According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), up to 50% of pregnant women develop melasma, a skin condition that causes discolored patches on the face.
In some cases, melasma disappears with time but if you’re looking for solutions to treat skin discoloration, you can find expert care at Balcones Dermatology & Aesthetics.
Board-certified dermatologist David A. Bushore, MD, offers comprehensive skin evaluations to identify the cause of discoloration. Dr. Bushore designs a treatment plan using the latest skincare advancements to restore the health and appearance of your facial skin.
Melasma is a skin condition that causes discolored facial patches and freckle-like spots. The blotchy patches appear brown, gray, and tan in color and most often develop on the cheeks, chin, upper lip, and chin. Some people may also notice discolored patches on their necks and arms.
While the root cause of melasma still isn’t clear, research shows that people with the condition have more active melanocytes, the cells that give skin its color. Several known factors contribute to melasma, including:
Hormones also play a role in melasma. Hormone fluctuations during pregnancy are a known melasma trigger. In fact, melasma is so common in pregnant women the condition has been nicknamed “the mask of pregnancy.”
Women who use hormonal birth control and people with hormone imbalances caused by a thyroid disorder are also prone to melasma-related skin discoloration.
Melasma discoloration can sometimes improve without medical intervention if you’re able to avoid triggers. For instance, switching to nonhormonal birth control might help melasma symptoms go away. You may also notice an improvement in your skin following childbirth.
However, some people with melasma will continue to have patchy skin discoloration for months or years. If you’re unhappy with your appearance or feel less confident because of facial discoloration, there are several treatments to consider.
Balcones Dermatology & Aesthetics offers comprehensive care for women and men with melasma. We focus on the least invasive treatment to restore your complexion and offer after-care recommendations that support the long-term health of your skin.
Several effective treatments work in different ways to address melasma-related patches and spots. Board-certified dermatologist David A. Bushore, MD, discusses which option is appropriate for your skin type and the severity of your melasma symptoms.
Our melasma treatments include:
A chemical peel uses a chemical solution to exfoliate the upper and middle layers of your skin, depending on the depth of your peel. Treatment reveals fresh, healthy skin underneath and eliminates melasma patches, fine lines, age spots, and other skin flaws.
Technology like the Fraxel® Dual system uses laser energy to enhance collagen production and minimize the appearance of dark spots and acne scars. Lasers can also remove the upper layers of skin to give your face a more youthful appearance.
Sometimes superficial blood vessels can create increased heat on the face keeping melasma from improving. A VISIA skin analysis can help identify if this is a possible cause. The Cutera ExcelV+ laser can then be used to target these vessels to create long lasting results from melasma treatments.
DiamondGlow® Dermalinfusion uses a diamond abrasive exfoliator tip to remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. Following the exfoliation, we apply a specially formulated serum to refresh and hydrate your skin.
We also provide recommendations for high-quality skin care products, including cleansers and sunscreens that you can use to prevent melasma discoloration from coming back.
Call Balcones Dermatology & Aesthetics in Austin, Texas, today to schedule a melasma consultation. You can also book an appointment online.
