Do I Suffer from Melasma?
Melasma is often mistaken for a sunspot, and many clients describe it as a spot that grew over night. How do we distinguish a sunspot from melasma? There are several symptoms that we look for.
Experts believe that estrogen and progesterone play a big role in triggering melasma, and this is why it most commonly effects women. Melasma varies in size and can be very dark on some people. In many cases, melasma has a twin mark; for example, if you have a mark on you right cheek you will have a mark on your left cheek as well.
Over the years, I have had many clients complain to me that the skin lightening products prescribed by their doctors didn’t work on deeper melasma. The cosmetic industry has really tried to tackle melasma, but in most cases this leaves people with a collection of creams and without significant improvement.
Treating Melasma
If you are struggling with melasma, the key is to reduce the melanin on a deeper level. In my experience, Chemical Peels and Microdermabrasion are not the answer to successful melasma treatment.
The most reliable solution I have found is Lux 1540 Fractional treatments a month apart, for at least 2 treatments, followed by a skin lightener called Brightenex by Zein Obagi. If the melasma is really deep, a Retin-A Cream treatment may need to be added to the treatment plan. The Lux 1540 Fractional helps the skin to neutralize the overstimulation of melanin in the area, and by combining the treatment with a skin lightener such as Brightenex the patient can speed up and maintain the results much more easily.
Preventing Melasma
Woman often go through hormonal fluctuations so it is a good idea to wear sunscreen and reapply sunscreen every hour and half if possible. If you use mineral-based makeup like Jane Ardel or Sugar Box then you don’t have to reapply your sunscreen for at least 3 hours.
This article was written by Pure Light Laser