What is Melasma?

Melasma is frequently referred to as choalasma or the “mask of pregnancy”. Melasma is described as hyperpigmentation of the skin stimulated by hormones in females. Frequently females will first notice this during their pregnancy due to the change in hormones. Sometimes the dark pigments on the face will fade after delivery however many times they will persist. Although it is most common seen during pregnancy, women who have never been pregnancy will also suffer from melasma. It appears that women with darker skin types will suffer the most from melasma.

Does sunlight affect melasma?

Exposure to sunlight will certainly make melasma worse. Sun protection is always recommended for women who do not want to worsen their melasma. Sun block will not prevent the melasma but it will lessen the pigmentation compared to someone who does not use any sun protection.

How do you treat melasma?

Melasma is one of the most difficult things to treat. It often requires time and patience. To lighten the melasma requires not only treatment at the physician’s office but frequently concurrent use of prescription topical medication at home. Treatment must not be rushed for melasma because sometimes this will result in more stimulation of the pigment, making your skin darker. During your consultation, the physician will formulate a specific treatment plan for your skin. This will depend on the severity of the melasma, your skin type, your previous treatments, your current medications, and if you have hyper-pigmentation due solely to hormones or if you have sun damage also. The skin type and skin color of the patient is very important when treating melasma. Females with darker skin (Asian, Hispanics) are at very high risk for melasma and they are also the hardest to treat. Here at Amaze Laser Skin Solutions, our physicians have extensive experience treating melasma in females of all skin types and skin color.