Melasma is a skin discoloration that appears on sun-exposed areas of the face.
Causes and risk factors
Melasma is a very common skin disorder. Though it can affect anyone, young women with brownish skin tones are at greatest risk.
Melasma is often associated with the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. It is especially common in pregnant women, women who are taking birth control pills (oral contraceptives) and women taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) during menopause.
Sun exposure is also a strong risk factor for melasma.
A uniform brown color is usually seen over the cheeks, forehead, nose, or upper lip. It is most often symmetrical (matching on both sides of the face).
Treatment
Melasma is one of the most difficult conditions of the skin to treat. Dr. Salter-Lewis has a customized program that has helped many individuals be rid of their “brown mask” that has troubled them for so long. Her treatment plan consist of but is not limited to:
• A unique customized mask that inhibits further pigmentation production and breaks down the brown pigment that is responsible for the melasma
• Special Skin Care product formulation for treatment and maintenance
• In some cases laser treatments or IPL may be helpful as adjunct therapy to remove the dark pigment.
Avoiding the sun and using sunscreen are key to preventing melasma from returning.
