Melasma

Treatments we offer for Melasma:

What is Melasma?

Melasma is a common skin condition causing brown to gray/brown patches that usually appear on the face. The cheeks, nose, forehead, chin, and upper lip are places where melasma is likely to form, but it also can develop on the forearms and neck. 

Most melasma occurs in women. Only 10% of those affected are men. People with darker skin tones, including those of Latin, Asian, Indian, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and North African descent, tend to have melasma more than others. People with skin of color have more active melanocytes than those with light skin, so they produce more pigment. This production increases when stimulated by light exposure or rising hormone levels. In fact, just a small amount of sun exposure is the main reason melasma returns after fading.

What causes Melasma?

The cause of melasma is still unknown, however, sun exposure is the most common cause for it to occur. People with a family history of melasma are more likely to develop this skin condition.  Pregnancy, birth control pills, cosmetics, hormone therapy, phototoxic drugs (make the skin more susceptible to light damage), antiseizure medication, and sun exposure often trigger melasma. In fact, melasma is so common during pregnancy that it is often called the "mask of pregnancy." Sun exposure can trigger melasma because the pigment–producing cells in the skin (melanocytes) are stimulated by ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun.

Will melasma fade on its own?

Sometimes melasma fades on its own. This is especially true after a pregnancy or when a woman stops taking birth control pills. If the melasma does not gradually fade or a woman wants to continue taking birth control pills, melasma can be treated.

How can I treat my melasma?

Depending on your skin type and condition, our dermatology team may prescribe a cream, chemical peel, a series of microdermabrasion treatments, fractional skin resurfacing laser or IPL to treat your melasma.  While these can be successful, these procedures should be performed under the direction of a dermatologist. Complications can occur when the procedure is not tailored to the patient's skin type. 

Along with your treatment, our dermatologists will recommend daily sunscreen and mineral-based makeup use. This is essential because even when it is cloudy outside, the sun's UV rays can penetrate the skin. When selecting a sunscreen for everyday use, look for one that offers broad–spectrum protection (protects against UVA and UVB rays) and has an SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 or more. Two ingredients that physically block the sun's rays are zinc oxide and titanium oxide. Mineral-based makeup contains titanium, a natural protector from the sun's harmful UV rays.  These products can be quite effective for protecting skin affected by melasma. Continuing to wear sunscreen and mineral-based makeup every day after the melasma clears can prevent it from returning.

When treating melasma, it also is important not to use products that irritate the skin. Any cosmetics (facial cleanser, cream, makeup, etc.) that irritate the skin may worsen melasma.

How long will it take for the melasma to fade?

It may take several months to see substantial improvement. It is important to carefully follow your dermatologist's directions during this time to ensure maximum benefit from the treatment. This also will help avoid skin irritation and other side effects. 

As you can see, treating melasma often requires a comprehensive and professional approach. Being under the care of a dermatologist helps many people achieve a successful outcome