Home » Complexion crisis: What is melasma and is there a way to treat it?

Complexion crisis: What is melasma and is there a way to treat it?

It doesn’t have to be forever

By Helen Wallace

06/03/18

Struggling with pigmentation? It could be melasma. This is a patchy brown discolouration of the skin that is common in women in the years before menopause kicks in, especially those who are pregnant or who have recently given birth. Not all women get it, and for those who do it is usually related to genetics, and affects the areas around the chin, cheeks and forehead. Sun exposure can also aggravate the issue and make the marks more pronounced.

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What is melasma? Melasma is a common skin problem. The condition causes dark, discolored patches on your skin. It’s also called chloasma, or the “mask of pregnancy,” when it occurs in pregnant women. The condition is much more common in women than men, though men can get it too. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, 90 percent of people who develop melasma are women. If you suffer from melasma or want to know about your options for skincare treatments for skin of color 🤳🏻 and schedule your next appointment. To see one of our skincare experts @drninadesai talk about great treatment options for melasma and skin of color just keep watching ⏪ Remember beautiful skin is an appointment away✨ • • • #melasma #melasmatreatment #darkskin #chemicalpeel #skinlightening #acnescars #skinofcolor #acnetreatment #skintone #brownspots #skinbrightening #darkspots #evenskintone #clearcomplexion #southbaydermatologist #manhattanbeach #manhattandermatology #whereyougotoglow

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Other than wearing a lot of sunscreen, there is, unfortunately, nothing that can be done to prevent melasma. In fact, while a good-quality SPF can help, it won’t prevent pigmentation altogether. This doesn’t mean, however, that if you develop this type of pigmentation you are destined to be stuck with it forever. Phew!

In many cases, particularly when melasma has developed as a result of pregnancy hormones, it should fade over the months after giving birth once hormones have returned to their base level. But what about severe pigmentation that is not necessarily hormone-related?

Bye Melasma!! Results afrer 1 treatment!! Dermamelan can be done any time of the year on all skin types 🙆‍♀️

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While the most effective way to treat melasma is by means of regular facial peels or laser treatments at a dermatologist, this is not within everyone’s budget. There are a lot of products available on the market that are geared at treating pigmentation, and the most revered ones contain glycolic acid.

This alpha-hydroxy acid is an exfoliant that is not only great for treating fine lines and wrinkles but, because it is so effective at sloughing off dead skin cells, can also help melasma to fade much faster. Limiting sun exposure, using an SPF with a high protection factor and investing in some trendy big hats to shade your skin will also help to speed up the process. With patience, some professional input, specific products and sun safety, you can bring an end to your pigmentation woes.

PHOTO: iStock/Manuel Faba Ortega