MELASMA
Melasma is a common skin issue that results in brown to gray-brown patches, typically on the face, often appearing on the cheeks, bridge of the nose, forehead, chin, and above the upper lip. It can also occur on sun-exposed areas like the forearms and neck.
Melasma affects women more frequently than men, with only 10% of cases occurring in men. Individuals with darker skin tones, including those of Latin/Hispanic, North African, African-American, Asian, Indian, Middle Eastern, or Mediterranean heritage, are at a higher risk. Those with a family history of melasma are also more susceptible to developing it.
The exact cause of melasma is not fully understood, but it is believed to occur when melanocytes, the color-producing cells in the skin, overproduce pigment. People with darker skin are more susceptible due to having more active melanocytes compared to those with lighter skin.
Common triggers for melasma include:
- Sun exposure: UV light from the sun stimulates melanocytes, with even minimal exposure causing melasma to resurface after fading. Summer sun exposure exacerbates melasma, leading to recurring episodes.
- Hormonal changes: Melasma commonly occurs in pregnant women, known as chloasma or the mask of pregnancy. Hormonal shifts from birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy can also induce melasma.
- Skincare products: Irritating products can worsen melasma
Treatments For Melasma
Our dermatologists suggest treatments and products that safely reduce excess pigment production for melasma, a persistent skin condition. In general, individuals with melasma are advised to steer clear of "hot" laser treatments unless they have been pre-treated with hydroquinone.
Enhance skin health by boosting the skin's collagen production. Microneedling is effective for diminishing acne scars, hyperpigmentation, stretch marks, skin texture issues, fine lines, wrinkles, and pore size.
This procedure is a minimally invasive way to rejuvenate the skin, reducing signs of aging and improving acne scars. Rejuvapen NXT creates numerous tiny channels in the dermis to stimulate the skin's natural collagen and elastin production, promoting healthier-looking skin. Rejuvapen needles can cycle at over 100 stamps per second, potentially generating more than 1600 microchannels per second as the pen moves.
Trichloroacetic (TCA) peels work by chemically exfoliating the skin, diminishing fine lines, hyperpigmentation, melasma, acne scars, and sun damage while enhancing skin texture. TCA breaks down keratin, a protein present in the skin, leading it to lose its normal function, lighten, and gradually peel off over a few days. These peels come in different strengths, ranging from light to medium, and can be tailored by adjusting the number of layers and pre-peel agents used. A light peel only affects the topmost layer of skin, the epidermis. Medium peels can penetrate below the papillary dermis and treat deeper damage. Your skin naturally sheds the damaged skin layers and unveils healthier and smoother skin underneath.
