Skin conditions, especially ones that develop on the face, have a direct impact on the self-esteem of those affected.
Melasma is a misunderstood condition characterized by brown, grayish, or bluish patches, most often on the face. Research about the condition uncovers a lot of contradicting information that is often more confusing than it is helpful.
We are here to clear things up about melasma. Let us separate the myths from the facts about this common skin condition.
Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about melasma and the melasma skincare treatments available to you.
What Is Melasma?
Melasma is a skin condition that involves pigment changes. Presenting as grayish or brown patches of skin, melasma typically develops on a person’s forehead, jaw, nose, upper lip, or cheeks. In some cases, melasma can appear on a person’s neck, arms, or other parts of the body, but this is less common.
Melasma occurs when pigment-producing cells become overactive and produce excess melanin. Researchers have yet to determine the exact cause of the skin condition. However, there is some evidence that it is linked to excess UV (ultraviolet) exposure to the sun and changes in hormones.
What makes melasma different from other skin conditions is that it appears in a symmetrical pattern on both sides of the affected person’s face.
Myths and Truths of Melasma
Melasma is an often misunderstood skin condition. Let’s clear up the misconceptions. Here are the truths and myths about melasma.
Myth: Melasma is a permanent skin condition.
Truth: Melasma is treatable.
Many people believe that they are stuck with melasma for life. The truth is that many advances have been made in the treatment of melasma, even clearing some of the most severe cases.
There are many different melasma skincare treatments, including specific melasma medication, chemical peels, and laser therapy.
There are also many advances in skincare that can make a big difference in people with melasma. Skincare lines like the Environ product lines are difference-makers when it comes to treating pigment changes in the skin.
Myth: Melasma only affects pregnant women.
Truth: Melasma can affect anyone.
Melasma is also known as the “mask of pregnancy.” While up to 50% of pregnant women develop melasma during their pregnancies, there are other causes of melasma. These include too much exposure to sunlight and taking birth control pills.
Melasma does mostly affect women, but some men can develop the condition as well.
Myth: If you scrub hard enough, melasma will fade.
Truth: Scrubbing could make melasma worse.
Some milder cases of melasma lighten up with exfoliation, but this is not recommended. Using aggressive pressure on melasma patches could lead to more pigment and darker pigment production, worsening the condition.
Myth: One treatment will be enough.
Truth: Melasma often reoccurs, needing more treatments.
Melasma treatment has come a long way and has a great success rate. But, melasma often recurs even after being successfully treated. There are, however, some prevention tips that may prevent or delay the recurrence of melasma.
- Protect your skin from the sun using SPF 30 or higher sunscreen
- Wear a hat and sunglasses outdoors
- Use dermatological skin care specifically for melasma
- Be gentle with your skin, avoiding harsh cleansers and skin care products
- Reduce consumption of alcohol and processed food
- Eat fresh fruit and vegetables to get valuable antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
Myth: Melasma is cancerous.
Truth: Melasma is not a sign of cancer and does not turn into cancer.
Melasma is a skin condition resulting from hyperpigmentation. This uneven distribution of melanin is harmless.
While some skin cancers and other skin diseases may appear as dark spots or look like melasma, they are not the same.
Skin cancer is the result of damaged cells that manifest as cancer. It often appears as a distinct freckle or mole, and it’s often raised, unlike melasma, which is flat.
Myth: Melasma is painful.
Truth: Melasma is a harmless, painless skin condition.
Melasma is harmless. The only symptom of melasma is that it is noticeable on the skin and makes some people self-conscious.
It does not hurt or itch or become irritated. It doesn’t turn into cancer and it is not an indication of more serious health issues.
Myth: Genetics cause all melasma cases.
Truth: Anyone is at risk of developing melasma.
Genetics can increase the risk of developing melasma, especially if someone has a parent with the condition. While some melasma is inherited, the skin disorder can affect anyone.
Melasma is more likely to affect people with darker skin tones and is more common in places where UV radiation is stronger.
Myth: All melasma is the same.
Truth: There are several different types of melasma.
Some people mistakenly think that all melasma cases are the same. In fact, there are three different types of melasma.
Epidermal melasma is characterized by dark patches with defined borders. This type of melasma often responds well to skin treatments because the color rests predominantly in the top layer of the skin.
Dermal melasma is characterized by blue-tinged or light brown patches that may or may not have a defined border. This type of melasma develops deeper into the layers of the skin and may be more difficult to treat.
Mixed melasma is a combination of both dermal melasma and epidermal melasma. This is a very common type of melasma that is characterized by a combination of darker and lighter patches of skin.
The Art of Beauty – Bringing Excellent Skin Care To You
Now that the myths and facts about melasma are demystified, we know that melasma is a harmless and highly treatable condition. Many people are now able to successfully manage their melasma, increasing their self-esteem in the process.
At The Art of Beauty, we bring excellent skin care to you. We offer a variety of melasma skincare treatments and products for other skin conditions. If you need help deciding on the best products for your condition, contact our beauty specialists today!
