Melasma Treatment – What Works And What Doesn’t

If you’re like 6 million women in the US today, you’re probably looking for a Melasma Treatment. Well, in the following article I’m going to explain everything you need to know about Melasma, as well as all of your REAL treatment options.

Melasma

Melasma, also known as Chloasma, is a condition that affects more than 6 million women in the US today and it is estimated to affect 45-50 million women worldwide.  It is commonly known as the “mask of pregnancy” because of its tendency to affect pregnant women more often than others.

While the effects are not life threatening in any way, the brown, mottled appearance of melasma can be an unsightly hindrance to living a normal life.

Understanding what this condition is and what Melasma treatment is best is of vital importance for those who are suffering its effects (I know because I suffered from Melasma for years).

Melasma is most common in women who are experiencing some form of hormonal change or imbalance.  Pregnant women, women are taking oral contraceptives, women going through menopause, and those who may be undergoing hormonal replacement therapy are all likely candidates to suffer from this condition.

Genetics also play a factor, as those who have relatives who have been affected by melasma are more likely to become afflicted.  Women of Latin or Asian descent and those living in areas where they are subject to intense sunlight have higher rates of being affected.

Melasma is more common in those suffering from thyroid problems and can also rarely occur as an allergic reaction to certain types of cosmetics and medications.

What Is Melasma Exactly?

The symptoms show up as dark brown or tan patches of skin discoloration appearing on the face.

The most common areas are the upper cheeks, nose, lips, and forehead though any place on the face can be affected.

Some cases of Melasma have even been known to affect the upper neck or the forearms, though this is very rare.  The discoloration of the pigment can be either dermal (affecting the inner layers of skin), epidermal (affecting the outer layers), or a combination of both.

The exact causes of melasma are unknown, but it is generally believed that a combination of over-exposure to the sun mixed with external and internal hormone changes lead to the affliction.

Stimulation of the pigment producing cells in skin is caused by estrogen and progesterone, both of which become more prevalent in those who are subject to the main risk factors.

Increased and imbalanced levels of hormones are common in pregnant women and can be further influenced by contraceptives or other conditions, such as stress, which is known to elevate estrogen levels.

Obesity is also thought to be a contributing factor to Melasma and dieting is considered an effective Melasma treatment.  Diet can increase chances of the condition, especially meat such as cattle and poultry, which are frequently fed high levels of hormones in order to promote the growth of the animals.

Soy products are believed to influence estrogen levels as well, though this is somewhat debated.
Too much sun can also create more melanin in the skin, which will exacerbate and contribute to the condition.

Some medications are used as Melasma treatments, specifically those that raise hormone levels or those that cause the skin to become more sensitive to the sun, will increase chances of a Melasma onset.

Melasma Treatment

Treating Melasma is often not an easy process.  For some women, when the hormonal levels have returned to normal, such as after a pregnancy or when hormone affecting medications and therapies are no longer being used, the skin of a sufferer will gradually return to normal.

For other women, it may not.  Sometimes it requires an additional Melasma treatment or two to heal it.

Topical agents, such as skin lightening creams, will help to restore a balanced color.  Facial and chemical peels or dermal abrasion therapies, such as microdermabrasion, can remove the upper layers of skin and may be useful for treating epidermal discoloration.  In severe dermal cases, laser treatments can be used though this is frequently an expensive and sometimes painful process (and many dermatologists hesitate recommending laser surgery because it can make the melasma worse).
No matter what treatment is used, avoiding direct sunlight and using sunscreen at all times is essential to recovery.

Pregnant women should avoid getting Chloasma treatment until after giving birth, however, as there can be a possibility of harm to the fetus.

While melasma is certainly not a dangerous condition, it can affect daily living and self-confidence.

The best Melasma treatment is always avoidance, so those who feel they may be at risk should avoid sunlight and make sure to protect their facial skin whenever they go out.  If melasma sets in, then cosmetics can be a perfect way to deal with it until the condition passes or can be treated.