Melasma & Hyperpigmentation
Who Gets Melasma & Hyperpigmentation?
Melasma, a form of hyperpigmentation (also referred to as chloasma or the mask of pregnancy when present in pregnant women) presents itself primarily as relatively solid in pigment, largish tan or darker facial, skin discolourations that are typically seen on the outer perimeter of the face, especially on the forehead. Melasma can exist anywhere on the face & often develops gradually over time. Even though it can affect anyone, melasma is particularly common in women & is thought to have a hormonal component.
Although these Melasma patches do not cause any other physical symptoms beyond skin discolourations, they can cause a lot of emotional trauma & loss of esteem to those experiencing it. Typical lightening creams & sunscreens can assist, but offer very little improvement. Newer high tech, customized solutions are needed to get this condition under visible control so that you don't have to keep camouflaging those dark patches any longer. For radiant results you can see guaranteed.
Call us today at 250-472-SKIN (7546) to schedule your personal consultation.
How Is Melasma Distinguished From Regular Hyperpigmentation?
What Causes Melasma?
· Excessive unprotected sun exposure
· Stimulation of melanocytes· Birth Control Pills & some HRT· Female sex hormones – estrogen & progesterone· Thyroid disease / stress· Addison’s disease (Melasma Suprarenale)· Allergic reactions to medications & cosmetics / perfumes· Genetic Predisposition· Living in regions with a lot of sun exposure Effective Treatments For Melasma & Hyperpigmentation In Victoria BC For those of you who are unhappy living with melasma &/or hyperpigmentation here in Victoria, B.C., we offer you several effective & customized treatments that will assist in expediting the fading of these discoloured patches including:
- Medical strength, topical depigmenting agents, with intensified vitamins, chirally correct peels, specific alpha hydroxy acids, combined with ultrasounds & specialized penetrating masks along with custom blended at home skin care, have proven to be extremely effective in fading these annoying patches.
- To achieve maximum results, a series of these relaxing treatments, performed on a weekly basis, will provide you with a progressive & visible reduction in your melasma.
- Sunlight exposure needs to be strictly avoided with the use of broad-spectrum sunscreens which have physical blockers, such as titanium dioxide and zinc dioxide. These are preferred over chemical blockers, because UV-A, UV-B, and visible light are all able of stimulate melanin or pigment production, even through the windows of your car.
- With certain individuals here in Victoria, B.C. in order to maintain lasting results, it is important to continue with some kind of maintenance skin therapy, especially for those with a genetic predisposition or who spend a lot of time in the great outdoors.
When necessary, specific cosmetic cover-ups can also be utilized to reduce the appearance of your melasma & increase your confidence.
Melasma also seems to be more prevalent in the forearms of men and women of Native American descent and on the face of those of German/Russian or Jewish ancestry.Melasma is usually identified visually or with assistance of a specialized Skin Scope (340 - 400 nm wavelength). Under this Scope, excess melanin in the epidermis can be distinguished from that of the dermis, so that we can determine the best course of treatment for you.
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