Overcoming Melasma for a Brighter Outlook
Here it is, the dreaded word, melasma! It can make for an emotional and stressful morning
routine. Do you treat it, cover it, ignore it? How can you make it better? What makes it worse? And will it ever go away??
Melasma is very common, often showing up during pregnancy, and the greyish-brown patches are referred to as the “mask of pregnancy”. But don’t be misled! Melasma can appear anytime there is a drastic hormonal change; think menopause, estrogen replacement/therapy, or even *gasp* taking birth control.
So, how do you know if it’s melasma you’re confronting in the mirror? It can be confusing to distinguish this from hyperpigmentation. To do so, ask yourself the following questions about your darker patches or spots:
· Did I first notice them after hormonal changes?
· Do they become darker after sun exposure?
· Do they darken in the heat?
Did you answer yes to all of these? If so, you may find yourself with melasma. A daily skin care routine using mild products may help your skin appear brighter and have a more even complexion. Look for products containing niacinamide, olive leaf extract and green leaf extract. Avoid using harsh ingredients which can make skin more sensitive.
Melasma may not respond to proper skin care, requiring a more clinical approach. This is where your skin care professional is essential! Consult with a licensed esthetician who can recommend products containing both skin-lightening and anti-inflammatory properties. Your esthetician can also utilize brightening peels or laser treatments to aid in achieving your desired results.
When confronting a skin condition, like melasma, you are not alone! Millions of people suffer from the same insecurities and self-consciousness that melasma can bring. When you look at the face in the mirror, look past the surface of your skin and find the heart of the person within you. Remember that beauty is not just skin-deep.
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