Brown or gray-brown patches of skin appearing on the cheeks, chin, forehead, and upper lip are often because of a common skin pigment condition called melasma. The discoloration can fade over time or with medical treatment, but you may be frustrated to find it returns again.
Melasma is a chronic condition that can be managed, and prevention steps can reduce the risk of recurrence. Dermatologist Jennifer Baron, MD, of San Jose, California, and her team can help you care for your melasma condition.
To help you understand more about this skin pigment problem, we’ll look at some of the main reasons why melasma happens and how it keeps coming back.
Ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun is well-known for its skin-darkening effects, since UV stimulates the production of skin pigment. A lesser-known, light-related effect comes from some wavelengths in the visible light spectrum, particularly blue light as emitted by monitors and digital devices. People with darker natural skin tones may be more susceptible to the blue light effect.
Once you have melasma, even brief amounts of UV or blue light exposure can cause pigment overdevelopment to begin again. You can guard yourself by following UV light protocols (high SPF broad-spectrum sunscreen and protective clothing), and reducing your blue-light screen time.
Melasma is sometimes referred to as “the mask of pregnancy,” since it can occur along with the hormonal changes a woman’s body goes through during pregnancy. Hormone levels can trigger melasma episodes as well as darkening existing patches.
Of course, pregnancy is hardly the only hormonal event connected with this skin condition. Birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy can also contribute. Perimenopause and menopause are also potential melasma triggers.
Warm weather activities can trigger melasma, as can elevated body heat from exercise and exertion. Skin irritation is another potential accelerant of pigment problems. Aggressive skincare practices can boost inflammation, another melasma contributor.
Talk with Dr. Baron about an effective but mild skincare routine that avoids stimulating pigment production. Your plan can include some of Dr. Baron’s own line of skincare products.
When you undergo treatment to eliminate your current melasma condition, it can be disappointing to find that darkened skin comes back. However, since it’s a chronic condition, recurring melasma doesn’t represent a failure of your treatment. It’s the persistent nature of melasma itself.
Common melasma treatments include:
You may find that follow-up maintenance treatments extend the benefits of your initial sessions. Dr. Baron can recommend a protocol to help keep melasma from coming back.
Contact Jennifer Baron, MD online or by phone to schedule a personal skin consultation. Melasma can be managed, so book your visit today.
