If you have Melasma (also called the "pregnancy mask") there is a solution available. Instead of covering your face with
heavy makeup or foundation, come to Southern Oregon Laser Center and let us help you return your skin to its natural tone.
Melasma is a particularly bothersome condition that affects mostly women, especially those with darker skin tones.
Normally brought on by hormonal changes resulting from pregnancy or the use of oral birth control, Melasma is best
described as "patches" of dark brown skin and result from an accumulation of melanin. These dark patches occur most
commonly on the forehead, cheeks and neck. Although Melasma does not pose a serious health risk, it is worsened by
exposure to the sun and can be extremely embarrassing for those who experience the condition.
Traditional bleaching therapies for Melasma have mixed results. They may have side effects or may only marginally
lighten the affected area. In contrast, at Southern Oregon Laser Center, our state-of-the-art
lasers break down the pigmentation so that the melanin can be absorbed into the body.
What is Melasma?
Melasma is a condition that occurs most commonly in women that are pregnant or using oral contraceptives. It refers
to mottled pigmentation seen most often on the face and neck. It is a form of hyperpigmentation that is worsened
by exposure to the sun. Infrequently it occurs in men.
Causes of Melasma
Melasma is commonly thought to occur in conjunction with hormonal changes. It is seen most commonly in pregnant women,
or women using oral contraceptives. It's shown to be related to endocrine dysfunction, genetic factors, medications,
certain nutritional deficiencies, hepatic dysfunction, and other factors. The infrequency of Melasma in postmenopausal
women on estrogen replacement suggests that estrogen alone is not the cause. Sun exposure appears to be a stimulating
factor in predisposed individuals. It is not proven to be hereditary.
Prevention
The simplest way to protect against the further development of Melasma is to discontinue the use of oral contraceptives
and stay out of the sun. If you must be exposed to the sun, make sure to have use sunscreen with an SPF factor of at
least 15. Use only sunscreen blocks UVA and UVB rays.