Melasma (also referred to as Chloasma) is a very common skin disorder. Melasma and hyper-pigmentation is the darkening and discoloration of the skin caused by an excessive production of melanin. This darkening of the skin appears mostly on the face, but can also be present on the neck.
Melanin is the body’s natural darkening pigment, but when it is focussed in one area it creates uneven skin tone and dark brown patches. It is most common in young women with darker skin types, but it can affect anyone. Common causes include pregnancy, birth control pills, prolonged outdoor sun exposure, and hormonal imbalances.
For women, concealing these patchy brown areas can sometimes be achieved with makeup, but this is not entirely effective and is often time consuming and expensive. For men, the use of concealer and makeup is generally not a desired option.
Our office has treated many patients successfully with various approaches, including: Caracas chemical masque, high potency bleaching agents for home use, Fraxel laser, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL).
We currently offer all the above treatments in our office. After treatment, you can help prevent Melasma from returning by wearing sunscreen everyday.