Melasma is a common skin disorder that mostly affects young women with olive or brownish skin tone. It is characterized by brown and bluish-grey patches on the face, mostly appearing on nose, cheeks, upper lips and forehead.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), over six million people in the United States are afflicted by melasma. The study further concludes that 90 percent of those affected by melasma are women while the remaining 10 percent are men. This condition is often associated with Ultraviolet rays of sun, but a latest study has revealed that female hormones estrogen and progesterone are also responsible for the appearance of melasma marks. It is also common in pregnant women and this condition is called cholasma or (mask of pregnancy).
Estrogen supplements and oral contraceptives (birth control pills) are also common triggers of melasma. Women on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) also often end up with skin pigmentation on face. Though these brown patches are not harmful, they do not look aesthetically good. Melasma caused by hormonal changes usually goes away at its own once the hormones are normal. For example, melasma caused by pregnancy generally fades away within a few months after delivery. However, if your melasma has not gone away after months and you feel it is spreading, it is probably time to see a dermatologist and get the condition properly treated.
Fortunately, there are numerous treatment options available to help you improve the appearance of these unsightly brown patches, but the most effective of them all is Laser Photo rejuvenation. It is latest advancement in laser technology which uses Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) instead of an ordinary laser beam to break down clustered melanin. Some other treatments include Microdermabrasion, chemical peels, Nd-YAG and Ruby Lasers.
However, it is pertinent to mention here that there is no magic therapy that could help you get rid of melasma marks overnight. Here are some additional tips that you can use to speed up effects of your Melasma treatment:
· Prevent further skin discoloration by applying a broad spectrum sunscreen, with Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 45 or above. Apply sunscreen at least 15 to 20 minutes before going out in sun and reapply it after every 2 to 3 hours.
· Even if you have applied sunscreen, it is recommended to physically prevent sun exposure by wearing a wide-brimmed hat or taking an umbrella when going out in sun during peak hours (between 10am and 4pm).
· Consult your dermatologist before trying any DIY remedies for melasma. Some at-home remedies as well as over the counter ointments and serums contain chemicals that may irritate your skin and make the condition even worse.
· If you are getting a chemical peel, do not peel your skin manually, this can further worsen the condition. Laser treatment may also cause your skin to peel off, follow the same rule; never pick at the scab. To avoid irritation caused by dry skin keep your skin moist as much you can.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), over six million people in the United States are afflicted by melasma. The study further concludes that 90 percent of those affected by melasma are women while the remaining 10 percent are men. This condition is often associated with Ultraviolet rays of sun, but a latest study has revealed that female hormones estrogen and progesterone are also responsible for the appearance of melasma marks. It is also common in pregnant women and this condition is called cholasma or (mask of pregnancy).
Estrogen supplements and oral contraceptives (birth control pills) are also common triggers of melasma. Women on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) also often end up with skin pigmentation on face. Though these brown patches are not harmful, they do not look aesthetically good. Melasma caused by hormonal changes usually goes away at its own once the hormones are normal. For example, melasma caused by pregnancy generally fades away within a few months after delivery. However, if your melasma has not gone away after months and you feel it is spreading, it is probably time to see a dermatologist and get the condition properly treated.
Fortunately, there are numerous treatment options available to help you improve the appearance of these unsightly brown patches, but the most effective of them all is Laser Photo rejuvenation. It is latest advancement in laser technology which uses Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) instead of an ordinary laser beam to break down clustered melanin. Some other treatments include Microdermabrasion, chemical peels, Nd-YAG and Ruby Lasers.
However, it is pertinent to mention here that there is no magic therapy that could help you get rid of melasma marks overnight. Here are some additional tips that you can use to speed up effects of your Melasma treatment:
· Prevent further skin discoloration by applying a broad spectrum sunscreen, with Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 45 or above. Apply sunscreen at least 15 to 20 minutes before going out in sun and reapply it after every 2 to 3 hours.
· Even if you have applied sunscreen, it is recommended to physically prevent sun exposure by wearing a wide-brimmed hat or taking an umbrella when going out in sun during peak hours (between 10am and 4pm).
· Consult your dermatologist before trying any DIY remedies for melasma. Some at-home remedies as well as over the counter ointments and serums contain chemicals that may irritate your skin and make the condition even worse.
· If you are getting a chemical peel, do not peel your skin manually, this can further worsen the condition. Laser treatment may also cause your skin to peel off, follow the same rule; never pick at the scab. To avoid irritation caused by dry skin keep your skin moist as much you can.