Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Sunday, June 22, 2014
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Melasma
What are those dark spots on my face? Why did it happen during my pregnancy and afterwards? Was it too much sun? Not the right skincare? My genetics?
These are all questions that we ask ourselves when we have Melasma. I have honestly had more patients concerned with Melasma than even acne, surprisingly! Now, there isn't 100% evidence on how/why women get it (fact: women are 90% more likely to get Melasma and only 10% men...cruel world).
Women who are premenopausal, young women in child bearing ages, pregnant (pregnancy mask), and women who have more pigment in their skin are prone to acquiring Melasma. This condition is due to hormonal changes, i.e., sex hormones, estrogen, and progesterone, which produces melanin in the skin.
Some intersecting things I have concluded through the years is that Melasma seems to be caused by hormones and exacerbated by the sun. It is usually located on the cheeks, nose, forehead, chin, and upper lip. It is also known to show up on the upper body, although this occurs rarely.
As it is definitely set off by sun exposure, sun screen protection will be your key product to help diminish it. I know that we always preach sun protection, but it is KEY with everything including anti-aging, protection from skin cancer, etc., but also for Melasma. Sometimes it will be treated by prescription creams, lasers, medical treatments, over the counter products, SPF, or on it's own (if it is triggered by something, like hormones, it may go away after changing birth control, stopping birth control, or after pregnancy). This is not always the case, however. Sometimes prescription 4% hydroquionine, Tretinoin Cream & glycolic acid ( best treated in high level chemical peels), azalic acid and kojic acid are recommended, but are not my favorite treatments. I tend to go for hydroquionine and prescription Retin-A, along with a high SPF. *You can always try over the counter 2% Hydroquionine and Retinol
(Not as beneficial as Prescription)
Also, topical Vitamin C is wonderful to naturally lighten the skin.
Some in-office treatments that doctors and medical aestheticians administer are microdermabrasion (my least favorite due to abrasive results that can cause broken capillaries and can actually irritate Melasma), chemical peels, dermaplanning, and lasers.
*The Fraxel Laser has shown much better results than IPL (Intense Pulse Light) in my personal opinion!
Make sure to look for a Broad-Spectrum SPF, (Titanium and Zinc Oxide, both physical blockers), a broad rimmed hat, large sunglasses, apply SPF 20-30 minutes before you go outside, use a makeup powder with an SPF to apply throughout the day, and avoid sun from 10-3, the peak hours!
I hope that this blog will help at least one of you out there or maybe someone that you know. If you have products or treatments that you have used in the past that have worked, please share them in the comments below. It is always so motivating to get others' opinions on skincare treatments and concerns.
Women who are premenopausal, young women in child bearing ages, pregnant (pregnancy mask), and women who have more pigment in their skin are prone to acquiring Melasma. This condition is due to hormonal changes, i.e., sex hormones, estrogen, and progesterone, which produces melanin in the skin.
Some intersecting things I have concluded through the years is that Melasma seems to be caused by hormones and exacerbated by the sun. It is usually located on the cheeks, nose, forehead, chin, and upper lip. It is also known to show up on the upper body, although this occurs rarely.
As it is definitely set off by sun exposure, sun screen protection will be your key product to help diminish it. I know that we always preach sun protection, but it is KEY with everything including anti-aging, protection from skin cancer, etc., but also for Melasma. Sometimes it will be treated by prescription creams, lasers, medical treatments, over the counter products, SPF, or on it's own (if it is triggered by something, like hormones, it may go away after changing birth control, stopping birth control, or after pregnancy). This is not always the case, however. Sometimes prescription 4% hydroquionine, Tretinoin Cream & glycolic acid ( best treated in high level chemical peels), azalic acid and kojic acid are recommended, but are not my favorite treatments. I tend to go for hydroquionine and prescription Retin-A, along with a high SPF. *You can always try over the counter 2% Hydroquionine and Retinol
(Not as beneficial as Prescription)
Also, topical Vitamin C is wonderful to naturally lighten the skin.
Some in-office treatments that doctors and medical aestheticians administer are microdermabrasion (my least favorite due to abrasive results that can cause broken capillaries and can actually irritate Melasma), chemical peels, dermaplanning, and lasers.
*The Fraxel Laser has shown much better results than IPL (Intense Pulse Light) in my personal opinion!
Make sure to look for a Broad-Spectrum SPF, (Titanium and Zinc Oxide, both physical blockers), a broad rimmed hat, large sunglasses, apply SPF 20-30 minutes before you go outside, use a makeup powder with an SPF to apply throughout the day, and avoid sun from 10-3, the peak hours!
I hope that this blog will help at least one of you out there or maybe someone that you know. If you have products or treatments that you have used in the past that have worked, please share them in the comments below. It is always so motivating to get others' opinions on skincare treatments and concerns.
Have a beautiful day,
Schuylar
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Sunday, June 8, 2014
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Sunday, June 1, 2014
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