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Melasma |
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Introduction & Overview |
Melasma is a skin condition prevalent in women – although men and children may also be affected by it – that results in a discoloration of the skin, usually on the face, but also on other parts of the body exposed to the sun. Women with a dark brown skin type, and those living in regions with more sun exposure than usual may be at greater risk of being affected.
The symptoms of the skin condition are said to be limited to discoloration; affected individuals may not have to worry about debilitating side effects. However, there are products on the market that may reduce the appearance of associated wrinkles and other blemishes. We will examine this skin condition closely to see which products may ease its side effects.
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| Condition at a Glance |
The condition is believed to result from the over-stimulation and over-activity of the female sex hormones, estrogen and progesterone, which may lead to more production of melanin pigments – especially when the individual is exposed for prolonged periods to the sun. For this reason, people in sunnier climates may be affected more commonly than others.
Women who are curious about the symptoms of this condition may wish to be on the lookout for dark patches on the upper cheek, lips, nose, forehead and upper lip, though these irregular patches may also be found on the arms and elsewhere on the body. Again, these patches are said to be exclusively a cosmetic defect, and not inherently dangerous.
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| Condition in Focus |
Pregnant women, women taking oral contraceptives and those undergoing a form of hormone replacement therapy drugs may be more susceptible to developing this skin condition than others. However, men and women of Native American descent are believed to be at greater risk, while those of German or Russian Jewish descent may also be susceptible to the condition.
There are other purported causes of this condition: in some cases, genetic predisposition may subject some people to developing this skin condition; others diagnosed with thyroid disease may also be susceptible, due to outbreaks of a stress-related hormone; and in other rare cases, the skin condition may be an effect of an allergic reaction to some cosmetic products.
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| Lifestyle |
There are supposedly many different ways of handling this condition, some of which may be expensive and inconvenient. Women concerned about the chance of having developed this condition may be able to receive an official diagnosis after visiting a qualified physician, who would use a tool, called a wood lamp, to detect the specific discolorations.
Other methods may include topical solutions – both prescription-based and over-the-counter – such as creams, lotions, gels and other liquid-based products, and chemical peels, which may have to be administered by a trained professional. In any of these cases, it may be costly to maintain over a long period of time. There may be more accessible methods for reducing the visible signs of aging, however.
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| Positives |
• There are no known symptoms besides skin discoloration
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| Negatives |
• May affect the entire face, including the cheeks, chin and nose
• May also affect men and children of all ages
• May be especially common among pregnant women
• Many specialized treatments may be expensive
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| Final Thoughts |
Melasma may be a burdensome skin condition for many women, but again, their effects are believed to be entirely cosmetic, and are not known to pose any immediate threat to a person’s health. Still, such a skin condition may weigh heavily on the minds of many women, much like the effects of the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and sagging skin.
For women who would like to reduce the appearance of visible signs of aging, while moisturizing and hydrating the skin, there are high-quality, non-prescription anti-wrinkle creams that may be effective. Some formulas contain premium ingredients, like Hyaluronic Acid, Argireline®, Matrixyl 3000® and Collagen. Money-back guarantees may be available for a select few of these products.
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