Alester Brown

What is Melasma Treatment?

Melasma is a skin condition that occurs in both men and women. However, it's most common in women due to hormonal changes. Melasma causes the skin cells to go into overdrive, developing dark patches on the skin.

While not harmful, melasma can change your appearance and cause self-esteem issues. This condition can disappear over time, but many people have dealt with it for decades. As a result, many seek treatment. Melasma treatment in San Francisco can reduce the appearance of discoloration, and there are many options your dermatologist can employ.

Medication

Certain medications can decrease the amount of pigment your skin produces. They can also lighten existing patches to create a more uniform tone.

Dermatologists will examine your skin to determine which medications suit your situation. The most common medications include hydroquinone and tretinoin.

Hydroquinone is a topical product that evens skin tone. Tretinoin is an anti-inflammatory and retinoid that can improve skin tone and texture.

Your provider may also prescribe combination creams that contain hydroquinone, tretinoin and corticosteroids. Some may prescribe gentler alternatives like topical vitamin C or azaleic acid.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are a common service provided by dermatologists. They remove the top layer of skin, promoting better texture and tone. It's a great melasma treatment in San Francisco that can provide relatively quick results, and many dermatologists recommend it in addition to medication.

Microneedling

Microneedling is similar to chemical peels. It involves creating tiny injuries that encourage the skin to heal itself. Regular treatments can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, improve texture and address pigmentation issues. It's a minimally invasive procedure; your dermatologist may suggest ongoing treatments alongside medications.

Sun Protection

In addition to standard treatment options, sun protection is a must. Sun exposure can trigger the skin to produce more pigment while darkening melasma patches.

The best sunscreen products to apply to the skin for people with melasma include formulas with zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or iron oxide. You can also adjust your clothing to cover the arms or wear a wide-brimmed hat to minimize how much ultraviolet rays hit your face.

Author Resource:-

Alester Brown writes about dermatology and Mohs Surgery. She advises people on the highest quality of exceptional medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatologic care. You can find her thoughts at skin cancer care blog.