Melasma

Refresh and Renew Your Complexion

Many patients come in with a pigmentation issue known as melasma. Characterized by patterns of symmetrical discolored tan, brown, or bluish-gray skin, this common skin condition can appear quite prominently. It is usually seen on the chin, upper lip, forehead, and cheeks. It typically appears as symmetrical brown or gray-brown patches. While it can affect anyone, melasma is more common in women than men and usually occurs during pregnancy or when taking certain medications such as birth control pills.

There are several types of melasma. There is dermal melasma, in which the dermal skin layer contains melanophages (melanin-consuming cells). Epidermal melasma is found in the upper skin layers. Some patients have a mix of these. There is melasma that is found in the skin of those with darker skin tones. There is also chloasma, which is melasma experienced by pregnant women.

What Causes Melasma?

Though melasma does not have an exact cause, people experiencing the condition often have many factors in common.

Typically, women are more likely to have melasma than men are. Most commonly, it occurs in women between 20 to 50 years of age, women who have naturally darker skin tone, and women who are pregnant.

Melasma is potentially related to family history, hormone level fluctuations, racial background, use of various medications that cause sensitivity to light, and heavy sun exposure. Sun exposure plays a role by increasing melanin production and making existing melasma worse. Skin irritants should be avoided by those who have melasma, as irritants can stimulate the growth of more melanin pigment.

If you are at risk for melasma, proper sun protection is key, and it may be helpful to avoid anything that can cause fluctuations in hormone levels.

Although there is no cure for melasma, there are treatments available that can help reduce its appearance. The most effective treatment option works by removing layers of damaged skin cells from the surface revealing brighter looking skin underneath.

It’s important to note that while these treatments may help improve your complexion, they won’t completely get rid of melasma. Make sure to take steps to protect your skin from further damage caused by sun exposure, such as wearing sunscreen with SPF 30+ every day. Even if you don’t plan on going outside much, UV rays can still penetrate through windows. Additionally, avoiding triggers like hormonal changes (if possible) will also help prevent flare ups from occurring again.

Experience The Heights Laser Centre Difference

• Tried & Tested — By and On Ourselves

  The many treatment options we offer are all Health Canada approved. They have been proven to be safe and effective by countless studies. But that’s not all — we’ve tested out each on ourselves to make sure they all work and do what they promise!

• We Welcome You

  As our patient, you receive excellent aesthetic care in a relaxed and supportive setting. Walk through the doors of our medical spa, and you become part of a family—one that’s committed to achieving your personal goals. We’re frequently complimented on how friendly our whole team is!

• 

  As a board certified physician-led practice, we have been accredited by the Better Business Bureau since 2009 and have an A+ rating. You’ll receive high-quality care at every step of you experience with us, from consultation to recovery.