Raechele Cochran Gathers, MD If you’ve been noticing uneven, dark patches on your face that seem to get darker after being in the sun, you might be one of the millions of people that suffer from melasma. Melasma is a common disorder of the skin’s pigment, and it’s a frequent reason for women to visit the dermatologist. Let’s talk about what melasma is, and how you can safely treat it.
What is Melasma?
Melasma is a skin condition that causes brown discolored blotches on the face. These blotches form when the melanocytes (the cells that make melanin pigment) go into super high gear and start to produce too much melanin. The result is uneven dark blotches on the skin, most commonly on the upper cheeks, forehead, temple, jawline and above the upper lip.
Courtesy: DermNet New Zealand
Melasma doesn’t hurt or itch. In fact, melasma has no symptoms at all. Melasma is much more common in women than men, and also happens in women with skin of color more often that it does white women. Melasma is different from post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The dark patches of melasma don’t happen after a pimple or skin irritation. Instead, in melasma, the dark patches can seemingly come out of nowhere.
What Causes Melasma?
All the exact causes of melasma are not yet known. But we do know that sun exposure is a key factor in triggering melasma.
Melasma triggers include:
- Sun
- Pregnancy
- Hormonal contraceptives
- Hormone replacement therapy
- Some medications
- Blue light (computer and tv screens)
Sunscreen with iron oxide
Melasma Remedies
For some women, it can be difficult to get rid of melasma for good, but there are many different treatments that can help improve the skin discoloration of melasma. For those that are prone to melasma, they may have to resume treatment again when their melasma flares.
Sunscreens
Using the right sunscreen is the most important thing you can do to help get rid of melasma. When looking for a sunscreen, you should look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen. This means that the sunscreen blocks both UVA and UVB light. Look for sunscreens that contain physical blockers, like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. To help protect against blue light, look for a sunscreen that contains iron-oxide like Essential Defense Mineral Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 32.
Antioxidants
Vitamin C serums help fight free radicals and can help brighten the skin. Using one daily can help with managing melasma and help even out your skin tone. Paula’s Choice BOOST C15 Super Booster contains antioxidants vitamin c and ferulic acid.
Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone has been used for decades and is considered by many to be the most effective treatment for skin discoloration. Hydroquinone comes in both over-the-counter and prescription strengths. While hydroquinone can be very helpful in getting rid of melasma, it should be used with caution, as there can be side effects if it is not used correctly.
Non-Hydroquinone Skin Lighteners
Azelaic acid, tranexamic acid and Kojic acid are popular non-hydroquinone skin lighteners that can be used to treat melasma. These products work to reduce melanin pigment production. Both kojic acid and tranexamic acid can be found in La Roche-Posay Glycolic B5 Dark Spot Corrector. Paula’s Choice BOOST 10% Azelaic Acid Booster Cream contains both azelaic acid and salicylic acid, a gentle exfoliator.
For melasma that doesn’t respond to topical treatments, there are a number of other treatments that dermatologists can offer. There are prescription skin lightening compounds that can penetrate more deeply than those commonly found in over the counter remedies. There are also chemical peels and various laser treatments that can help lighten melasma patches.
*featured image courtesy atlasdermatologico.com
