Understanding Melasma: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

It’s a common skin condition that occurs when the pigment responsible for skin coloring produces too much melanin. As a result, the skin develops many dark spots. These spots usually appear on the face, especially the forehead, cheeks, chin, and upper lip. They may also appear on other skin parts exposed to the sun, such as forearms, shoulders, and feet.

This condition is usually harmless, but most people prefer to seek treatment for cosmetic reasons. Too many dark patches on the face can also affect a person’s self-confidence, making it relevant to seek treatment.

Melasma on the face is easily confused with other types of hyperpigmentation that produce discolouration. How can you tell the difference? You’ll need careful observation and diagnosis. Here’s what this condition looks like.

This skin disorder causes hyperpigmentation on the face. That means the complexion develops uneven skin colour, with light brown, dark brown, and blue-gray patches. Even though the appearance may differ depending on skin tone, the affected area is usually darker than the rest of the skin.

Additionally, dark patches appear symmetrical. That means they appear on both cheeks rather than one side only. Some people may confuse it with freckles. These are two different types of hyperpigmentation. Freckles are usually small dotted spots distributed all over the face. But hyperpigmentation melasma appear as continuous patches stretching over a larger area with clear boundaries.

Observation is one way you can differentiate the disorder from other types of hyperpigmentation. If it’s not clear what type you have, visit a dermatologist for a thorough diagnosis. Let’s see how your healthcare provider will diagnose the condition.

To provide effective melasma treatment, it’s essential to know the type of hyperpigmentation you have. Besides physical observation, dermatologists have other ways of identifying the skin condition. When you go for a diagnosis, your healthcare provider may ask you questions like;

● Are you pregnant?

● Which parts of your body have dark spots?

● When did the condition start?

● What cosmetic products do you use?

● Is there another case of the disorder in your family?

In addition to asking the above questions, your doctor can also use wood’s lamp to examine your skin. Caudalie uses modern skin scanners to provide an in-depth examination of the skin. The brand provides these revolutionary tools at its boutiques and pharmacy events.

Diagnosis of this skin disorder is critical to providing an effective treatment. It can help identify the cause and determine the best remedy. Below are some of the causes of the dark patches and how to prevent them.

Pregnancy is one of the most common causes. That’s because during that time, women experience hormonal changes that trigger the condition. Fortunately, the dark spots can fade away after pregnancy. However, women who use oral contraceptives are still at a higher risk of developing the skin condition.

Another major cause is sun exposure. UV rays encourage the formation of melanin, aggravating uneven pigmentation. Sometimes, the disorder can result from using specific drugs and genetic factors.

You can prevent dark patches by taking preventive measures like applying face sunscreen after your face cream or serum. Even on overcast days, use a daily broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF. When possible, seek shade, particularly when the sun is most intense. Wear wide-brimmed hats, protective gear and sunglasses to enhance your protection.

It might not be practical to avoid the sun at all times. But with Caudalie’s Vinoperfect product line, you have adequate protection. These Serums contain Viniferine, a substance made from vine sap that eliminates dark spots. The Dark Spot Correcting serum offers thorough protection and helps to correct dark spots. Here’s how you can reduce hyperpigmentation using Vinoperfect products.

The Vinoperfect line is a range of different treatments that reduce dark spots on the face. You can use one or a combination of two for better results. The Concentrated Brightening Glycolic Essence is the first product you should use in your skincare routine. That’s because it contains glycolic acid, which removes dead skin cells, preparing your skin for a deeper treatment.

After removing dead skin cells, you can then apply the Dark Spot Correcting serum, or the Anti-Dark Spot Radiance serum. Using this approach provides better results. One of the reasons this serum works better is because it contains viniferine. This active ingredient comes from vine sap and reduces melanin, like vitamin C. But research shows viniferine is 62 times more efficient than vitamin C at correcting pigmentation.

That makes viniferine the perfect vitamin C substitute for brightening dark spots. So, if you want an even skin tone, use Vinoperfect Radiance Routine in your skin care.

If the cause of the hyperpigmentation is pregnancy or taking birth control pills, it might disappear on its own. However, waiting for the dark patches to disappear on their own might take a long time. In such cases, melasma treatments may provide a quick solution.

When addressing melasma, learning how to get rid of hyperpigmentation through targeted treatments can significantly improve the appearance of dark patches on the skin.

Treatments can range from topical creams and chemical peels to laser treatment. You may have to consult your dermatologist to identify the best treatment. If you have sensitive skin, choose non-irritating products. But if your skin is not sensitive, you can choose chemical peels.

Vinoperfect Glycolic Peel Mask is an ideal treatment for people with non-sensitive skin. You only need to apply it twice a week. Once you apply, let it absorb for about ten minutes before rinsing your face. Within a short time, you’ll start noticing the difference.