Brown Spots Be Gone

Have you ever wondered what those brown patches on your face are, or where they came from? Is there anything that can get rid of them? This month at West Dermatology we would like to inform you about those spots and explain how we can help reduce or remove them.

Melasma or hyperpigmentation is a skin disorder that causes dark spots or patches to appear on your skin. It can develop on various parts of the body that are regularly exposed to the sun, but it most often appears on the face on areas such as the cheeks, nose, upper lip, forehead and chin. While Melasma isn’t a contagious disease, it can be a frustrating condition that makes people embarrassed to show their faces with confidence.

The cause of Melasma is unknown, but factors that increase its likelihood include hormone therapy, birth control, genetics and sun exposure. Women are more likely than men to develop the disorder, especially women who are pregnant or using birth control therapy. Pregnant women may develop what is called the “mask of pregnancy” or Chloasma which is thought to occur due to elevated hormone levels. The brown patches often fade after the baby is born, but sometimes hyperpigmentation may remain.

Melasma is also aggravated by spending unprotected time in the sun. Melanin, which gives skin its color, is attracted to sunlight and becomes darker when time is spent outside.

If you have Melasma, you might be asking yourself what you can do to treat it. Luckily, there are a few options.

1. Creams: Most creams prescribed by a physician contain a lightening agent called hydroquinone to reduce the dark patches. Your physician may also prescribe other creams or products with glycolic acid, tretinoin, corticosteroids, ascorbic acid (vitamin C from citrus fruits) and their derivatives, as well as kojic acid and azelaic acid which may increase skin lightening.

West Dermatology Recommends (over-the-counter):
West Dermatology Radiant Results Skin Clarifying Therapy PLUS 2% Hydroquinine
Lucrece Intensive Clarifying Facial Cream + III

West Dermatology Recommends (prescription required):
West Dermatology Radiant Results Skin Clarifying Therapy PLUS 4% Hydroquinone (comes in 4%,6%, and 8% pads)
Obagi NuDerm

2. Chemical Peels: Chemical peels are often used in tandem with bleaching creams to lighten Melasma. Peels gently remove the top layer of skin cells allowing healthy skin to surface. A series of peels may be necessary for success.

3. Microdermabrasion: This pain-free procedure that uses micro-crystals and a gentle vacuum tool also helps exfoliate the superficial layer of skin. This, combined with a skin lightening agent, may assist in reducing dark spots.

4. Laser or IPL Treatments: Some laser and/or IPL treatments help reduce Melasma and hyperpigmentation by destroying the melanin cells that cause the dark patches. These are more invasive and will most likely need to be repeated a few times to see results.

After taking steps to reduce Melasma or hyperpigmentation it is vital to keep your skin protected from the sun. Wearing a sunscreen with a SPF 30 or higher on a daily basis is a must. You don’t want to risk developing Melasma again, or if you don’t have it, at all.

If you are suffering from Melasma feel free to call our office and schedule an appointment to discuss the best option for you and your skin type. Reveal your face with renewed confidence this summer.