Melasma
Your skin is one of the most durable yet delicate parts of your body. When our skin isn’t looking its best, it plays a part on our confidence. Getting to know your skin and being able to understand when something is off is very important. Melasma is a skin condition characterized by brown or blue-gray patches or freckle-like spots. It’s often called the “mask of pregnancy.” This problem happens because of overproduction of the cells that make the color of your skin. It is common, harmless and some treatments may help. Melasma usually fades after a few months. It typically lightens over time, often getting worse in the summer and better in the winter. At Allergy & Skin Spa, we offer treatments such as PicoFOCUS® Skin Rejuvenation, Cosmelan Peel, and topical treatment options to tackle this condition. Contact us to learn more!
What Are the Signs of Melasma?
As we get older, our bodies change both subtly and drastically. It is important to have a great skin care regime to continue the upkeep on our aging skin. We often can’t control how our body reacts to something, so when we do notice something out of the ordinary, we must take the necessary steps to make sure we have a handle on things. Melasma is a common skin disorder, loosely translated, the word means “black spot.” The brown or gray-brown patches characteristic of this issue appear most often on the cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin. In women, melasma often fades on its own after pregnancy or after an affected woman goes off birth control pills. If you have this skin issue you’re probably experiencing light brown, dark brown and/or blue-gray patches on your skin.
What Are The Causes of Melasma?
What causes melasma is not entirely clear. It likely occurs when the color-making cells in the skin (melanocytes) produce too much color. People with pigmented skin tones are more prone to melasma because they have more active melanocytes than people with less pigmentation. Radiation, whether ultraviolet, visible light, or infrared (heat) light, and hormones are believed to contribute to this condition. Ultraviolet and infrared radiation from the sun are key in making this issue worse. Other possible causes of melasma include:
- Medications
- Contraceptive therapy (birth control}
- Estrogen/Diethylstilbestrol
- Genetics
- LED Screens
- Pregnancy
- Hormones
- Makeup
- Tanning Beds
- Skincare products
How Do We Address This Condition?
This condition is stubborn but can fade on its own. This usually happens when a trigger, such as a pregnancy or birth control pills, causes the issue to occur. When a woman delivers her baby or stops taking birth control pills, this skin issue tends to go away. However, some people struggle with this problem for years, or even a lifetime. If you’re interested in a solution, we can provide you with our skin rejuvenation treatments as well as topical solutions. Our options are non-invasive and require little, if any downtime. If you’re interested in restoring the beauty of your skin, we welcome you to connect with Dr. Kia here at our Los Angeles office. Some of the treatments we use to combat melasma include:
Melasma Treatments in Los Angeles, CA
If you find your skin is starting to have slight discoloration, or you have questions regarding dark marks that are starting to appear, our team at Allergy & Skin Spa can help provide you with the information you are looking for. Each treatment at our practice is delivered with the greatest care and attention to minimize discomfort and maximize results. To get started, please fill out the form below or call our office at (310) 312-1231.