Melasma is a skin condition that is harmless and causes unflattering dark patches to appear. This often occurs as a result of hormonal changes, especially during pregnancy, or overexposure to the sun. The experienced physicians at Dr. Dayan in Chicago specialize in treating Melasma alongside other types of hyperpigmentation with different treatments, including chemical peels and laser therapy.
These dark patches greatly impact the appearance of patients. They often make people look older than they are and affect the tone of the skin. Our clinic provides a full spectrum of services, choosing the best one to treat your particular condition. You are not alone; many in the United States suffer from Melasma. If you want to stop these unattractive dark patches from impacting your appearance, then contact the experts at our clinic for your FREE primary consultation today.
What is Melasma?
Melasma is a harmless and common condition that causes dark patches to appear on your skin. They usually impact the complexion of the face but can sometimes appear in different areas of the body. Many adults get Melasma on their:
- Cheeks
- Nose
- Forehead
- Upper lip
- Arms
- Neck
While these patches do not pose a risk to your overall health, they can negatively impact your self-image. If these patches have started to show up on your body or face, then contact the specialists at Dr.Dayan. They will assist in diagnosing the issue and choosing the right treatment for your particular condition.
What Causes Melasma?
Generally, Melasma occurs when the body overproduces melanin. This is the pigment in the skin as a result of too many hormones or overexposure to the sun. In addition to them forming from being under the sun for too long, women often get Melasma patches as a result of increased hormones during menopause or pregnancy. Due to this fact, Melasma is sometimes referred to as the “mask of pregnancy.” Additionally, teens or adults who are taking birth control are at risk of developing these patches as well!
Will Melasma Disappear on its Own?
It depends on your condition. With all blemishes on one’s skin, each patient’s condition is unique. Therefore, it all depends on different factors. These can include:
- You are taking hormone-based medications
- A fluctuation in hormones due to pregnancy
- Use of contraception
Those who are pregnant and develop these patches usually see them fade within a couple of months once hormones have returned to normal. However, if you are constantly taking contraception or hormone-based medications, then they may go away.
Additionally, if the cause of your Melasma is not caused by any of the issues mentioned above, your skin discoloration probably won’t go away on its own. Without treatment, Melasma patched can last for years and become impossible to get rid of on your own.
What Can I Do if My Melasma Doesn’t Go Away?
If your Melasma has not gone away after a few months of having it and you aren’t pregnant or taking contraception / hormone-based medication, then you should seek professional help. Before starting any therapy for Melasma, your specialist at Dr. Dayan will examine your skin and evaluate your condition. This is done because Melasma can tend to resemble other skin conditions, and an accurate diagnosis will ensure the proper treatment.
The technicians and specialists at our clinic are skincare and Melasma pros. Dr. Dayan and his team will thoroughly examine your skin while reviewing your family and medical history. Once everything has been discussed and examined, your expert will develop a customized Melasma treatment plan.
How is Melasma treated?
There are different ways that your provider may treat your Melasma condition, and they may include:
Laser Therapy to Treat Melasma
Laser therapies use light and thermal energy to improve your skin’s tone and texture. The team at Dr. Dayan provides top-of-the-line laser therapy technology to safely break up spots of Melasma without damaging the surrounding skin. The light energy pierces below the exterior of your skin to improve hyperpigmentation. The results mean skin that is equally toned throughout the body and face.
Chemical Peels to Treat Melasma
Chemical peels are one of the ideal therapies for this condition as they are used to remove the outer layers of the skin. This process reveals a much younger and even skin tone underneath. The specialists at our clinic will create a customized solution to help exfoliate the top layer of the skin, creating a gentle yet effective formula for ultimate results.
How Can I Prevent Developing Melasma?
As one of the leading causes of Melasma is overexposure to the sun, one of the best ways to avoid it is to wear lots of sunscreens and cover up when outside. This also goes towards people who use tanning beds often. Constant exposure to UV light can be extremely harmful to the skin causing Melasma and other skin conditions.
However, if you are someone who is constantly taking contraception or hormone-based medication, it would be best to talk with your doctor about possible alternatives. But you should first get examined by a specialist like Dr. Dayan to determine the true cause of your Melasma patches. If you are pregnant and have developed Melasma, wait for a little while until your hormones get back in check. If they still haven’t gone away, then contact our clinic!
Get Rid of Unwanted Melasma Patches Today
Dr. Dayan and his team of specialists boast the leading technology, equipment, and techniques needed to get your complexion looking better than ever. Restoring your skin to a youthful, tight, and blemish-free look is our passion. Therefore, if you notice something developing on your skin taking away from your appearance or making you look older than you actually are, get in contact with our team today to book your free primary consultation.