Melasma BLOG

Melasma is a common skin condition that is diagnosed by how it looks. Though it is not dangerous or painful, its appearance can be quite distressing for the person who has it.
is a common skin problem. It causes brown to grey-brown patches, usually on the face. Most people get it on their cheeks, bridge of their nose, forehead, chin, and above their upper lip. It also can appear on other parts of the body that get lots of sun, such as the forearms and neck.

Melasma is a common condition but so many facts about it are unknown.
Below are some facts designed to help you with this condition.

• 1. Lasers that are high intensity can make the melasma worse. By targeting the inflamed cells, they actually get more irritated and can cause the melasma to spread.
• 2. Melasma is treatable. There is a misconception that this condition can not be treated,however as there is no cause of the primary hyperpigmentation, many treatments can be effective. Improving your diet by consuming more Vitamin C seems to help.
• 3. Wearing sunscreen helps prevention. Melasma is caused by prolonged sunlight exposure so it is imperative to use a physical sunscreen. UV radiation also increases your risk of skin cancer so it best to avoid the sun at all costs. In my Clinic, we recommend the use of IMAGE ® Skincare Prevention Plus range or Heliocare.
• 4. Some skin products can cause melasma. Any product that can irritate the skin and create a burning sensation can also trigger melasma. Skin that is irritated is more prone to hyperpigmentation than normal skin. It is better to use less aggressive skin products.
• 5. Vitamin C seems to be the standard answer. Recent studies have shown that Vitamin C alone can improve abnormal pigmentation.