SomeSkin Clinic Questions: What Exactly Is Melasma?

[I:http://usbusinessedition.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/KerrieJones26.jpg]It can look intimidating, Melasma is a very common and solely cosmetic skin reaction that causes brown, abnormal areas about the neck & face.

Melasma is often prompted by a combination of lengthy periods of sun exposure and hormone fluctuations, which is why it is also known as “chloasma faciel,” and the “face of pregnancy.” With these 2 components simultaneously, melanin-developing cells (which are the cause of skin color) get into overdrive, making skin to appear more dark than it should in areas.

Alongside pregnancy and hereditary factors, Melasma might possibly be brought on by contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy, skin puffiness, waxing, thyroid problem, and excessive stress levels. Additionally, various prescribed medications like tetracycline and quinine may cause melanin production.

The simplest way to prevent Melasma, or keep it from getting worse, is to protect the skin from exposure to the sun. Keep out of the sun as much as possible, and if you must stay outside long, wear protective clothing and a hat, and be sure to use sun protection daily to prevent UV damage. For increased protection, find a sunblock that includes physical blockers like zinc dioxide and titanium dioxide, with an SPF of no less than 25.

For many pregnant women, Melasma can disappear on its own after giving birth. Other times it might persist for months, or even years, before disappearing.

Although there isn’t a known cure for Melasma, there are many ways to reduce the appearance of it by lightening the brown sections with time.

One of the most well liked techniques is to use a hydroquinone-based chemical peel, which, after application, can penetrate into the layers of the skin to reduce dark discoloration and prevent it from forming further.

Superficial peels containing alpha hydroxyacids or glycolic acid can also help, albeit with several additional treatments than a hydroquinone chemical peel would need. The upside is that superficial peels have a much faster recovery time. Both of these treatments are available over the counter.

Treatment sessions using a Fraxel laser or laser therapy can be a more serious and expensive option, but can provide better outcomes in some cases. Be sure to consult a qualified and knowledgeable laser technician for your laser session.

Cosmetic Laser MD is a medspa community of plastic surgeons, cosmetic dermatologists, and aesthetic physicians with more than 5,500 medical spa members world-wide. Medical Spa MD offers patients resources for melasma chemical peel and offers information on nonsurgical cosmetic medical technologies and treatments for skin clinic & laser clinic patients.