Melasma Q & A
What is melasma?
Melasma is a common, harmless skin condition that causes darker patches of skin to appear, usually on your face. Many adults get melasma on their forehead, cheeks, nose, or upper lip. You can get it on other parts of your body as well, such as on your arms and neck or any other area that is frequently exposed to the sun.
What causes melasma?
Melasma occurs when your body overproduces melanin, the pigment in your skin, as a result of hormones or sun exposure. Darker areas of hyperpigmentation appear on your face or other parts of your body.
In addition to sun exposure, women often get melasma as a result of hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause. In fact, melasma is sometimes called the “mask of pregnancy.” Women who take birth control pills are also at risk of developing melasma and other hyperpigmentations due to hormonal changes.
How is melasma treated?
At first, most people try to prevent melasma by using sunscreen. If you’re outside for long periods of time, be sure to wear sunscreen and a protective hat and clothing. If melasma develops or worsens as you age, the team at SINY® Dermatology offers several treatment options, including:
- Chemical peels
- Laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) therapies
- A customized product line
Your doctor creates a treatment plant for your specific skin care needs that effectively evens your skin tone.
How does laser therapy treat melasma?
Laser and IPL therapies use light and thermal energy to improve your skin’s tone and texture. The team at SINY® Dermatology offers photofacials, which use intense pulsed light to safely break up areas of melasma without harming the surrounding skin. The light energy penetrates below the surface of your skin to improve hyperpigmentation, resulting in more evenly toned skin.
How do chemical peels treat melasma?
Chemical peels remove the outermost layers of your skin to reveal a younger, more even skin tone underneath. Your doctor creates a customized solution that typically consists of acids that exfoliate the top layer of your skin. They create a gentle, yet effective formula so you get the results you desire.
For more information or to book an appointment, call 800-778-3090 or visit sinyderm.com.
We provide the full spectrum of medical, cosmetic, and laser dermatology at all six of our offices in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, Park Slope, Brooklyn, the West Village, and the Upper East Side in Manhattan, Forest Hills, Queens, and Southold on Long Island.