Melasma Treatment

Understanding Melasma and How to Treat It (Part 1)

Melasma is a skin condition characterized by brown or gray-brown patches on the face, typically on the cheeks, forehead, nose, and upper lip. The condition is caused by an increase in melanin, the pigment that gives color to the skin, and is often triggered by sun exposure, hormonal changes, and certain medications.

Melasma is more common in women and people with darker skin tones. It can be treated with topical creams, chemical peels, and laser therapy. Sun protection is also important in preventing melasma from getting worse.

In this article the skin care experts at AMAE Medical Spa in the West Bloomfield area explain the causes and treatments for melasma.

How Many People In The U.S. Have Melasma

It is estimated to affect around 6 million people in the US. It is more common in women, particularly during pregnancy, and in people with darker skin tones. Melasma is also more prevalent in certain ethnic groups, such as Latinas and Asian women. However, it can affect anyone, regardless of their skin tone or ethnicity.

What Age Is Most Likely To Have Melasma

Melasma is most commonly seen in adults, specifically women, between the ages of 20 to 50. However, it can affect anyone at any age, including men and children. Melasma is more prevalent during reproductive years, pregnancy, and in those who are taking hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills. Sun exposure can also be a factor in developing melasma, and older adults may have more sun exposure than younger people, so it can occur at any age.

How Hormones Cause Melasma

Melasma is caused by an increase in the production of melanin, the pigment that gives color to the skin, hair, and eyes. The exact cause of melasma is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to a combination of factors, including hormonal changes and sun exposure.

Hormones are believed to play a significant role in the development of melasma, in particular, the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. These hormones stimulate the production of melanin, which can lead to the formation of dark patches on the skin.

Pregnancy is a common cause of melasma, as the increase in estrogen and progesterone levels during pregnancy can trigger the formation of melasma. Hormonal changes that occur during menopause, such as a decrease in estrogen levels, can also lead to melasma.

Hormonal imbalances and the use of oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy can also increase the risk of melasma. Melasma is also more common in women, who have higher levels of these hormones than men.

It’s important to note that not all cases of melasma are caused by hormones, and other factors such as genetics and sun exposure can also contribute to the development of the condition.

The Different Types Of Melasma

There are three main types of melasma, based on the location of the pigmentation on the face:

1. Centro-facial melasma: This type of melasma affects the cheeks, nose, and forehead.
2. Malar melasma: This type of melasma affects the cheeks and nose.
3. Mandibular melasma: This type of melasma affects the jawline and chin.

Additionally, melasma can also be classified into two types based on the depth of the pigmentation:

1. Epidermal melasma: This type of melasma is caused by an increase in pigmentation in the top layer of the skin (epidermis).
2. Dermal melasma: This type of melasma is caused by an increase in pigmentation in the deeper layers of the skin (dermis).

It is important to note that most cases of melasma are a combination of both epidermal and dermal pigmentation.

CLICK HERE FOR PART 2: Melasma Treatment

Best Melasma Treatments | West Bloomfield, MI

Melasma is notoriously difficult to treat, so it is important to consult with an experienced West Bloomfield area Board Certified plastic surgeon like Doctor Ali who can evaluate your skin and recommend the best treatment or combination of therapies. We offer several state-of-the-art treatments that are highly effective at treating Melasma at our West Bloomfield area Med Spa.

Each Melasma skin treatment begins with a professional skin consultation. Treatments are selected and optimized to meet the specific needs of each client with the most innovative and comprehensive products and technologies.

Schedule a Melasma consultation and treatment – and then relax in our West Bloomfield area Med Spa, while we make you look and feel more confident and attractive!

Melasma Treatments | West Bloomfield, MI: 248.335.7200