What is the current condition of your skin? Would you say that it is healthy & smooth, or is it showing some discoloration and pigmentation? Some people might have melasma, which is a common skin condition that causes brownish or grayish spots and marks on top of your skin. Have you noticed these somewhere on your face and neck? If so and if you want to know a bit more about melasma and how to treat this condition keep on reading as we explain all there’s to it down below.
Where Can Melasma Appear + Who Can Have It?
Most often melasma will appear on the bridge of the nose, your forehead, cheeks & upper chin. You won’t notice it right away since it will take some time for your skin to show the first signs. This is also a bit harder to detect on your body since you are not constantly paying attention to all the little details. Although both genders can have some form of melasma on top of their face (and in some cases their bodies) only 10% of men have this skin condition. Also, women with darker complexions and who are pregnant are at greater risk of developing melasma.
What Causes Melasma?
Doctors do not fully understand why melasma occurs and what can be its trigger. Some believe that it happens due to the malfunction of the melanocytes, which are the color-making cells. In most cases, here is what can trigger melasma:
- Changes in a woman’s body, especially if she is on birth control or is pregnant
- Heavy sun exposure
- Some skincare products
- Genetics
Can Some Foods Affect This State?
At this time no foods or drinks are known by experts to directly cause melasma. Each case is specific and a unique story that has its special requirements and needs. The only thing that doctors & skincare experts agree on is that you should eat healthy & clean foods with a lot of Vitamin D. You should aim for:
- Almond milk & eggs
- Meat & milk
- Oily fish & yogurt
- Vegetables & fruits
What Treatment Options Are There For Melasma?
Treatment is not always necessary for melasma, but proper maintenance and upkeep are. In case this has happened to you if you were on birth control or you’ve gotten pregnant – it is best for you to wait it out. If melasma does not fade over time, a person can seek treatment to help remove or fade the patches. It is still vital to get a treatment that suits you and works well for your skin condition, type, and your needs, so make sure that you talk to your doctor, dermatologist, or skin care specialist before doing something.
Top 3 Treatment Options
1. Hydroquinone
This is a lotion that you can apply directly to melasma to lighten the skin. This lotion is a common go-to initial and first step for treating melasma. This is available over-the-counter and can come in different gel or cream forms as well. With time and frequent use, this cream will lighten your discolored part.
PS: In some cases, hydroquinone, corticosteroids, and tretinoin can be used and combined all in one. These are called triple creams.
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2. Chemical peels
This step has to be done at a skincare specialist’s office and by someone who knows how to perform specialized treatments. A chemical peel does not hurt yet it can help your skin regenerate. Once done it will be a lot smoother and free of discoloration. It may take a couple of treatments to get your skin to look even and flawless, but the end result is not painful at all, which is an important factor to remember.
3. Medical treatments
If topical medications do not work your skin care specialist or dermatologist may recommend procedures such as microdermabrasion or laser treatment. However and in most cases, these are seen as a last resort. They can be pricey and somewhat uncomfortable rather than painful, which is why you should give it a go with proper treatment, face creams & a facial before turning to this method.
Say Bye-bye To Uneven Complexion!
If you’re ready to have the skin of your dreams and get rid of melasma patches make sure to book yourself a session with Dr. Glow Getter. Their team of skincare specialists will customize their approach per your skin type, age & your needs, so give them a call and see for yourself.
