Skin pigmentation disorders may not be a health threat, but they certainly can be devastating to self-esteem. The brown and grey skin patches of melasma are a common example. If you have this type of pigmentation on the face, you will be pleased to learn that effective treatment is as close as Westlake, Middleburg Heights, and Lorain, Ohio. The skilled and expert-led team at Associates in Dermatology utilizes the latest medical and laser techniques to achieve even skin tone safely and effectively.
What is melasma, and what causes it to develop?
Our board-certified dermatologists best describe melasma as a malfunction of cells that give skin its color. Because darker complexions have more melanocytes, people with richly pigmented skin are likelier to develop melasma than light-skinned individuals.
What can cause melasma to develop in one individual and not another?
The condition can be triggered by hormonal fluctuations caused by birth control pills, hormone treatments, or getting pregnant. In fact, melasma is often referred to as “the mask of pregnancy.” Sun exposure and irritating skincare products can worsen melasma once it occurs.
Does melasma hurt?
There is no discomfort associated with this pigmentation. However, melasma on the forehead, cheeks, nose, and upper lip can be quite noticeable and difficult to conceal with makeup.
Can IPL treatment be used to treat melasma in patients from Ohio?
The skilled team at Associates in Dermatology utilizes the latest medical techniques to achieve even skin tone safely and effectively. This includes IPL, or “intense pulsed light” treatment. This particular treatment uses a special light-based device that penetrates the skin and improves it from the inside out. IPL treatment is not for everyone, so an initial evaluation and consultation appointment with our team at Associates in Dermatology is the first step you can take towards relief from melasma’s appearance on the skin.
What are some other treatment options for addressing melasma?
Melasma may also be improved with a combination of topical prescription medications or with dermatology procedures such as:
- Microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasion is a treatment performed by our providers that uses a special tool to gently exfoliate the top layer of skin, revealing new and healthier skin underneath. This can help reduce the appearance of melasma by removing excess pigmentation.
- Chemical peels. Chemical peels are another option for treating melasma. They use a chemical solution to remove the outer layers of skin, allowing new skin to grow in its place. This can help improve the appearance of melasma by reducing excess pigmentation.
- Laser therapy. Laser therapy is a non-invasive procedure that uses light energy to target and break up pigment cells in the skin. This can help reduce the appearance of melasma and even out skin tone.
- Microneedling. With microneedling, tiny needles are used to create microscopic channels in the skin, promoting collagen production and facilitating the absorption of topical treatments. This can help improve the appearance of melasma by encouraging new, healthy skin growth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Melasma
What is melasma?
Our board-certified dermatologists at Associates in Dermatology describe melasma as a common skin condition that develops dark, discolored patches on the skin, usually on the face. It’s sometimes called the “mask of pregnancy” because it often affects pregnant women. Melasma doesn’t hurt or itch; it is strictly a cosmetic concern for most patients.
What causes melasma?
Melasma is triggered by various factors, including hormones, sun exposure, and genetics. If your skin is prone to it, that sunny beach day might be the reason those spots appear uninvited. Changes in hormones can also be a trigger, meaning pregnancy and menopause can also result in the development of melasma on the skin.
Who gets melasma?
Melasma does not discriminate, though it is more common in women and others with darker skin tones. It often appears during hormonal shifts like pregnancy or while taking birth control pills, making it extra common for women of childbearing age.
Can melasma fade on its own?
Sometimes, it can. Hormonal melasma, like the kind caused by pregnancy, often fades after hormone levels return to normal. But if it’s sticking around, there are treatments to help lessen its appearance and reduce its visibility on the skin.
Can I prevent melasma?
Yes! Sunscreen is your best friend. Rain or shine, use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen daily. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and avoid being outdoors when the sun is strongest. Staying sun-smart is key to keeping melasma at bay. For our patients who have hormonal melasma, there is no prevention, but treatments can keep it at bay.
How is melasma treated?
There are many options for treating melasma, from brightening creams to chemical peels and laser treatments. One of our board-certified medical dermatologists at Associates in Dermatology can help you find the best plan for your skin. Just remember, patience is of great importance, as most melasma treatments can take time to show results.
Who can I reach in the Ohio area to discuss this and other common skin concerns?
If you are seeking a professional who can evaluate your skin’s current needs and make expert-led treatment recommendations, we invite you to connect with the team at Associates in Dermatology to request more information and schedule a consultation visit. We have three office locations in Westlake ((440) 482-8323), Middleburg Heights ([phon2]), and Lorain ((440) 482-8363), Ohio, and look forward to meeting you!
Who can I contact near Westlake, Middleburg Heights, and Lorain, Ohio, to learn more about melasma diagnosis and treatment?
Give yourself the confidence of a radiant, even skin tone. Call today to schedule a consultation at Associates in Dermatology at one of our three convenient office locations in Lorain ((440) 482-8363), Middleburg Heights ((440) 482-8424), and Westlake ((440) 482-8323), Ohio. We look forward to working with patients in and around the community seeking top-rated specialists for personalized and affordable dermatological care.
