The Melasma ordeal What are your options?
Looking at yourself in the mirror can be an infuriating and daunting task especially when you dont like what you are going to see dark spots, discolorations and whatever skin problems you might have. Melasma is one of the types of hyper pigmentation on the skin where dark patches can appear usually on the face and needless to say, it is often a difficult and embarrassing problem. This skin condition usually affects women. According to studies, it occurs due to the increase in estrogen levels brought about by hormonal changes such as pregnancy or birth control pills. It usually appears around your mouth, cheeks, forehead and around the jaw line. It can be alarming especially when you are used to your flawless skin. Now how can you face the world when your Melasma becomes the problem?
Before you panic though, it is important for you to know that there are various options for you to treat melasma . What you need to do now is study all options, assess which one is best based on your goal and lifestyle, try it out and hope for the best outcome. With the options that this article is going to lay out, you will have a list of methods to choose from on how to avoid and get rid of this ordeal. Fortunately, this is just a skin disorder that does not threaten your general health and safety. It may affect your self-esteem though and the quality of life especially if you take pride on your facial features.
1. Use Sunscreen First and foremost, the best way to avoid melasma is to stay away from the exposure of the sun. You can officially declare the sun as your greatest nemesis from now on. Having said that, you need to use a good quality sunscreen lotion with SPF18. You can also take a sunscreen with the ingredient of kojic acid and arbutin.
2. Hydroquinone (HQ) you can use it in the form of cream or alcohol-based solution. It can decrease the form of melanin. Depending on the concentration, it can sometimes reduce the skin color significantly. HQ has to be used appropriately to achieve the right effect but the dangerous side effects of using Hydroquinone have been well documented.
3. Tretinoin This is also a chemical that can treat the condition by using it alone or combined with HQ. It helps reduce excess pigmentation. It can lighten the spots slowly with visible improvements within 6 months of usage.
4. Chemical peels This has become a popular method of treating melasma. This superficial chemical peel has been reported to be safe and effective.
5. Laser rejuvenation this is another way of removing the dark pigments on the face with the use of a laser.
6. Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion This is also another treatment but has to be used with caution as it can have adverse effects on the skin.
7. Home remedy indeed you can use natural way of treating dark spots. You can use vinegar or apple cider to wash your face or in replacement of a toner or astringent. You can also use onion juice to apply on your face. Another option is to apply lemon juice and expect the top layer of your skin to peel off in a few days.
There may be more other options to choose from but the above list is good enough for you to get started. You can also consult your dermatologist to help you make the best decision on how to get rid of melasma and start facing the world again with confidence without melasma.
