Melasma

Melasma is a discoloration in the face that is also called the "pregnancy mask."

It stems from hormonal changes in a woman's body. It is aggravated by exposure to the sun. Pregnancy and the use of oral contraceptives are the most common causes of melasma.

It usually presents itself in brown or grey patches and can show up on your cheeks, nose, forehead, chin, or upper lip. 

While all women are susceptible to it, darker-skinned people are more prone to melasma more than fair-skinned people.

What Causes Melasma?

Melasma can happen as a side effect of things like:

• Pregnancy
• Oral Contraceptives
• Endocrine Dysfunction
• Genetic Factors
• Medications
• Nutritional Deficiency
• Liver Dysfunction

Treating Melasma

There are over-the-counter products available that claim to reverse the effects of melasma or the pregnancy mask. These can be somewhat effective. However, melasma is a very difficult form of pigmentation to treat. Your best bet is to see a professional who can show you a few options.

Vivier Hyperpigmentation Kit

This skin care system is an excellent option for treating melasma. We have seen improvements even in people who have been resistant to other kinds of treatment.* The system comes with several skin care products. When you purchase this system, you don't just get the products. You get a service as well, because our esthetician will see you on a monthly basis to monitor your progress and make recommendations.   

Peels

Peels work in part by producing a controlled chemical injury to the skin. The injured skin "peels" off and is replaced by healthier skin. Peels are usually used in combination with other forms of treatment.

Pixel

Laser resurfacing with the Pixel can be used to treat your melasma. People have gotten significant benefit from Pixel, even though the condition is resistant to many other forms of treatment.*

Photorejuvenation

We never utilize IPL, which stands for Intense Pulsed Light, to treat melasma because there is about a 30% chance we will make it worse.  While there are many IPL success stories for patients with melasma, we won't take the risk of making you worse.

Our knowledgeable and experienced staff can help you with your melasma today. You can contact us by calling (905) 726-1126.