Melalite Cream to Treat Melasma: A Complete Guide
MELASMA
Melasma, also called chloasma, is a condition that causes dark, discolored spots, which are usually black or green, (the name comes from melas, the Greek word for black, or cholas, from the greenish word), flat or in the form of freckles on the skin.
It is a common pathology, especially in pregnancy. Although both women and men can develop melasma, it is much more common in women, and usually begins between the ages of 20 and 40.
Melasma is harmless – it doesn’t hurt, it doesn’t itch, it’s not uncomfortable, and it doesn’t turn into skin cancer – but it can make people feel self-conscious. It can be treated, or at least reduced, and can sometimes go away on its own.
Wondering what melasma is? Read on to find out more about the causes of melasma, melasma on the skin, and how to eliminate melasma.
WHAT IS MELASMA?
Melasma is a skin condition that causes discoloration spots, usually brown or bluish-gray, or freckle-like spots. The most typical is to find melasma on the face, although it can also appear in other areas of the skin that are frequently exposed to the Sun, like the neck and forearms.
Melasma is still a bit mysterious to dermatologists, but it is believed to be caused by skin pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) that produce too much pigment (melanin). This overproduction of cells is what defines the color of the skin.
Melasma may resemble age or sun spots, but melasma spots are usually larger
WHAT IS MELASMA ON THE FACE?
The melasma on the face is symmetrical, with equal marks on both sides of the face.
Melasma on the face usually appears in
– cheeks
– the upper lip
– the forehead
– nose
Melasma on the face is triggered by exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun or the use of sun beds, while skin care products that irritate you can worsen melasma on the face.
A good skincare routine can help reduce the appearance of melasma on the face, act on existing pigmentation to lighten dark spots, and reduce their size while balancing the production of new melanin to prevent the appearance of new spots.
The application of FPS is his best defense against melasma on the face. Sunscreen protects the delicate skin of the face against skin damage induced by UVA and UVB rays, such as melasma, as well as against premature aging of the skin.
CAUSES OF MELASMA ON THE SKIN
Melasma is usually more noticeable in summer and improves during the winter months.
Although experts are not entirely sure what causes the melasma, what is known is that people with darker skin are more likely to develop melasma than those with light skin.
Estrogen and progesterone sensitivity are also known to trigger it.
This means that if you take birth control pills, are pregnant, or undergo hormonal therapy, your chances of developing melasma are greater.
Other factors are
Family history: between 33% and 50% of people with melasma have reported that another person in the family has it. Most identical twins have melasma.
Stress and thyroid diseases are also believed to be causes of melasma
Sun exposure: Ultraviolet rays affect the cells that control the pigment (melanocytes).
Rarely, other medical problems that affect hormones (such as thyroid problems) can cause melasma, as well as some other medications, such as antiepileptics.
LED screens: melasma can be caused by LED lights on television screens, laptops, phones, and tablets
DR. SEGURO GIVES US ALL THE KEYS TO SKIN SPOTS
MELASMA IN PREGNANCY
Hormonal changes, particularly excess estrogen and progesterone, in pregnancy can trigger melasma, hence its nickname, the “pregnancy mask”. Dark spots may appear on the forehead, cheeks, chin, or around the mouth, and may become darker later in the pregnancy. You may also notice that these spots darken in sunlight.
Dark spots that appear during pregnancy usually disappear a few months after delivery, when hormone levels return to normal and the body stops producing both skin pigment, and melanin.
This condition is very common in pregnant women since it affects about 50% of them.
EPIDERMAL MELASMA
Melasma is divided into three types:
– Epidermal melasma
– Dermal melasma
– Mixed melasma
Epidermal melasma means that the pigment (melanin) is found in the most superficial layers of the skin, called the epidermis. In dermal melasma, there is an increase in pigment in the deepest layer of the skin (the dermis). Mixed melasma is a combination of epidermal and dermal melasma and is the most common.
Epidermal melasma is defined by:
– edge, well-defined pigments
– dark brown spots
– generally, responds better to treatment
– it is evident under the black light
MELASMA TREATMENT / REMEDIES
There is no cure for melasma, but there are treatments for melasma that can help decrease your appearance.
Melasma may completely go away without treatment, especially if it is triggered by pregnancy or hormonal medications.
Melasma may take time to respond to treatment, and even if treated, melasma usually recurs when treatment is discontinued, especially if the affected area is exposed to the sun. Most cases of melasma disappear over time, especially if it protects well from sunlight and other light sources, and there are ways to help eliminate or minimize melasma in the long term.
HOW TO MINIMIZE MELASMA:
Reduce sun exposure and use sun protection on a daily basis. The skin affected by melasma darkens more than the surrounding skin when exposed to light, so it is important to avoid the sun, especially during rush hours, and protect yourself from the sun. To help prevent melasma, be sure to use a daily facial cream with FPS to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
HOW TO MINIMIZE MELASMA:
Wear protective clothing when you are in the sun, including a wide-brimmed hat or cap to cover your face.
HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED?
A dermatologist or GP often offers a clinical diagnosis based on an examination with a Wood lamp and a dermatoscopy. Sometimes a skin biopsy can be taken.
It is always important for a GP to examine any changes in the skin if you are concerned.