Experiencing Melasma? We Have the Skincare Products You Need
Dealing with skin issues, especially on your face – can really have an impact on your confidence and happiness with your appearance. Melasma is a common skin condition that many seek treatment for. Here at Polished MedSpa, we have products available to help resolve your melasma and improve your overall skin health. Read on to learn more about this skin condition and how we can help!
What is Melasma?
Melasma is a common problem that causes patches of discoloration on your skin. These patches are darker than your normal skin color, typically brown or gray-brown in color. They often form in areas of sun exposure, such as your forehead, cheeks, nose, upper lip, and forearms and neck.
What Causes Melasma?
Melasma can be brought on by a variety of different factors. It is much more common in women than men - as 90% of people who develop melasma are female. It also can have a genetic component, so if it runs in your family - you have a higher likelihood of developing it yourself.
Melasma can be caused by sun and heat exposure, including UV radiation. Hormonal changes are another trigger for melasma. You may have heard the phrase ‘the mask of pregnancy’ as these hormone fluctuations can cause the skin pigmentation changes. Other triggers could be hormone therapy and taking contraceptives.
Your skin contains cells called melanocytes that store and produce a dark color known as melanin. When exposed to these triggers of light, heat, or hormones these melanocytes produce more melanin, which causes the skin to darken. Melasma isn’t harmful - but can definitely be cosmetically concerning for people experiencing it. Some people experience melasma for short periods of time, while others do for years of their lives.
How is Melasma Treated?
While there isn’t a cure for this skin condition, there are treatment options available. First-line treatment for melasma are topical hydroquinones. Hydroquinone is a topical skin-bleaching agent that treats moderate to severe hyperpigmentation, such as melasma. Hydroquinone decreases the amount of melanocytes present. By controlling the number of these cells, your skin lightens and becomes more evenly toned.
Hydroquinones are not a long term treatment. If you get started with a hydroquinone and don’t see results within 3 months, you need to discontinue use and take a break from it. Five months is the maximum amount of time you should use this agent consistently, before discontinuing use for several months.
Due to the powerful nature of this product, limiting the amount of time you take it helps reduce any side effects. This product also needs to be weaned slowly, instead of completely stopping treatment.That’s why it’s so important to work closely with your aesthetic provider - so they can guide you through the process.
ZO Skin Health for Melasma
Dr. Zein Obagi is a dermatologist who is the Medical Director of ZO Skin Health – our favorite skincare line at Polished MedSpa! He designed the go-to treatment for melasma, and we are pleased to be able to offer it.
Dr. Obagi is a strong proponent of hydroquinone use to help resolve this skin condition. When used in reasonable concentrations under provider supervision, it’s safe and effective for melasma.
Fall is the perfect time to get started with my ZO customized regime for melasma with hydroquinone. Redness, burning, and peeling are all expected and completely normal responses to this regime. (REMEMBER without reactions, there are no changes!) Hydroquinone can cause you to sunburn more easily – so with less beach days and sunny afternoons outside, autumn is a great season to start these products.
This system of ZO products addresses hyperpigmentation, and helps improve the overall quality, health, and appearance of your skin. It consists of a variety of ZO skin products, tailored for you and your unique skin needs. Book an appointment with me today if you’re experiencing melasma and would like some personalized help restoring and improving your skin tone!
XO, Lauren