Melasma is a skin condition that results in dark, discolored patches on the face. It affects people of all skin types but is most common in women with dark or olive skin tones. If you are suffering from Melasma, you may wonder about your treatment options.
Today, Mirror Mirror Aesthetic and Wellness will explore what melasma treatment is and how you can regain the confidence to enjoy a clear complexion. Let’s dig into this blog post here!
What is Melasma?
Melasma is a common problem with the skin. In most cases, people refer to it as a black spot. If you have Melasma, your skin may have light brown, dark brown, or blue-gray patches.
They can look like flat spots or spots that look like freckles. Face areas like the cheeks, upper lip, and forehead, as well as the forearms, are often affected. Most people know Melasma as a mask of pregnancy because it often happens to pregnant women.
It usually gets darker and lighter over time and gets worse in the summer and better in the winter. Even though this disorder is harmless, it makes some people feel self-conscious, which is understandable.
So, why does it happen, and where does it happen most of the time? Let’s check out further details below.
Causes of Melasma
Most of the time, Melasma shows up on the cheeks, nose, chin, area above the upper lip, and forehead. It can happen in your arms, neck, or back. Melasma can occur on any part of your skin that gets a lot of sun.
Because of this, most people with Melasma find that their symptoms worsen in the summer. Melasma also happens when the cells in the skin that make color make too much color.
Though it can happen to anyone, young women are more likely to get it. The hormones estrogen and progesterone are often linked to the condition. Other than that, Melasma is more likely to happen to you if you are a woman who:
- Uses pills to stop pregnancy.
- Took hormone replacement therapy
- Live in tropical climates
- Is pregnant
Diagnosing Melasma
By looking at your skin, your doctor can tell if you have Melasma. They may use a unique lamp that shines ultraviolet light for a closer look at your skin. In rare cases, your doctor may want to take a small piece of your skin (biopsy) to ensure that the brown patches are Melasma.
Melasma Treatment
Most people with Melasma don’t need treatment. If you stop taking birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy, your Melasma may go away slowly. If you got Melasma while pregnant, it might disappear after a few months.
But in cases where you are most concerned about your skin, you can seek expert help to solve your worries. Here at Mirror Mirror Medical Aesthetics & Wellness, we use the Sylfirm-X to help treat Melasma. The procedure is meant to fix the broken blood vessels that make the skin look darker.
With the help of our doctors and staff, you can safely treat your skin to its fresher and younger look way better.
Other Ways
You can treat Melasma with creams that mix hydroquinone with kojic acid, azelaic acid, tretinoin, corticosteroids, or glycolic acid. Sometimes, your doctor may suggest a chemical peel, microdermabrasion, or laser resurfacing treatment to help lighten the dark patches.
Still, it would be best to consult a dermatologist for the most effective and safe treatment plan.
How Melasma Treatment Works For Your Skin
Melasma treatment can significantly improve the appearance of skin affected by the condition. It helps to lighten dark patches and even out skin tone. Topical creams and peels can effectively reduce the production of melanin, which is responsible for the discoloration seen in Melasma.
Sunscreen use and avoiding triggers such as sun exposure can also prevent the worsening of the condition and protect the skin from further damage. In addition to improving the appearance of the skin, melasma treatment can also boost a person’s confidence and self-esteem.
Clear, even-toned skin can significantly improve a person’s self-image and overall quality of life. With the right combination of treatments and preventative measures, Melasma can be effectively managed, making people feel more comfortable and confident in their skin.
Is Melasma Treatment Safe?
Melasma treatments can be safe when performed by a licensed professional and used as directed. However, some treatments may cause side effects such as skin irritation, redness, and peeling.
It is essential to follow all instructions the dermatologist provides and avoid overuse or misuse of topical products. Some treatments, such as laser therapy, may also risk complications if not performed by a qualified professional.
As we always say, consult a dermatologist to determine the best and safest treatment plan for individual needs and skin type. Before recommending them, they will consider factors such as skin type, health history, and any medications. Regular follow-up appointments may also be necessary to monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan.
Can You Avoid Having Melasma?
People who are more likely to get Melasma because of their genes, skin color, hormones, or amount of sun exposure can’t entirely avoid getting it yet. But the best solution is to avoid direct sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Experts also advised that using sunscreens with a high SPF and avoiding hormonal medications when possible may help prevent melasma flares and make it less likely that they will come back after treatment. Again, Melasma is best treated by staying out of the sun as much as possible.
Maintenance For Continous Treatment
Melasma spots will improve, but you will still need strict sun protection and maintenance therapy. Some doctors may prefer to use retinoids with other skin lighteners besides hydroquinone to keep the results going, and hydroquinone therapy can be used when required.
Results may also vary from patient to patient, so talking one-on-one with your doctor will help solve your worries.
Book Your Melasma Treatment Today
Be sure to consult before anything worse happen! Contact us at Mirror Mirror Aesthetic and Wellness at (520) 689-6809 or book an appointment on our site. You can also drop by our clinic address at Orange Grove Rd Tucson, AZ 85704, so we can talk about a better plan for you and your skin. See you around!
