Melasma is a common skin condition that refers to light brown, dark brown, or blue-gray patches on the skin and commonly appears on the face. They often appear in the shape of patches or freckles, and the spots typically change color as they get lighter in the winter and darker in the summer because they are exacerbated by sunlight. While melasma is not a cause for medical concern, many people are self-conscious about it and choose to undergo one of the several available melasma treatment options. Still, the best care is prevention, so today we explain how to prevent melasma.
How To Prevent Melasma
Melasma impacts up to one-third of the population and is most common among pregnant women. In fact, up to half of pregnant women are impacted by melasma. Genetics plays a significant role in determining who is impacted by the skin condition, so it is not entirely preventable. However, several other controllable factors can increase your risk for melasma. Below are tips that can help you prevent melasma.
Avoid Excessive Sun Exposure
Excessive exposure to UV rays can increase your risk for melasma. To avoid this, wear at least SPF 30 sunscreen daily, even on a cloudy day or if you are staying indoors. Reapply sunscreen every few hours to ensure your skin is protected throughout the day. Avoid the sun during peak hours, as this is when UV rays are the strongest. If you do go outdoors, wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat. Protecting your skin from the sun is one of the most important preventative measures you can take to lower your chance of developing melasma.
Preventative Skincare Routine
Incorporating certain products into your skincare routine can reduce your risk for melasma. Niacinamide is a versatile ingredient that can improve your skin barrier and help prevent melasma. Vitamin C is also beneficial for its ability to stimulate collagen production and the belief that it inhibits melanin synthesis. Work with a board-certified medical professional to ensure you are using products that are right for your skin. A medical spa is a great place to go to get a customized skincare routine from an experienced professional.
Avoid Harsh Ingredients
Certain ingredients can increase your risk of developing melasma and, therefore, should be avoided. Specifically, fragrant products and those with high chemical components can irritate your skin and trigger or exacerbate the condition. Keep in mind that each person’s skin is different and may react differently to the same facial products. It is important you work with a board-certified medical professional to ensure your skincare routine is customized to your unique needs.
Manage Your Hormones
Your hormones play a significant role in whether you develop melasma. As previously stated, the condition often occurs during pregnancy. While you cannot control your hormone fluctuations during pregnancy, you can control other factors that lead to hormonal changes. One of the best ways to control your hormones is to effectively manage stress. Stress can spike your cortisol levels, which in turn can result in melasma. Additionally, if you use a birth control method, consider speaking to your doctor about how it affects your hormones. There may be alternatives that reduce the hormonal impact.
Melasma Treatment
If you have melasma, there are effective treatment options available. Laser treatments can treat melasma with precision and ensure that the target area is treated without impacting the surrounding skin. The treatment is fast and lasts roughly 30 minutes. There is no recovery time, and you can get back to your daily routine on the same day.
Call Today
The first step in moving forward with treatment is scheduling a consultation. You can ask any questions and share your aesthetic goals. From there, a specialist will tailor a treatment plan to your unique needs. Contact the team at Simi Doctors to schedule your consultation!