This is a question we hear frequently among our melasma patients.  The question is often accompanied by extreme disappointment and frustration as melasma is a very emotional condition.  If one understands what causes melasma – they usually are relieved to discover there is nothing they did or did not do that caused this brown pigmentation that usually affects the face.  At the same time, knowing this can lead to more frustration.

Celibre Medical Los Angeles Melasma treatment program - www.celibre.com/melasma.aspx. 

Schedule a free Melasma Los Angeles consultation - www.celibre.com/contactlist.aspx (Orange County too).

Los Angeles Melasma treatment before and after photos by Celibre Medical.  More Melasma Los Angeles before and after photos - www.celibre.com/melasmaba.aspx.

Melasma is a product of overproduction of melanocytes (cells that hold color), and it may occur at different levels in the skin such as the epidermis (upper layer), dermis (lower layer) or a combination of both.  Melasma appears as brown patches to the skin on the forehead, cheeks, upper lip and sometimes chin.  It is caused by hormonal changes such as the use of oral contraceptives, menopause, and pregnancy.  It is not known how or why these hormonal changes cause melasma in some women and not in others, but the condition does appear more frequently in those with olive skin types like asians and hispanics.  Sun exposure has a dramatic affect on melasma and is the number one trigger that brings forth or exacerbates this condition.  Heat and humidity can also make the condition worse.

The goal in melasma treatment is to improve and control the condition.  What a melasma patient does in their daily routine will have a direct impact on this stubborn skin condition.

Lori Haney, RN, MEP-C

Certified Medical Laser Safety Officer