What Is Melasma And What Causes It?
Melasma is a common skin condition that causes irregular brown patches of skin usually appearing on the face, but sometimes also on the arms and neck. The cause of melasma is not entirely understood, but it occurs when pigment producing cells in the skin, called melanocytes, produce too much brown pigment. It is thought to be at least partly related to changes in hormones as women who are pregnant or on birth control are more likely to experience it.
Who Gets Melasma?
Melasma Sounds Like Hyperpigmentation. Is There A Difference?
Know the Triggers.Again, though men do experience this skin condition, it is women that tend to experience it more. Pregnancy, birth control pills and hormone therapy as well as stress, thyroid disease and reactions to certain medications and cosmetics are all known triggers, so speak with your primary care physician or gynecologist for alternative therapies and treatment options. Melasma can manifest as very obvious dark patches on pregnant women. Known as the "mask of pregnancy", this can also become obvious on women who are on taking certain oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy.
Practice Safe Sun.This is the single most important lifestyle change you can make for healthier skin and fewer Melasma flares. Just a quick walk across the grocery store parking lot or an hour at the beach (even if it’s cloudy) is enough to affect Melasma. It’s also enough to damage the DNA in your skin, predisposing you to skin cancer and premature skin aging.
Use sunscreens that protect against both UVA and UVB rays (labeled with Broad-Spectrum). The vast majority of the sun’s radiation that reaches the earth is actually UVA. Use sunscreens that contain zinc or titanium dioxide and silicones (listed as dimethicone, orcyclomethicone, or cyclomethicone). These ingredients are less likely to irritate your skin and provide the best overall coverage and protection.
Sunscreen should be worn year around and on cloudy days as damage from the sun can occur every day of the year and despite clouds. Everyone should wear sun protection and at a level of SPF 30 or higher.
For more protection or if you aren’t able to reapply sunscreen repeatedly throughout the day, try UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) clothing lines such as Coolibar, Mott50, Naviskin, etc. These brands create light weight shirts, pants, shorts, swimsuits, wraps, dresses, and skirts to protect your skin from the summer sun.
Wear a wide brimmed hat whenever you are outside (even for a quick walk). Always wear your sunscreen as well because light reflects off the ground and can cause damage, even when wearing a hat. And, definitely protect affected skin, reapplying throughout the day. There are several excellent over-the-counter brands available.
UVA rays come right through most house and car windows, so consider installing UV blocking film on your car and home windows. 3M is a reliable brand and many auto shops offer this service. Also, consider purchasing blue light blocking films for your electronics as more and more studies are showing detrimental effects of blue light on skin.
Avoid exposure and activities outside during the sun’s peak hours: 10am to 5pm in the summertime and 11am to 2pm in the wintertime. Stop any and all tanning bed use. Tanned skin may look good, but it is a sure sign of damage (often permanent) to your skin.
Practice Self-Care.When you take care of your physical and mental self, you are taking care of your skin and helping to prevent flares. Here are some small changes you can make in your life to produce big effects on your skin down the road.
Try to reduce stress in your life. This means something different to everyone. Take time out of your day just for you, spend time with friends, go for a short walk, or consider meditation. If you are unable to deal with your stress on your own, consider speaking with a close friend, find a support group or consult a health care professional.
Monitor your diet. Make better choices. Avoid processed foods. Cook at home as much as possible but especially avoid chain restaurants as the ingredients are more likely to be heavily processed. Visit local farmer’s markets where everything is fresh and good for you.
Sleep reduces stress. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Dim or remove any lights that are on in your bedroom while sleeping, including lights from chargers, night lights, phones, television or clocks. Try black out curtains and eye shades. Limit noise in your bedroom. Put your phone on silent. Try a white noise machine, a fan, or ear plugs to block out noise you can’t control.
Choose Cosmetics And Personal Care Products Carefully.
Choose products that have Broad Spectrum UVA and UVB coverage. Always test new products on your arm before using them on your face and stop using any products that burn, itch, or sting.
Avoid personal care products that contain these irritating ingredients: alcohol, camphor, peppermint, fragrance, urea, sodium laurel sulfate, menthol, lactic acid, and glycolic acid. Also avoid toners, astringents, and abrasive exfoliators (such as products with beads). Avoid waxing any areas with Melasma as this may make it worse.
Consult A Dermatologist.
Topical medications such as 15 to 20% Azelaic Acid, Cysteamine, Kojic Acid, and Hydroquinone that can all improve Melasma. Hydroquinone has rare, but serious side effects, so please discuss these with a provider before using. Tranexamic Acid, another oral medication, is being used successfully to treat Melasma, however it has a theoretical risk of causing blood clots. Again, any medications must be prescribed by a medical professional.
Stronger prescription-strength chemical peels and laser treatments are often very helpful in treating Melasma, though a patient may require multiple treatments. Microdermabrasion may also be helpful.
Choose Gentle And Effective Skincare Personalized For Your Skin Needs And Issu
- Use only lukewarm water on your face as both hot and cold water can irritate skin.
- Use soap free cleansers that are pH balanced such as a personalized Proven cleanser.
- Apply all cleansers and products, including cosmetics, gently with fingertips. Never rub, pull, or scrub. Gently pat face dry with a soft cloth. Avoid waterproof cosmetics and heavy foundations that are difficult to remove without scrubbing.
- Avoid peels or dermabrasion and always test products on an area of your body other than your face first.
- Keep skin hydrated. This will trap water in your skin, reduce irritation, and make your skin feel more comfortable. Choose creams over lotions or gels.
- Avoid personal care products that contain these irritating ingredients: alcohol, camphor, peppermint, fragrance, urea, sodium laurel sulfate, menthol, lactic acid, and glycolic acid. Also avoid toners, astringents, and abrasive exfoliators.
- Fewer products are better than many when it comes to an effective and beneficial skincare regimen as too many products can irritate skin.
PROVEN SKINCARE formulates products based on a person’s individual needs based on living environment, lifestyle, diet, stress levels, frequency of travel, as well as skin sensitivities and conditions, that will be most beneficial on skin affected by Melasma. Go to provenskincare.com to take the complimentary skin quiz to discover your personalized skincare formulations.
For more information on Proven Skincare, please go to www.provenskincare.com and follow us on Instagram @provenskincare.
