Melasma: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention

Melasma is a common skin condition characterized by of brown or gray-brown patches on the face.  While it doesn’t cause or indicate any health concerns, for many the discoloration can affect their self-esteem.  The best way to manage your melasma is to learn about the causes and ways to prevent it from appearing.  For persistent melasma, there are safe and effective options for melasma treatment near me in Reston, VA.

What Causes Melasma?

Melasma is the result of overactive and excessive melanin in the skin. While we don’t know the exact cause, several things can trigger melasma on your face.

• Hormones: Hormonal fluctuations, often related to pregnancy, birth control pills, or hormone replacement therapy, can stimulate melanin production. For many women, melasma first appears during pregnancy and is known as a “pregnancy mask”.
• Sun Exposure: UV rays are a significant trigger for melasma. Spending time in the sun unprotected can increase the appearance of melasma.
• Genetics: A family history of melasma can increase your chances of melasma.  Melasma is also more common in women and people with medium to dark skin tones.

Melasma often appears on the cheeks, forehead, bridge of the notice, and upper lip.

What is the Best Treatment for Melasma?

While there are many over-the-counter products promising to minimize the appearance of melasma, they may not be effective or work as quickly as you would like.

For persistent melasma, your dermatologist may recommend melasma treatment near me that includes laser treatments.

• Pico Laser: Pico Laser for melasma treatment near me is a cutting-edge technology that delivers ultra-short laser pulses. It can break down pigmentation and stimulate collagen production. This treatment is effective for melasma and has minimal downtime and you can see results in as little as one treatment.
• Clear and Brilliant: Clear and Brilliant for melasma treatment is a gentle fractional laser treatment that can improve skin tone and texture, making it effective for melasma. It promotes the growth of healthy skin cells while reducing pigmentation. You may need several short sessions for optimal results.  Many patients experience a few days of redness and swelling following treatment.

While these innovative treatments for melasma are not a permanent cure, they can minimize the appearance of dark spots on your face caused by melasma.  And with both treatments, you’ll have the added benefit of seeing an overall improvement in the appearance of your skin.  Your dermatologist can make a recommendation on which option is best for you based on your specific skin concerns.

How to Prevent Melasma

If you’ve taken the steps to treat your melasma and improve the pigmentation of your skin, it’s crucial to ensure that you avoid triggers that can cause your melasma to return.

• Use sunscreen daily : Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF daily and wear a wide-brimmed hat that can shield your skin from harmful UV rays that trigger melasma.  It’s also a good idea to avoid sun exposure when the rays are the strongest in the afternoon.
• Hormone Management: If hormonal factors trigger your melasma, consider discussing alternative birth control methods or hormone replacement therapy with your doctor.
• Gentle Skincare: Use gentle skincare products and avoid abrasive exfoliation, as this can worsen melasma.  Your dermatologist can make recommendations for products that will keep your skin clear and healthy.

Laser Treatments for Melasma in Reston, VA

Melasma can be a challenging condition to treat, but understanding the causes, treatment options, and prevention are key to keeping your complexion clear and bright.

For melasma treatment near me in Reston, VA, call Integrated Dermatology of Reston.  Together we can develop a plan to address your melasma and give you renewed self-confidence and radiant skin!

Call our office at (703) 437-7744 to schedule your consultation!