Melasma Specialist

What is melasma?

Melasma is a disorder in which melanin, the pigment that gives your skin color, causes dark brown to gray-brown patches on your skin. It commonly occurs on the face, but melasma discolorations can develop on your arms, hands, neck, and other places where your skin is exposed to sunlight.

What triggers the appearance of melasma?

Ultraviolet light from natural sunlight or a tanning bed is the most common trigger. Hormone fluctuations, birth control pills, and hormone replacement therapy also cause melasma. When dark patches appear due to hormone changes during pregnancy, they’re called chloasma, or the mask of pregnancy. You can also develop melasma by using skin care products that irritate your skin.

How is melasma treated?

Melasma can clear up on its own, especially if it was caused by hormones or sunlight that are eliminated. Many people, however, have melasma for years. When your melasma persists, Dr. Topham may recommend one of the following topical medications that affect the biochemical process responsible for melasma patches:

Hydroquinone

When you use hydroquinone regularly, it reverses melasma spots. You’ll also need to use sunscreen to maintain your results because sunlight makes the same area darken again.

Tretinoin and other retinoids

While topical tretinoin reduces the appearance of melasma, it takes about 24 weeks to see improvement. Other types of retinoids that may work for your skin include adapalene, tazarotene and topical isotretinoin.

Azelaic acid, kojic acid, or glycolic acid

All three substances lighten dark patches of melasma. Azelaic may be as effective as hydroquinone, but it has a better impact when mixed with tretinoin or glycolic acid.

How does the PICO Genesis treat melasma?

The PICO Genesis uses lasers to safely remove patches of melasma. The laser operates at a wavelength that only affects the discolorations, so the surrounding skin isn’t harmed. The high power of the laser can destroy pigments, breaking them into such small pieces that they’re absorbed and eliminated by your body.