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Melasma: Treatment & Prevention

Introduction

Melasma is a common skin condition that can affect almost everyone at some point in their life. If you’re reading this, you probably don’t have melasma. However, if you know someone who does (or has), this article might help them feel better about their skin. Melasma is a hyperpigmentation (that’s why it’s sometimes called “mask of pregnancy”) that appears on the face, mostly to women after they’ve been exposed to sunlight or ultraviolet radiation while tanning themselves.

People with medium brown skin to darker skin tones are more likely to get melasma, especially in sunnier climates. Melasma is more common in women and manifests as brown patches on the face, most noticeably on the cheeks, nasal bridge, and forehead.

What is melasma?

The term “melasma” refers to a skin condition that causes brown spots on the face. It can also be called chloasma, but its most common name is melasma.
The skin discoloration known as melasma most often appears as brown or grey areas on the face. These areas are noticeably darker than the rest of your skin. Melasma is a skin disorder that manifests as brown or grey patches, most often on the face.

Melasma occurs more frequently in women than men—about 80 percent of people who have it are female.

What causes melasma?

Melasma is a skin condition that causes dark patches on your face. It’s most common in women and people of darker skin color.

Melasma can be caused by the sun, hormones (for example during pregnancy or menopause), certain medications like birth control pills, or even an inherited gene from your parents’ side of the family.

The good news is that there are treatments available for melasma—and they work!

Prevention

When it comes to preventing melasma, there are a few things you can do to help keep your skin looking its best. First and foremost, avoid sun exposure as much as possible: don’t get burned, and wear protective clothing like hats and sunglasses when outdoors. If you must go outside at all, use an SPF 30 or higher broad spectrum sunscreen with either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the primary active ingredient—this will block UV rays from reaching your skin while still allowing you some protection against them.

If you have sensitive skin that reacts poorly to sun exposure or find yourself getting frequent breakouts from too much time spent outdoors in general (think: hiking trips).

Treatment

Treatment of melasma depends on the severity and type of melasma.

Other skin brighteners:

  • Vitamin C
  • Alpha Arbutin
  • Kojic Acid
    These when applied to the skin, works to even out the skin tone.

Chemical peels: These are used to remove surface layers of your skin so that new cells grow in their place, restoring normal coloration and texture. They’re also effective at treating acne scars or wrinkles caused by aging (especially around eyes).

Is Melasma curable ?

There is currently no treatment for melasma, however there are a variety of treatment that may be used to control this condition.
Melasma has varying outcomes: it might clear up on its own, remain permanently, or react to treatment within a few months. As long as the affected area is kept out of direct sunlight, melasma will usually clear up on its own.

Sunscreen is the most important thing you can do to protect your skin from melasma and other issues.

One of the best ways to protect your skin against melanoma and other skin cancers is by using sunscreen every day. The FDA has approved a number of formulations that are effective at protecting against both UVA rays and UVB rays, so there’s no need for you to worry about what type of sunscreen you should use.

But if you’re not sure which kind would be best for your needs, here’s an overview:

  • Mineral-based sunscreen provides better coverage than those containing synthetic ingredients like oxybenzone or avobenzone (which may cause irritation). You can find these easily at any drugstore or beauty supply store—just look for brands like Neutrogena or Aveeno (and make sure they’re water resistant).
  • Choose broad-spectrum sunscreens over those specifically designed for acne prone skin types because they provide more protection against both UVA/UVB rays as well as SPF ratings of 30+

Find a mineral-based sunscreen, not one with harmful chemicals.

Mineral-based sunscreens are better for your skin and the environment. They have fewer chemicals and less irritation than chemical-based sunscreens, which makes them ideal for sensitive or acne-prone skin. If you’re looking to spend less on sunscreen, mineral-based products are an affordable option that won’t leave behind harmful ingredients in the environment.

Wear sunglasses or a hat to protect your eyes and face from the sun.

Wear sunglasses or a hat to protect your eyes and face from the sun.

Use a sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which block both UVA and UVB rays.

Avoid chemical-free sunscreens as they can be drying to skin, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Use a mineral-based sunscreen, not one with harmful chemicals that may be absorbed into the body through your eyes, nose and mouth when exposed to sunlight (known as phototoxicity).

Conclusion

If you have melasma, it’s important to think about what’s causing it and how you can treat it. Melasma is a common skin problem, but if you’re not careful, you can be left with permanent pigmentation on your face like this woman. If that happens, make sure to go get some help from a dermatologist who will be able to give you the right treatment for your situation.

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