close up dry face skin with freckles, melasma, acne

Many people turn to dermatologists for their skin care issues. This is understandable given they are said to be experts in the field of skin conditions and treatments. At the same time, many MedSpas and aesthetic service providers, like DermaTouch RN, have years of experience in treating certain types of skin conditions with proven success.

Also, treatments for skin conditions, such as Melasma, are often less costly at a MedSpa compared to a Physician’s office. With that said, it is extremely important that you do your research and truly find an aesthetic or cosmetic service provider or MedSpa backed by high ratings and experience for the treatment that you seek, and this is the case for doctors who treat such conditions, as well.

The skin condition we’ll focus on for this blog is Melasma. In our upcoming blogs, we’ll also discuss treatment options for skin conditions such as skin tags, Seborrheic Keratosis, and Cherry Angiomas.

What is Melasma?

Per the American Academy of Dermatology, “Melasma (muh-LAZ-muh) is a common skin problem. It causes brown to gray-brown patches on the face. Most people get it on their cheeks, bridge of their nose, forehead, chin, and above their upper lip. It also can appear on other parts of the body that get lots of sun, such as the forearms and neck.”

What causes Melasma?

The cause of Melasma is still a mystery to the medical community. It is thought to occur when melanocytes—the skin’s color-making cells—produce too much color. Individuals with darker skin are more prone to melasma because they have more active melanocytes compared to those with fair skin.

Though it’s not clear what the cause of Melasma is, there does seem to be some clear triggers, which include:

  • Hormone changes: Hormone replacement therapy and birth control pills can trigger Melasma. Melasma also occurs in pregnant women. When this happens, it’s called the mask of pregnancy, or chloasma.
  • Sun exposure: Melasma is often worse in the summer because the sun, or the ultraviolet light from the sun, rather, stimulates melanocytes. Just a small amount of sun exposure can increase melasma after treatment has faded it.
  • Cosmetics: Cosmetic products that irritate the skin can make melasma worse.

Many treatments “prescribed” for Melasma MAKE IT WORSE!

Unfortunately, many are prescribed a treatment regimen that includes lasers that make the condition worse. For example, Photofacials and BBLs (also known as IPLs) are often used to treat melasma but typically make the dark spots darker. This is why you want to make sure you’re working with a provider who has a track record of success when it comes to treating melasma.

What DOES work to treat Melasma?

At DermaTouch RN, we’ve had a lot of success in treating melasma with Cynosure’s PicoSure laser, chemical peels, and a combination of skin care products, such as glycolic acid, tretinoin and corticosteroids, and hydroquinone. It’s also important to protect the skin with a high SPF sunscreen when in the sun.

How does the PicoSure Laser Work?

The PicoSure Laser works by using different wavelengths of light to address the level of color of the melasma. The laser then breaks down the color particles into smaller fragments so they can be removed by the body’s natural cleansing process. It’s a noninvasive method with proven results.

DermaTouch RN has been treating skin conditions like Melasma for more than a decade. Contact us today so we can help you reduce or remove the appearance of melasma from your skin with the right combination of treatments. Dark spots be gone!

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DermaTouch RN offers minimally invasive and non-invasive treatments for men and women in Houston, San Antonio, Spring and Cypress, as well as the surrounding areas of Texas. We are the largest aesthetic practice in the Houston area, and all of our medical spa treatments are performed by a team of nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and aestheticians who receive continuing education to remain abreast of emerging treatments that benefit our patients. We invite you to learn more about our office before your consultation.