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Top Dermatology Treatments for Melasma


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Melasma is a skin disorder that typically occurs in women who are pregnant, undergoing menopause or those who are entering their senior years. The condition results in the development of dark pigmentation around the cheek bones, upper lip, chin and forehead, and there are not any topical treatments available to date that can clear up this type of skin problem. Fortunately, there are several dermatology treatments that can improve the condition of the skin and reduce the effects of melasma.

What Causes Melasma?

Melasma is the result of hyperpigmentation of the skin cells, and the skin may become more vulnerable to damage during periods of hormonal shifts. Too much sunlight and using the wrong types of skincare products may have an impact on the amount of pigmentation a woman develops; these dark skin deposits typically get darker over a few months, and even though the condition is harmless, it can be very difficult to cover up with makeup alone.

Dermatology Treatments for Melasma

While there is no permanent solution for treating melasma, there are several cosmetic dermatology treatments that can help lighten up the skin and reduce the appearance of the dark spots. Bleaching creams may be hazardous to the skin’s health, and leave behind patches of hyperpigmented skin. Some of the best ways to reduce pigmentation are with laser procedures, photodynamic therapy and chemical peels are used at many skincare centers around the country with positive results. Using a highly-potent sunscreen is also important for women who have especially sensitive skin.

Laser Treatments for Melasma

Laser skin resurfacing and skin lightening procedures may help the skin cells turnover at a faster rate and lighten up the skin tone overall. Laser procedures help to break down scarred tissues and pigmented areas, and this process then triggers the production of collagen. A few weeks after the procedure, the patient will notice much smoother skin and the pigment may begin to fade within a few months. 

Photodynamic Therapy for Melasma

Photodynamic therapy uses the power of light to heat up the skin’s tissues and break down damaged cells. This treatment is commonly used to treat acne and other skin disorders, and has proven to be effective at lightening up dark patches of skin. Results of a clinical study published in the February 2006 Journal of Drugs in Dermatology indicate ‘excellent cosmetic results’ with a single ALA Photodynamic Therapy session; researchers report that blue light treatments may be a valuable alternative to intensive lasers and provide outstanding results. (Source: Journal of Drugs in Dermatology)

Chemical Peels for Melasma

Chemical peels help to remove the primary and layers of the skin to reduce the appearance of dark spots and patches of pigmentation. Medical-grade glycolic peels may be particularly effective at clearing up melasma, but the SilkPeel, a precision exfoliation treatment that also buffs away dead skin cells, may help to treat melasma and rehydrate the skin with a special moisturizing formula. Both treatments involve very little downtime and can help to even out the skin tone after just one treatment.
 
Maintaining healthy skin habits and wearing sunscreen is essential for protecting the skin from damage and hyperpigmentation. Melasma can be a very difficult skin condition to mask with makeup and skincare products, but more intensive therapies and treatments that can improve the skin overall are available.
 
Consult with a dermatologist in your area about different treatment options for melasma, or learn more about skin rejuvenation   in our information guide.

 

 

Published: 01/16/2009, Last Updated: 01/16/2009

By LocateADoc.com Medical Staff Writers

Our writers strive to present an objective, upfront and open view of the medical procedures you're interested in. We present you with both the good and bad, and work to represent both doctors' and patients' points of view. Our articles contain facts and statistics from medical associations, medical and surgical journals, and through doctor and patient interviews.





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