Clear Up Your Melasma
Melasma is a common skin condition, a form of hyperpigmentation.
Up to one-third of the population may suffer from melasma, 90 percent of whom will be women.
It also affects darker-skinned people than those with fairer skins.
It is characterized by the appearance of gray, blue-gray, or brown patches which are caused by the body’s overproduction of melanin, the pigment that gives color to skin, hair, and eyes.
Most commonly, melasma is found on the face, and even more commonly, it is something that can occur in women during their pregnancy. Between 15 and 50 percent of pregnant women get melasma. This is why it is sometimes referred to as the ‘mask of pregnancy’.
Most commonly appearing in women and never before puberty has been passed, melasma is most likely to be found on the face where it usually appears in a butterfly pattern that spreads over the nose, cheeks, chin, and forehead. The patches might be flat or have the appearance of freckles. Melasma can also appear on parts of the body that are exposed to the sun like the shoulders, arms and neck.
Because it is a response to a changing level in melanin, the severity of melasma changes over time, periodically darkening or lightening. Patches often appear darker in summer months and lighter in colder months.
The tricky thing about melasma is that as of yet, doctors are not 100% sure what causes it.
What we do know is that it can be triggered by things like pregnancy as we have already mentioned, certain cosmetic products, and certain medications like birth control pills.
Sun is another big trigger for melasma breakouts. This is another good reason to ensure you wear sunscreen of high SPF every time you intend to go outside. Always protect your skin against damaging UV exposure.
Though it can be damaging to confidence and self-esteem and will make a difference in your appearance if left untreated, one of the most important things to remember about melasma is that it is not contagious. It is not a sign of cancer. It is a condition that won’t affect your health in anything but an aesthetic way.
If however, you are someone who is emotionally distressed by your melasma, then there are a number of different products available that can be helpful in fighting the visual symptoms.
Here are some of our favorites:
Pigmentclar Brightening Foaming Cream Cleanser 125mL, an anti-aging cleanser that removes impurities, purifies the skin and brightens the skin tone.
Even Pigment Perfector Dual Serum 30mL, a dual serum clinically and dermatologically proven to reduce hyperpigmentation and dark spots and prevent their re-appearance while renewing the skin’s look.
Filorga Pigment Perfect, which regulates pigmentation and dark spots and evens out the complexions giving a more luminous-looking skin.
Discoloration Defense, a daily use brightening serum that reduces skin discoloration, especially brown patches and post-acne marks.
Esthe-White Brightening Youth Anti-Dark Spots Serum 30mL, a brightening serum that corrects and prevents many types of blemishes, from those related to the sun, to age and even acne marks for an even and brighter skin.
Obagi Nu-Derm Blend Fx, a skin brightener that works reduces hyperpigmentation and the appearance of sun damage. It also promotes healthy cell turnover.
