Our skin is a window into our health. When it is healthy, it provides the impression of overall health and wellness. When it breaks out, it can cause feelings of insecurity, driving most to seek solutions to make it go away. 

Melasma is a common skin condition often triggered by UV radiation, hormones, and genetic predisposition. It appears as light brown, dark brown, or blue-gray flat or freckle-like spots on the skin and can appear on the nose, cheeks, forehead, chin, and upper lip. Melasma can also appear on the back, arms, and anywhere else exposed to the sun. More frequently occurring in women than men, melasma is more common in people with dark skin or who tan easily. As hormonal changes often trigger melasma, it typically shows up in people between the ages of 20-40. 

Mask of Pregnancy

Melasma is very common during pregnancy, affecting up to 50 percent of women due to increased progesterone and estrogen levels. It is so common that melasma is known as the “mask of pregnancy.” While melasma often lightens or goes away on its own, it can become more prominent after spending time in the sun. The darker color typically fades after the baby is born.

Treatment for Melasma

Most cases of melasma are considered chronic. This means that it can last three months or longer. Some people have melasma their entire life, while others have it for a short time, such as during pregnancy. 

Before treatment begins, it is essential to identify the cause. Because melasma is notoriously difficult to treat, various therapies may be most beneficial, including medications, sun protection, and skin rejuvenation treatments. 

At Amani MedSpa, we offer treatments for melasma such as laser therapy and chemical peels as well as skincare products, such as retinol, Cyspera, and vitamin C and E.

Neo by Aerolase is a non-ablative laser that penetrates down into the dermis to break up the epidermal pigment while simultaneously addressing deeper dermal melanin and vascular changes in the skin. A recent study showed as much as a 50% improvement in melasma in as little as three weeks.

Chemical Peels are a well-known treatment for melasma. Peels are resurfacing agents that cause gentle exfoliation of the epidermal melanin in the treated areas. This cell regeneration helps prevent melasma from returning.  

Don’t let feelings of insecurity keep you from feeling your best. If you have melasma and want to explore treatment options to help treat it, contact us to schedule a consultation with Dr. Brar today.