How to Treat Melasma

Dealing with Melasma can be a challenging experience. From small areas of discoloration to large, obvious skin hyperpigmentation, Melasma can range from an annoyance to a worrying skin condition that affects your confidence and self-esteem.

Although Melasma isn’t dangerous to your physical health, it can have serious effects on your emotional well-being. Several studies even show that Melasma can even affect your social life, preventing you from having the confidence to form relationships and enjoy life to its fullest.

WHAT CAUSES MELASMA

Melasma is a chronic condition that can result from genetics, ethnicity, hormone changes, medications, sun damage and exposure to name a few. Since it tends to be chronic, the goal is to control its effect on the skin. Melasma is an abnormal expression of our pigment melanin both deep in the skin as well as superficial.

WHAT TREATMENTS ARE BEST FOR MELASMA

In most cases, no one treatment will completely correct Melasma. At Baldwin GYN & Aesthetics, we encourage a complimentary skin consultation to individualize your treatment plan. Treatments usually include:

1. Daily skin care with pigment correcting products such as Hydroquinone, C Complex serums and others
2. Series of chemical peels with facial treatment in the office
3. Laser treatment, the gold standard for managing Melasma.

Remember, not all lasers are equal. Typically, an individualized laser treatment protocol is best to manage Melasma and usually includes 4 sessions with followup sessions every 6 to 12 months.

• Picosure by Cynosure is a leading laser specifically designed to address melanin and pigment without causing rebound hyperpigmentation or scarring which can often occur with IPL and other lasers.
• Aerolase Neo Elite is another excellent laser for all skin of color conditions (skin types 4-6) including Melasma.