Melasma

Melasma is a skin condition that causes dark patches and spots usually on the face, which are darker than your natural skin tone. Melasma happens because of the over production of melanocyte cells that make the color of your skin.

Commonly affected areas include your face, cheeks, upper lip, forehead and forearms. Melasma typically darkens and then lightens overtime, often getting worse in the summer and better in the winter.

Melasma can be caused due to light, heat, ultraviolet radiation, phototxic medications, irritating chemicals or hormonal stimulation.

Melasma is typically a chronic disorder that some people may have for years, or for their entire lives. Some women may also experience melasma during pregnancy.

Fair-er skin toned people are less likely to be affected by melasma than those with a darker complexion, or those who tan well. Women are also more likely to get melasma than men, and pregnant women get it more often than anyone else. You are also at risk if you take oral contraceptives and hormones.

Melasma is difficult to treat, but can be treated with topical solutions such as tyrosinase inhibitors, which prevent new pigment formations by stopping the formation of melanin, hydroquinone, tretinoin, topical steroids, chemical peels, VI peels, PRX, non-ablative fractional lasers such as Frax 1550 + 1940 nm Laser Resurfacing and microneedling. Always wearing SPF is a preventative measure for melasma.

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For more information or to schedule a free consultation at

Skin Therapy Esthetics, call 978-717-3307