When brown spots appear on the skin, it may be a common skin condition called melasma. Although it can also appear on the neck and underarms, it is most commonly found on the skin of the face. As it affects appearance, it can also directly affect self-confidence and cause stress. Sadly, stress can actually make the condition worse. Technically, however, it is not a serious condition, nor is it dangerous.
Below, we will answer some questions that plague many people with skin discoloration: “What is melasma?” and “What causes melasma?“
Definition of Melasma
Melasma is more common in women and is actually a form of hyperpigmentation (a much broader term). As mentioned earlier, melasma usually occurs on the face, such as above the lips, on the chin, and on the forehead. In America, melasma affects an estimated 5 million people. It is also called the “mask of pregnancy” because it often occurs during pregnancy. Hormonal changes are the cause in this case. Melasma appears in the form of discoloration and is similar to general hyperpigmentation of the face, but is exacerbated by sun exposure.
Causes of Melasma
The exact cause of melasma is still a mystery. It can occur when the skin’s color-producing cells produce too much color. It is most common in young women. Progesterone and estrogen – female hormones – are often associated with this condition. The risk of melasma may increase if you are a woman who:
- is pregnant
- is taking hormone replacement therapy
- are taking birth control pills
There is also an increased risk of melasma if you spend a long time in the sun. People in tropical climates often get this disease. The risk is also higher if you have darker skin.
Diagnosis of Melasma
Your doctor can tell if you have melasma or not just by looking at your skin. A special lamp can be used for this purpose. For a more detailed examination of your skin, the “Woods lamp” uses ultraviolet light. Sometimes, but not often, your doctor may take a small piece of your skin to make sure melasma is responsible for your brown spots.
Treatment for Melasma
Treatment is not often needed for people with melasma. If you stop hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills, the melasma will probably slowly subside. If you were pregnant when the melasma appeared, it may go away (within a few months) after the baby is born.
If you suffer extremely from the condition or it does not go away, there are treatment options. Creams containing hydroquinone can be prescribed by your doctor.
In some cases, laser treatment, microdermabrasion, or chemical peeling are recommended to lighten dark spots.
Seek professional help for Melasma caused by hormonal changes
The only way to determine if your melasma is caused by hormonal changes is to consult an experienced physician. In some cases, melasma disappears on its own, but this is not always the case. Therefore, you may need to be treated. Also, it is safer to talk to your doctor and find out the best treatment plan for you.
Benefits of Cyspera® Intensive Pigment Corrector
Cyspera® Intensive Pigment Corrector is a depigmentation cream developed in Switzerland: a recent and exciting development in the treatment of pigmentation and melasma. It contains one of the most powerful antioxidants naturally occurring in the human body, and its action reduces melanin pigment in the skin. Cyspera® pigment correcting cream helps to remove brown spots, reduces pigmentation marks, and provides an even and brighter complexion. This depigmentation cream is the first and only skin pigment corrector that contains cysteine as an active biogenic ingredient. The good news is – it’s free of hydroquinone, retinoic acid, kojic acid, corticosteroids, antimutagenic effects, anti-cancer, and anti-melanoma effects, and naturally boosts glutathione production. And now Cyspera® Intensive Pigment Corrector is also available in Saudi Arabia.