When present in pregnant women, it is known as Mask of Pregnancy. These appear as dark or tan patches of skin discoloration. These dark patches that appear on your skin may be related to melasma, but this is not always the case.

Melasma is a skin concern that affects not only pregnant women but anyone undergoing hormonal changes. Melasma is of interest to women experiencing menopause or any hormonal therapy. Contraceptive pills may affect the hormonal balance, too, to appear as melasma.

These irregular and dark patches are usually apparent on the face, and in particular, on the forehead, upper lip, nose, and cheek areas. Incidents of melasma can ironically affect men too that are either Native American or even those of European origin.

In some instances related to pregnancy, it may only be necessary to wait until the proper hormonal balance is achieved after giving birth. This can result in a restoration of appropriate skin conditions and cause any indications of melasma to disappear.

If visual evidence of melasma continues, it may be necessary or desirable to engage more effective treatment methods, and there are several to choose from.

Fractional skin resurfacing is one of the most effective laser treatments in aesthetic dermatology. It improves the condition of the skin by breaking down the pigmentation at a deeper dermal level.

Minimal discomfort is reported with fractional skin resurfacing treatment. Depending on the severity of the condition, 3-5 procedures are likely necessary, and additional fractional skin resurfacing treatments are recommended as maintenance.

Intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment is also beneficial, along with fractional skin resurfacing in the treatment of melasma. It is a simple process with virtually no downtime. An Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is pulsed into the skin which is absorbed by the melanin in the skin and converted into heat. The heat causes the melanin to break down, and the pigment is eliminated by normal metabolic processes in a short period of time.

Microdermabrasion treatments and clinical chemical skin peels can also help to address issues related to melasma concerns.

Although there is no quick and simple solution concerning Melasma skin problems, there are effective options for treatments.

Laser Genesis Skin Care Clinic, Mississauga provides solutions for melasma and offers Fractional Skin Resurfacing, as the best treatments. Contact us for a FREE and confidential introductory session. IPL treatment is the second-best treatment provided.