What is Melasma?
Melasma is a pigmentation disorder of the skin; it affects women, especially those with darker skin. It is commonly seen on the face and appears as dark spots and patches. This is often caused due to pregnancies, hormone treatments, and certain medications that treat depression.
Treatment
A good Dermatologist will investigate the type of melasma you have, then put you through sessions of:
1. Face peels
2. Couple of hydra facial treatments
3. A topical cream, that needs to be applied only at night on the Melasma
4. Face wash
5. All this is done over a period of 5 to 6 months.
DO’s & DONT’S
Remember post the peel treatment, your skin will be very sensitive, do not use any cosmetics on your face, for up to 7 days. Direct heat is bad, so wash your face with chilled water.
Generally, avoid exposure to direct sunlight & especially during peak hours. Using a broad spectrum sunscreen “SPF 50” with your tinted moisturizer is very critical, as it blocks visible light, as well as UVA/UVB rays. Use sunscreen even when you are indoors.
During the peeling process moisturize your face well and do not pick on the skin that has begun peeling, as this will lead to the darkening of the spot.
You will have to follow the home treatments diligently to see results, which will generally take up to 5 weeks.
There is no permanent treatment for melasma and the marks do not entirely disappear, but constant care will help keep the marks light.
Makeup By Dawn Tobin 