While the emotional turmoil of fluctuating (or raging!) hormones should be enough to bear on it’s own, some women also face physical consequences with conditions such as melasma. Melasma is a skin condition characterized by hyper-pigmentation, or darkened patches of facial skin, usually including the forehead, cheeks, nose and upper lip.
In mild cases, melasma can easily be mistaken for sun damage or freckles, and while not impossible, melasma is rarely seen in men. Melasma can be caused by a number of factors, including:
- sun exposure
- genetic predisposition
- hormonal fluctuations
In women, fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone may occur in response to pregnancy, birth control pills or even hormone replacement therapy associated with menopause. All of these factors are often to blame for causing melasma. When melasma occurs during pregnancy it is also called chloasma or the “mask of pregnancy”.
Skin discoloration from melasma is different from other forms of hyperpigmentation; it is less predictable and more difficult to treat. This can be frustrating for many individuals experiencing the condition. Fortunately, treatment options have greatly improved in recent years and in most cases, melasma can be improved if not cleared completely.
At La Derma, we offer a number of ways to treat melasma through our consultation services and specialized product lines. At the top of our product recommendations for treating melasma is a collection of amazing formulas created by the world-renowned dermatologist Dr. Zein E. Obagi. His newest line of products for pigmentation is achieving beautiful results with many of our clients. Along with daily SPF, some products in Dr. Obagi’s ZO skin health line that will help melasma include Retamax, Melamix, Brightenex and Glycogent. With the varying display of symptoms in individuals experiencing melasma, we highly recommend a personal consultation before introducing any of these products into your skin care routine.
Please contact us to book a consultation. Our expert team can help determine the right combination of products for your specific needs and stay connected with you for all the necessary follow-up care.