How to Prevent Melasma or Keep It from Worsening

Melasma is a skin condition that causes gray or brown patches to appear, usually on the face, neck, and forearms. While this condition isn’t harmful to your health, it can still affect how you feel about your appearance.

As a board-certified dermatologist, David A. Bushore, MD, has extensive experience treating melasma. At Balcones Dermatology & Aesthetics, Dr. Bushore offers effective treatments to reduce the visibility of melasma and resources to help you prevent its recurrence.

Who gets melasma?

The underlying cause of melasma isn’t understood well, but there are factors that can increase your risk of developing this skin condition. These factors include:

Being female

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, melasma is far more common among women than men.

Pregnancy

Often called “the mask of pregnancy,” melasma frequently occurs in pregnant women, likely because of an increase in hormones.

Too much sun

You can develop melasma on sun-exposed areas of your skin if you spend too much time outside unprotected.

Darker skin tone

Because darker skin has more active pigment cells, you might be at an increased risk of developing melasma if you have a dark skin tone.

Family history

If your parents, siblings, or other close relatives have melasma, your risk of developing it increases, too.

Options for treating melasma

While melasma isn’t a dangerous skin condition, the discoloration of your skin might be a reason you want to treat it.

Board-certified dermatologist David A. Bushore, MD, tailors a treatment plan that focuses on restoring the health and appearance of your skin.

Even though melasma can be difficult to treat, Dr. Bushore uses the latest therapies available, including chemical peels, laser treatments, and DiamondGlow™ Dermalinfusion therapy.

After your treatment, we work with you on a plan to prevent the recurrence of melasma to keep your skin looking fresh and healthy.

Tips for reducing your risk of developing melasma

Taking steps to reduce your risk of developing melasma is important for protecting your skin health. Here are some effective tips to prevent melasma and keep your skin healthy:

Spend less time in the sun

Spending time outdoors is good for your health, but try to avoid going outdoors when the sun is at its peak, which is usually 11am-3pm.

Also, when you’re outside, seek shade when needed, and try to wear lightweight clothing and wide-brimmed hats to limit the amount of skin that’s exposed to the sun.

Use sunscreen

Anyone with risk factors for melasma should use a high-quality sunscreen to protect their skin whenever they spend time outdoors.

Apply it generously to all areas of your exposed skin and reapply frequently, especially after sweating or swimming.

Pregnancy advice

Pregnant women might not be able to prevent the melasma that can occur due to changes in hormone levels. However, you can reduce the time you spend in the sun during your pregnancy.

You can also benefit from using the skin care products we recommend, including sunscreens, cleansers, and moisturizers, which can help keep your skin hydrated and healthy.

Seek help from a professional

It’s important that you seek help for melasma from an experienced, board-certified dermatologist, such as David A. Bushore, MD. Skin lightening creams that are available over the counter may not only be ineffective, but they may also damage your skin and cause other health complications. 

Dr. Bushore can give you a thorough evaluation and provide a plan to get your skin looking good again. 

To learn more, book an appointment online or over the phone with Balcones Dermatology & Aesthetics today.