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Melasma
Your skin is one of the most durable yet delicate parts of your body. When our skin isn’t looking its best, it plays a part in our confidence. Getting to know your skin and understanding when something is off is very important. Melasma is a skin condition characterized by brown or blue-gray patches or freckle-like spots. It’s often called the “mask of pregnancy.” This problem happens because of the overproduction of the cells that make your skin color. It is common, harmless and some treatments may help. Melasma usually fades after a few months. It typically lightens over time, often getting worse in the summer and better in the winter. At Aspen Aesthetics, we offer treatments such as the Vivier Peel™ and laser treatment options to tackle this condition. Contact us to learn more!
Where Can You Get Melasma?
Melasma is a common skin disorder; loosely translated, the word means “black spot.” The brown or gray-brown patches characteristic of this issue appear most often on the cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin. In women, melasma usually fades on its own after pregnancy or after an affected woman goes off birth control pills. If you have this skin issue, you’re probably experiencing light brown, dark brown, and blue-gray patches on your skin. They can appear as flat patches or freckle-like spots.
What Are The Causes of Melasma?
What causes melasma is not entirely clear. It likely occurs when the color-making cells in the skin (melanocytes) produce too much color. People with pigmented skin tones are more prone to melasma because they have more active melanocytes than people with less pigmentation. Radiation, whether ultraviolet, visible light, or infrared (heat) light, and hormones are believed to contribute to this condition. Ultraviolet and infrared radiation from the sun is vital in making this issue worse. Other possible causes of melasma include:
- Medications
- Contraceptive therapy (birth control)
- Estrogen/Diethylstilbestrol
- Genetics
- LED Screens
- Pregnancy
- Hormones
- Makeup
- Tanning Beds
- Skincare products
How Do We Address Melasma?
This condition is stubborn but can fade on its own. This usually happens when a trigger, such as a pregnancy or birth control pills, causes the issue to occur. When a woman delivers her baby or stops taking birth control pills, melasma can fade on its own over time. However, some people struggle with this problem for years or even a lifetime. If the melasma does not go away or a woman wants to keep taking birth control pills, melasma treatments are available. At Aspen Aesthetics, we can provide you with effective facials, peels, and laser treatment options to help minimize the signs of this condition.
Treating Melasma at Aspen Aesthetics
If you find your skin is starting to have slight discoloration or questions regarding dark marks that appear, our team at Aspen Aesthetics can help provide you with the information you are looking for. Get in touch with us and schedule your appointment by filling out the form below or calling (587) 200-8018 today.