Melasma is a skin tan or dark skin discoloration affecting women. The symptoms are brown-grey patches on the face generally on the upper lips, cheeks and forehead and between the eyebrows.
Causes
These are stimulated by the hormone oestrogen either from pregnancy, the pill, hormone replacement therapy or normal circulating oestrogens.
It is of two categories:
- Epidermal is difficult to treat
- Dermal
To determine whether Melasma is epidermal or dermal one has to undergo VISIA complexion analysis is done so as to prescribe the correct treatment.
Usually it is treated using different therapies including:
- Light chemical peels which help to shift the melanin deposits from the affected area
- Topical lighteners such as the Obagi Nu-Derm system
- Vitamin A to help fade the pigmentation.
The patient should apply a SPF 30+ sunscreen everyday and reapply it at short intervals.
At GB Medical we also have Jane Iredale, a cosmetic mineral makeup that can help to camouflage Melasma. It contains a blend of minerals and pigments that are micro-pulverised, allowing the skin to breathe. We also have foundation to you protection from UVA and UVB rays. They are water resistant therefore last long.
For more information call us on (02) 9637 7322 .