Melasma facts: What it is and how to remove it
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The melasma facts
Melasma occurs as a result of excess melanin production in skin cells. The reason for this is not real clear, but scientists say there are several factors including sun damage and estrogen levels.
Melasma often occurs in women--particularly pregnant women--and appears on the face as blotchy, dark spots. Sometimes melasma is mistaken for freckles or age-spots, which are essentially the same thing, however, melasma spots can be larger and much darker.
There is no magical fix for melasma, but there are several treatments and products that will improve melasma. It should also be said that protecting your skin from the sun will prevent your melasma from getting darker; but more on that later.
My personal experience with melasma
Like many skin conditions such as rosacea, acne, and eczema, melasma doesn't just affect the way you look on the outside, melasma also affects how you feel inside.At times melasma can take a toll on my self-esteem and confidence because it can be difficult to cover with make-up and for some reason it is very obvious in photographs. (But I have found that CoverBlend Concealing Treatment Makeup SPF 20 Bisque
I've had melasma for a few years now and I know that it could be worse than it is, but it still makes me uncomfortable and it is something I wish I wasn't preoccupied with.
In addition to the way it makes me feel, treatments are also very expensive. There is no magic cure for melasma. All of the products and treatments I have tried made some difference, but not as much as I'd hoped.
Having said that, though, I still persevere in trying new products in the hopes that something will make a big difference.
Needless to say, I'm racking up the points at Sephora:)
On the upside, all of my time researching my skin problems, especially my melasma, has led me down the blogging and Squidoo lens-making path, which has been a great experience. My skin care site, Skin Fitness Facts, has allowed me to chronicle my experiences and its been rewarding to gain readers and customers in the process.
I hope you'll take the time to read my lenses and blogs, and that you'll tell me what you think.
Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to wear your sun block.
Save the bucks, do your own chemical peel at home
Glycolic peels seem to work the best for melasma
If you want to save money, try at-home peels with products from Amazon.
Glycolic Acid 50% Chemical Peel, 30mL (Professional)
Amazon Price: $34.95 (as of 07/04/2009) 
Glycolic Acid 35% Gel Peel, 30ml (Professional)
Amazon Price: $16.95 (as of 07/04/2009)
Glycolic Acid 70% Chemical Peel, 30mL (Professional)
Amazon Price: $44.95 (as of 07/04/2009)
The sun and melasma
When you have melasma you want to hide from the sun
Sun damage done to our skin is not always visible, but for some, that damage is apparent because of wrinkles, fine lines, and discoloration.
Melasma is visible sun damage.
When the sun's damaging rays hit the skin the cells work to produce melanin to protect the skin. Too much of this melanin and melasma forms.
It's too much to ask a melasma sufferer to stay out of the sun, but it is fair to ask that everyone wear a sun block of at least 15 spf (re-applied every four hours) and avoid direct sun light (by wearing a hat or carrying an umbrella). My favorite sunblock is Philosophy A Pigment Of Your Imagination SPF 18 because it has that spf and it works to help regenerate cell growth. In fact, it's designed especially for those with skin discoloration.
Oh, and one last thing. Heat can also trigger melasma so carrying a cooling rag or personal fan might be a good idea too.
The big picture on melasma
What melasma looks like
Many times melasma is mistaken for freckles because they take on that same tanish brown color. However, a melasma spot will typically grow much larger than a freckle and also take on random shapes.
Melasma is not always in just one blotchy area. Sometimes it will appear on both sides of the face in a symmetrical pattern, or melasma can even take up all of the real estate on a face, which is why its sometimes called a mask.
Statistically, women of color are most often plagued by melasma, but fair-skinned women and men of all backgrounds have also been known to suffer from melasma.
The frequency among women has led doctors to research a link to estrogen. There is an obvious connection between women who are pregnant or on birth control. The good news is that the melasma often improves after pregnancy or after the pill is discontinued.
Regardless of who you are, most treatments are the same for everyone. However, if you have a dark complexion be wary of bleaching creams. Too much bleaching may make your skin discoloration worse.
Chloasma, hyperpigmentation, mask of pregnancy, discoloration...
There are many names for melasma including chloasma, mask of pregnancy, hyper pigmentation, discoloration, and others. While it can be confusing to see all these different words and spellings, rest assured that they are one in the same. Don't fear that you have multiple skin problems.
Exfoliate for even skin tone
When you exfoliate you slough off the dead skin cells and you promote new, healthy cell regeneration. I prefer to use Freeze 24 7 IceCrystals AntiAging Prep and Polish
Protect yourself from the sun for optimum melasma treatment
CUTE TAN & PINK PLAID NEWSBOY HAT W/BOW
More shade for that lovely face, and it's fashionable.
Amazon Price: $19.99 (as of 07/04/2009)
Bare Escentuals Bare Minerals Starter Kit -- (Medium)
Mineral make-up has natural sun block properties and it's great, long lasting cover up.
Amazon Price: $60.00 (as of 07/04/2009)
DDF-Doctor's Dermatologic Formula Organic Sun Protection SPF 30 4 oz
My favorite sun block of all. I apply it two or three times a day.
Amazon Price: $32.00 (as of 07/04/2009)
Murad Pomphenol Sunguard Dietary supplement. 60 tablets. 100% pure Pomegrante Extract.
Antioxidants can make a huge difference in treating melasma.
Amazon Price: $27.00 (as of 07/04/2009)
Eight skin care tips to get rid of melasma
Prevention and treatments
Getting rid of melasma is tough, but there are a few things you can do to help prevent melasma and treat melasma.
1. Drink more than enough water to purge all those toxins out of your body.
2. Protect yourself from the sun with sun block, hats, and clothing.
3. Eat and drink foods containing antioxidants such as dark colored fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants fight off free radicals in the environment (like pollution and the sun).
4. Exfoliate two to three times a week.
5. Use a topical antioxidant cream (it will contain vitamins C and E) before you apply your moisturizer and sun block.
6. Purchase a moisturizer that has ingredients designed to even skin tone.
7. Wear sun block.
8. Glycolic chemical peels are commonly used to treat melasma. It's best to see an esthetician for a chemical peel, but there are over the counter products available.
Things to do before I leave the house
1. Take my antioxidants. A supplement or eating an orange and drinking green tea will do.
2. Put on sun block.
3. Bring more sun block to reapply four hours later.
4. Pack my hat just in case.
5. Pack a pocket-sized fan to cool my face if I get warm.
Treating mask of pregnancy
With a surge of hormones, especially estrogen, melasma tends to rear its head during and right after pregnancy. Again, like the name describes, mask of pregnancy often looks like a mask because of the dark spots covering most of the face.
It's important that a pregnant or nursing woman with melasma not use any skin care products--including supplements, prescription medications, or topical products-0without talking to a doctor first. Many skin care products (even the topical products) contain a number of chemicals that could be harmful to a fetus or brand new baby.
The good news is that for many pregnant women the mask of pregnancy disappears or improves after the baby is born and hormones begin to equalize. And, once you are done nursing you can begin to use skin care products designed to treat melasma safely and effectively.
If you think you have the mask of pregnancy and you are pregnant, steer clear of the sun and protect your skin as best you can. Hats, portable fans, and sun block are necessities in treating the mask of pregnancy and they are safe methods too.
Skin care products for melasma
Try these products to improve skin tone and discoloration
Original Likas Papaya Skin Whitening Herbal Soap
Amazon Price: $3.49 (as of 07/04/2009)
Fade Out Original Skin Lightening Cream 2oz
Amazon Price: $10.95 (as of 07/04/2009)
Skin White Bleaching Cream/Potent Formula/Lighten & Brighten Your Skin Fast/Gives You Beautiful More Radiant Complexion.
Amazon Price: $49.99 (as of 07/04/2009)
Murad Environmental Shield Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Gel, 2: Treat/Repair, 1.0 fl oz (30 ml)
Amazon Price: $38.95 (as of 07/04/2009)
La Roche-Posay Mela-D Daily Skin Lightening Lotion (30ml) 1 Fluid Ounce
Amazon Price: $43.00 (as of 07/04/2009)
Extreme melasma treatment methods
Some melasma treatments are controversial
1. Bleaching creams. By using a doctor-prescribed bleaching cream on your skin you are causing the melanin-producing cells to slow down production. This can be beneficial especially if you continue to use sun block all the time, but be wary of products that are truly poisonous. Talk to your doctor about possible side-effects and existing research. Bleaching ingredients such as hydroquinone are somewhat controversial and proven to be dangerous to pregnant women.
2. Microdermabrasion. This can be an excellent treatment for a variety of skin care problems, but melasma is often worsened by heat. I'd recommend avoiding microdermabrasion and opt for a gentler exfoliation process instead.
3. Lasers and lights. These are relatively new treatments that can be incredibly expensive. If you choose to receive these treatments, be sure to work with a dermatologist or investigate the credibility of the esthetician. Also, be wary of exorbitant prices because insurance rarely covers these expenses.
An Extreme Makeover episode on melasma
Extreme Makeover - Melasma - Dr. Patrick Bitter, Jr.
Dr. Patrick Bitter, Jr. on Extreme Makeover treating a patient with melasma. Find a physician near you at DermaNetwork.org
Runtime: 1:33
6719 views
5 Comments:
Hydroquinone - Is it skin lightener or herbicide?
Hydroquinone is a serious weapon against melasma
Hydroquinone products are gaining popularity for many melasma sufferers, however, in some regions of the world it is completely banned; like the European Union, for example.
Essentially, hydroquinone is one ingredient of many ingredients in topical skin care products like corrective creams, gels, and serums that are designed to treat melasma and other skin care conditions that cause uneven skin tone. Hydroquinone works by slowing down the production of melanin in the skin. As you know, melasma, freckles, and age spots are a result of increased melanin production.
There are conflicting reports on hydroquinone's safety so it's recommended that you ask your doctor a lot of questions before you use any of these products. Like any worthwhile skin care product, a little bit goes a long so don't over do it.
If you do choose to use a product containing hydroquinone, follow the Skin Fitness Facts list of things not to do when you are using hydroquinone.
Hydroquinone Use During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
It's plain and simple. If you're pregnant or nursing your infant, don't use hydroquinone under any circumstances.
Beautiful skin is not worth the risks of hydroquinone to your new baby. Besides, chances are your melasma will disappear or improve a little while after your pregnancy anyway.
Skin lightening alternatives to hydroquinone
Botanicals smell nicer and get you results
Skinceuticals Phyto + Botanical Gel For Hyperpigmentation, 1-Ounce Bottle
Amazon Price: $55.95 (as of 07/04/2009)
TNS HYPERPIGMENTATION SYSTEM
Amazon Price: (as of 07/04/2009)
The melasma poll
Home remedies for melamsa
- Turmeric inhibits the production off melanin in the skin. Mix turmeric with lemon to create a paste, apply to your skin, and leave it for 10 minutes, then rinse.
- Red fruits such as tomatoes and grapefruits contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant and natural sun block. By eating these foods daily, you give your skin extra protection from the sun.
- Some experts connect melasma with adrenal failure. Adrenal failure means that the the adrenal glands stop producing the hormones they are intended too. This can impact blood pressure, the body's breakdown of glucose, and more. A change in diet may be necessary if you have adrenal failure. Consider eliminating coffee and dairy products for periods of time to see if your melasma improves.
Share your skin care tips
Squidoo_girl wrote...
Forgot to mention that lasers also work very well, but are really pricey! If you have the money, by all means go for it. But do obey your esthetician with regards to post treatment skin care.
Posted July 02, 2009
Squidoo_girl wrote...
I definately agree with the glycolic chemical peel, there are also other treatments and peels (kinda expensive thought) that your esthetician can recommend. I know because my cousin is in that field :)
Check out my blog on acne:
http://www.squidoo.com/cure_acne_now
Posted July 02, 2009
NaturalHealthGuru wrote...
That's really great information, I didn't know this even occured! Thanks.
Posted June 25, 2009
Maria Rodriguez wrote
Your blog gives a lot of insight about melasma. Have you ever heard of tanning pills to cause melasma? I tried Elusun. I took two bottles (of course following directions) Also at the time I was on the birth control patch, for some reason I believe that the elusun played a big role in my melasma; that I have tried so hard to get rid of even resulting to expensive IPL Fotofacials(photofacials) that just slightly lightend it after 5 treatments. I have the complete mask that has definately affected my confident. I refuse to believe that there is no cure for melasma. I pray that oneday I will have my face back.
Posted June 23, 2009
HenryE wrote...
Wow! I've been looking for something like this! My dad immediately knew when I was pregnant because I got the 'mask of pregnancy' (which I had never heard of) and now my daughter is 16 months and I still have this awful skin discoloration. I've got an appointment to see a dermatologist soon. I agree - I'm very self conscious of it! Thanks!
Posted May 27, 2009
Other melasma resources
- Skin Fitness Facts
- All you need to know about melasma including melasma treatments and products.
- American Academy of Dermatology
- A medical perspective on melasma.
- Wiki on Melasma
- A much lengthier definition of melasma.
