brighten the complexion and reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation including brown spots and uneven skin tone.
Retinol
Retinol is a type of retinoid and is simply another name for vitamin A. Retinoids speed up the cell turn over process, stimulate collagen and elastin production, also fades hyperpigmentation. Alumier MD Retinol Resurfacing Serum a Cutting-edge microencapsulated retinol allows for gradual timed-release overnight. By encapsulating the retinol and adding soothing and hydrating ingredients like niacinamide, honey, and sodium hyaluronate, maximal results can be achieved in comfort.
Medical Procedures
If topical medications do not work, other treatments that are sometimes recommended for melasma include chemical peels, laser treatments, and skin microneedling.
Melasma doesn't present any health risks but it can affect ones self confidence. Let us give you that confidence back. Book a free consultation with us today so we can help you achieve flawless skin tomorrow. Call 226-750-8775 or book online.