The Best Anti-Discoloration Treatments for Melasma

Melasma is a frustrating but benign condition that causes darker spots or patches on your skin, giving your face a mottled appearance. Many people with this type of skin discoloration want a more permanent fix than hiding it with makeup. Fortunately, there are several advanced and effective melasma treatments. 

The skilled dermatologists at Skin & Beauty Center have helped countless patients fade brown spots and improve the appearance of their skin. Here’s what you need to know if you want to minimize your melasma.

What Causes Melasma?

Melasma happens when something triggers your melanocytes (the cells that give skin its color) to become overactive. Potential melasma causes include:

• Sun damage: Melasma often develops on the face, neck, and arms which commonly get more sun exposure. Avoiding tanning beds and wearing a daily SPF 30+ sunscreen may help prevent melasma from being triggered.
• Certain medications: Medications that make your skin more sensitive to sunlight (like retinoids, blood pressure medications, and antibiotics) can contribute to melasma. Oral birth control pills and anti-seizure medications are also tied to the condition.
• Pregnancy: Some women experience melasma during pregnancy due to an increase in progesterone and estrogen levels. Pregnancy-related melasma often resolves a few months after giving birth.
• Thyroid disease: In some cases, a thyroid problem can trigger melasma, which can be improved by treating the thyroid condition.

During your Skin & Beauty Center appointment, a dermatologist will take a comprehensive health history to rule out any underlying issues that could be triggering your melasma.

How Do I Get Rid of Melasma?

While there isn’t a cure for melasma, there are treatments that significantly reduce or eliminate discoloration. Prescription and non-prescription topical medications, including hydroquinone, azelaic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide, and tranexamic acid, can slowly fade brown spots. However, you should check with a dermatologist before adding new topicals to your routine since not all ingredients are safe for pregnant women, and some can make you more sun sensitive.

Chemical peels are also an effective way to minimize melasma. These treatments use ingredients like glycolic or alpha-hydroxy acids to resurface the skin, removing the top sun-damaged layer and promoting regeneration. Additionally, laser therapy could lighten dark spots caused by melasma. You might need several treatments or yearly maintenance appointments to achieve your desired results.

Schedule Your Melasma Treatment

If you want a more even complexion, call 818-842-8000 to book your melasma treatment appointment with one of Skin & Beauty Center’s experienced dermatologists. The warm and welcoming providers use cutting-edge clinical and cosmetic treatments to help patients achieve beautiful, healthy skin. Choose from seven convenient locations in Burbank, Northridge, Glendale, Verdugo Hills, West Hills, Pasadena, and Santa Clarita, California.