Are you tired of trying all those expensive creams, but never find a cure for the black spots that mysteriously appear on your face? Could it be the typical skin problem that is melasma?
In this article, we'll cover:
What is Melasma, Anyway?
Melasma is a skin problem that causes brown, tan or blue-gray spots on the face. It is also more common in women and those who have darker skin tones. It is derived from the Greek root melas, meaning black. It is often referred to as the “mask of pregnancy” since it frequently appears in pregnant women due to increased hormone levels.
If you're struggling with melasma, you might be wondering:
Why did these dark patches suddenly appear?
Will they ever go away?
How can I treat them effectively?
Is there a way to prevent them from getting worse?
Here, we will discuss easy ways to get rid of brown spots on your face and the appropriate treatment process to manage it.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Melasma?
Whether you think those darker areas of skin on your face could be melasma, If I were in Your Place... these are the eminent symptoms to look for:
Pigmentation of the skin: Here is standard ones, with melasma you will have hyperpigmented areas on your skin. Brown or grayish-brown patches.
Melasma appears in a symmetrical distribution: You usually have one lesion on both sides of your face, although sometimes this isn't perfect. So, if you have a patch on one cheek, the identical form of it will also be visible somewhere near to that location on your other cheek.
Melasma most often occurs in sun-exposed areas of the face, including:
Cheeks
Forehead
Bridge of the nose
Above the upper lip
Chin
The smooth texture: While other skin conditions like eczema can feel rough to the touch. It does not change the skin texture but affects only its color.
Slow onset: Melasma rarely appears suddenly; it usually develops slowly over the years. Exposure to sunlight or hormonal variation may make the patches look darker and larger.
No additional symptoms: Melasma often will not comprise any other Symptoms for example itching, pain or climbing. If it is accompanied by any of these, then that might be a sign on its own right to suggest another skin problem.
Seasonal Changes: Melasma may become more pronounced in the summer when there is extra sun exposure and less evident during winter months.
These could be signs of melasma, but similar discoloration can result from other skin conditions. If you have any questions regarding changes in your skin, contacting a dermatologist is the best point-of-action to receive an accurate prognosis and treatment plan.
What Causes Melasma?
The first step to solving melasma is understanding what causes it. Many factors can cause or worsen melasma.
Sun exposure : The ultraviolet rays can give melasma an even bigger boost. Melasma can flare up or become darker if it is exposed to sunlight, even for a short time.
Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, birth control pills, and hormone therapy can all play a role. This is why melasma is sometimes called the "mask of pregnancy" and tends to be more common in women.
Heredity: Melasma tends to run in families, and some ethnic groups are more prone than others—those with darker skin tones.
Certain skincare products: Melasma can be worsened by certain skin care products. The chemicals or fragrances in skincare products can aggravate eczema.
How You Can Treat Melasma?
Melasma can be very troubling, but this is not the end of us either. There are a few treatment choices you need to know about.
Topical Treatments
Dermatologists may prescribe creams with ingredients such as hydroquinone, which can help lighten dark patches.
Topical treatments effective for this purpose often contain kojic acid, azelaic acid, and vitamin C that reduce melanin production in the areas being treated.
Chemical Peels
A treatment in which a chemical solution is applied to the skin, and then removed after it blisters off (peels).
The peels available to treat melasma range in type and can provide different results depending on how the condition has impacted an individual's skin.
Laser Treatments
For some types of melasma, certain lasers or light-based devices may offer good results.
These treatments work by targeting melanin in the skin.
Despite this, they still need to be used very prudently and by a specialist, as bad use can even aggravate your melasma.
Oral Medications
When necessary, physicians may order oral treatments.
An example of this is tranexamic acid (particularly effective when administered under a doctor's care), which has been found to be effective in the treatment of melasma, according to research.
Combination Treatments
The optimal results are usually achieved with a combination of therapies.
Topical treatments coupled with occasional chemical peels may then be recommended by the dermatologist or other in-office procedures.
Micro needling
By causing microscopic punctures in the skin with tiny needles, this procedure serves to improve penetration of topical treatments and potentially promote collagen formation.
Please remember that what works for one may not work for you. Treating melasma can be a long, drawn-out process — one that requires patience and consistency before improvement begins to show. Finding the right treatment will depend on each individual case of dead skin buildup and working with a dermatologist is important.
Prevention: Our Top Tips
I was inspired to treat my melasma, These are the things that have helped me so far:
Wear sunscreen: I apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher before leaving the house. If you are in the sun, reapply every two hours.
Cover up: Wide-brimmed hat, oversized sunglasses. They are not just fashionable but also offer additional protection from the sun.
Treat your skin nicely: Use gentler skincare products that doesn't cause any harm to your skin.
Consider your hormones: Because hormones play a role in melasma (and birth control and hormone therapy are causing them), if you suspect this could be the reason talk to doctor about alternatives.
Home Remedies for Melasma
Professional treatments are typically needed to achieve dramatic improvement, but there are home remedies that may help control the symptoms of melasma. As always, results will be different for everyone so best speak to a dermatologist if you are thinking of taking on new treatments. Top five home remedies are as,
Aloe Vera (aloesin): A skin-soothing powerhouse ingredient with aloesin that may help to suppress melanin production. You can directly aloe vera gel to the infected areas daily.
Green Tea: Contains antioxidants that may reduce inflammation and protect against UV damage. Dab cooled green tea onto your face with a cotton ball, or try skincare products that contain green tea extract.
Apple Cider Vinegar: For some, apple cider vinegar is claimed to help neutral your skin pH and shed off dead cells. This mask requires you to combine a little bit of water with vinegar and put this on your face for no longer than 15 minutes.
Turmeric: Curcimin rich turmeric helps in melanin production. Mix turmeric powder with milk or yogurt to make a paste, keep for 10-15 minutes, then wash off.
Lemon Juice: Lemon juice being citric in nature could have a mild bleaching effect. However, use caution as it can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Always dilute lemon juice with water before applying.
Honey: Apart from hydrating and healing the skin, honey can benefit overall skin health. Use raw honey as a mask for 15-20 minutes and rinse off.
Vitamin E: It can help protect your epidermis from UV damages. You can also get vitamin E oil and apply it to the infected sections or you could browse through skincare products.
Potato Slices: While not scientifically backed, some believe that rubbing slices of potato on dark spots will lighten them over time because potatoes have mild bleaching properties.
Yogurt: The lactic acid in the yogurt can this be used as a mild exfoliator Then apply a layer of plain unsweetened yogurt on face for 15-20 minutes before rinsing it.
Life With Melasma: It’s Ok!
Having melasma provides you with so many lessons in both self-acceptance and skin care.
It's okay! You should know that melasma doesn't define me -- and it shouldn't define you either.
Just keep in mind that you are not alone. Melasma is essentially a skin condition, and it can be managed in many ways. Give your skin the time it needs, consult with an experienced dermatologist, but most of all don't shy away from loving yourself and those darker patches.
Comments