Cosmetic Services
Melasma
Melasma aka “the mask of pregnancy” is a hormonally triggered skin condition resulting in areas of hyperpigmentation that can be challenging to treat. Melasma typically presents on the face but can also be found on the forearms and can show up during periods of hormonal disturbance, most commonly pregnancy or while taking birth control. That said it can also happen without hormonal fluctuations and can even happen in men.
Melasma pops up when the underlying hormone called Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (MSH) increases production of melanin, which is responsible for the amount of pigment in our skin. This is why being out in the sun makes melasma worse, and women who are pregnant during the summer are more prone to getting it.
Melasma can be tricky to treat, and though many treatments are advertised for its treatment, not all are effective or safe. Our board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mona Sadeghpour has a special expertise in treatment of this condition. She has conducted cutting-edge research to study the melasma and the most effective treatments for it. We suggest starting with a consultation with one of our board-certified dermatologists, who can first confirm if your pigmentation is caused by melasma and next outline a customized treatment plan, which may include:
Rx-strength topicals such as hydroquinone, tretinoin, corticosteroids, retinols and AHAs
Carefully planned laser treatments to decrease the pigment burden
Oral medications shown to lighten hyperpigmentation