Melasma Is Not Sun Damage

I often get questions regarding melasma and sun damage. While they look similar, they are quite different. Sun damage, or hyperpigmentation, is older damage that comes out on the skin later; it may look patchy, like individual dark circles. On the other hand, melasma is usually a result of hormones, although it can be caused by the sun as well. Melasma patches are usually larger than sun damage spots and are often referred to as “pregnancy mask” that forms dark patches around the lip line, forehead, and cheeks. The pigment in our skin cells is called melanocytes. When melasma is present it means that these cells have gone into turbo gear. While melasma is stubborn and difficult to treat, there are options!

It may seem obvious, but sun protection is the best method of prevention for both sun damage and melasma. When it comes to treatment, sometimes melasma fades, lightens, or goes away on its own. But when it sticks around you need to find a professional you trust to guide you through the process.

There are a variety of options when it comes to customizing your approach, but again create this plan with your trusted esthetician, PA, APRN, or dermatologist. This is important because not all lasers treat melasma. Some lasers make it worse, like an ILP, which is great for hyperpigmentation or broken capillaries, but won’t work for melasma. PicoSure is a good laser for this. Cosmelan peels are also effective, but the process takes months and involves a lot of down time and peeling. Lastly, you can add serums into your daily regime that include skin lightening ingredients such as vitamin C, licorice root, and mushroom extract.