Understanding melasma: Discovering the causes, prevention methods, and efficient therapy choices

Melasma, the enigmatic skin condition, casts its shadow on numerous people, difficult their confidence and leaving them craving for an answer. Those elusive darkish patches on the face can really feel like an unwelcome customer, however understanding the causes and exploring efficient treatment options may help illuminate the trail to brighter, extra radiant pores and skin. Join us as we empower you with the insights and instruments mandatory to overcome melasma and restore your pores and skin’s pure glow. It’s time to bid farewell to these undesirable darkish patches and embrace the wonder that lies inside as a result of radiant pores and skin is inside your attain. (Also learn: 5 things you need to know if you have melasma )

Dr. Sonia Tekchandani, Celebrity Dermatologist and Founder of Tender Skin International, shares with HT Lifestyle, the intricacies of melasma, its underlying elements and efficient therapy approaches.

What is melasma?

Dr. Sonia defined, “Melasma is a skin condition that causes dark patches to appear on the face, most commonly on the cheeks, forehead, and upper lip. The patches may be symmetrical or uneven and are usually more pronounced in areas that are exposed to the sun. Melasma is more common in women than men, and it is often associated with pregnancy or the use of birth control pills.”

What causes melasma?

Dr. Sonia revealed that the precise reason behind melasma just isn’t recognized, however a number of elements can contribute to its growth. These elements embody:

1. Sun publicity

Sun publicity is the commonest reason behind melasma. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the solar can set off the overproduction of melanin, inflicting darkish patches or spots to kind on the pores and skin. It is essential to put on sunscreen with a excessive SPF, even on cloudy days, to guard your pores and skin from the solar’s dangerous rays.

2. Hormonal adjustments

Hormonal adjustments, similar to people who happen throughout being pregnant or when taking contraception tablets, could cause melasma. This is as a result of these adjustments can stimulate the manufacturing of melanin, inflicting darkish patches or spots to kind on the pores and skin. Women who’re pregnant or taking contraception tablets ought to take additional precautions to guard their pores and skin from the solar.

3. Genetics

Genetics may play a job within the growth of melasma. If your dad and mom or different relations have melasma, you could be extra prone to develop it as nicely. However, simply because you could have a household historical past of melasma doesn’t imply that you’ll develop it too.

4. Skin kind

Melasma is extra widespread in individuals with darker pores and skin tones, as they naturally produce extra melanin than individuals with lighter pores and skin.

How is melasma handled?

Dr. Sunia instructed that whereas melasma can’t be cured, there are therapy choices accessible to assist cut back the looks of patches on the pores and skin. These embody:

• Sun safety: Wearing sunscreen and avoiding solar publicity may help forestall melasma from getting worse.
• Chemical peels: Chemical peels may help cut back the looks of melasma by eradicating the highest layer of pores and skin, which accommodates the patches.
• Laser remedy: Laser remedy can be utilized to focus on and destroy the cells that produce melanin, decreasing the looks of melasma.

Can it’s prevented?

Melasma may be prevented by taking small steps and making minor adjustments to way of life. Here are some ideas advised by Dr. Sonia.

1. Wear sunscreen with an SPF of no less than 30, even on cloudy days.

2. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sun shades to guard your face from the solar.

3. Avoid going exterior throughout peak solar hours.

4. Use mild skincare merchandise that don’t irritate your pores and skin.

5. Avoid waxing or threading your face, as this may irritate your pores and skin.

“While it is not a serious medical condition, melasma can significantly impact one’s self-esteem and quality of life. Fortunately, with the right treatment and management, most people can reduce the appearance of their melasma and prevent it from worsening. It’s essential to seek professional advice from a dermatologist to determine the underlying cause of your melasma and the most effective treatment options for your specific skin type,” concludes Dr. Sonia Tekchandani.