Melasma – Causes And Prevention Options

Melasma is a pigmentation disorder that may manifest in brown or gray patches on your skin. It often appears on the cheeks, forehead, bridge of the nose, or upper lip. However, it may appear on any other body parts that are exposed to sunlight. According to research done by the American Academy of Dermatology, 90% of melasma occurs in women. If you have melasma in Glen Allen, keep reading to learn more about the disease.

What Are The Causes Of Melasma?

The main cause of melasma is not clear. However, doctors think that it may be a result of malfunctioning melanocytes in the skin. The color-making cells may be producing more color than usual. Therefore, people with a darker complexion are more likely to get melasma than those with lighter skin. However, certain factors may trigger the disorder. They include:

• Prolonged exposure to the sun
• The use of harsh skin care products
• Hormonal changes (especially during pregnancy)

Preventing Melasma

There is no permanent treatment for melasma. However, prevention is possible. Maintenance therapy is the only way to ensure that the melasma doesn’t come back. Some of the most effective prevention techniques include:

Using Sunscreen

Wear sunscreen every day before leaving your house. Ideally, your sunscreen SPF should have a strength of at least 30. Sunlight is a major trigger for melasma.

Gentle Skin Care

Pick your skincare products carefully. If they irritate or burn your skin, they are likely to cause melasma.

Broad-Brimmed Hats

Wear broad-brimmed hats whenever you are going out. They keep harsh sun rays away from your face. Consider wearing a pair of protective sunglasses to keep the sensitive skin around your eyes safe. Sunglasses with metal rims are bad for you. They attract heat and make melasma worse.

Don’t Wax

Waxing causes skin inflammation which could worsen the symptoms of melasma. Do not wax if you already struggle with the disorder.

Using Pigment Blockers

If you have hyper-pigmented areas on your skin, consider applying a skin-lightening product to fade it. Apply the product to your entire face rather than just the affected spots. You don’t need a prescription for such products.

Use Retinol

Retinol is great for treating most skin problems, and melasma is just one of them. It is great because of its exfoliating properties. It promotes cell turnover and fades spots.

Even with all the preventive tips in mind, it is not always possible to keep melasma away.

In conclusion, melasma is a common skin disorder that affects a lot of women. Even though it is difficult to prevent and treat, plenty of people with the disorder can have a good outcome. With the right treatment, you can start seeing results in just a few months.

Consider working with a good dermatologist to get the best results. Even though you can implement prevention tips, getting the advice of a certified dermatologist can be more helpful. You may need to continue getting the help of your dermatologist after the signs of melasma clear. Maintenance therapy helps you keep it away.