A common skin condition seen amongst all races, melasma usually affects the face area. More than 90% of melasma victims are women, especially those with darker skin. Dark patches can be witnessed on cheeks, nose and forehead, which gradually perpetuates with time. Pregnant women’s are more prone to this skin condition. If protected from sunlight, it may fade away naturally post pregnancy.

The incidence of melasma can be due to several reasons. Hormone changes and stress are amongst the major factors responsible for the outbreak of melasma. They are not contagious, nor does one experience any kind of pain or itchiness with melasma. However, they can cause great emotional trauma by ruining one’s confidence with those ugly patches.

Although they have to potential to disappear on their own, there are several treatments one can follow to fasten the fading process. The treatments and precautions used for melasma patches are discussed below:

Hydroquinone

Applied in the form of cream or as an alcohol based prescription, hydroquinone is a chemical which decreases the production of melasma in the skin. It is used along with glycolic acid peels to witness a significant improvement with the treatment. Although associated with some side effects, hydroquinone is one amongst the commonly used techniques to battle melasma. The side effects involved with hydroquinone includes permanent darkening of the affected skin area, and skin irritation along with potential skin allergy.

Vitamin C

The market is flooded with products that contain Vitamin C. These products are in demand due its melasma curing abilities. Vitamin C contains skin brightening properties which help in curing melasma. It is important to monitor one’s condition after using any kind of product.

Applying Sunscreen

Without the daily use of sunscreens, most treatments would fail. Sunscreens can also be applied beneath the makeup. Allow it to soak for 10 to 20 minutes before applying any kind of makeup. In case of skin irritation, look for an alternative sunscreen product.

Avoiding Sunbath

Sunbath is perhaps the last thing one would want to do when affected with melasma. Sunscreen would be of little help when it comes to direct exposure to sunrays. Wearing glasses and hat to avoid sunrays is a definite recommendation to avoid direct sunlight. Melasma is also caused by the usage of certain cosmetic skin products. One needs to discontinue using such products and avoid sun exposure to see natural fading of melasma. Avoiding sunlight is a must, in order to obtain desired result from any kind of implemented treatment.

Melasma develops gradually and the cure to melasma is a gradual process as well. There is no physical pain associated with melasma. However, they can cause great emotional discomfort, since they have the potential to disfigure your face temporarily.

Proper care is essential to avoid its reoccurrence. It is always advisable to consult a doctor or dermatologist to rule out any other skin disorder or to fight any allergic situation, one confronts during this situation. With proper treatment in place, one can unleash the natural beauty hidden behind those melasma patches.

Rick Missimer

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