How Is Melasma Treated What Medicines Help
The first thing you need to do to treat your melasma is to make sure that it doesnt get any worse. Do this by avoiding the sun, tanning beds, LED screens, irritating soaps and birth control that includes hormones. If you are exposed to the sun, be sure to wear sunscreen with iron oxides and a SPF of 30-50 applied every two hours, as well as a wide-brimmed hat. These steps may prevent your melasma from getting worse.
The second path to take is topical medications. Topical therapy using tyrosinase inhibitors prevents new pigment formations by stopping the formation of melanin . Examples of tyrosinase inhibitors and other types of helpful agents include:
The combination of hydroquinone, tretinoin and a moderate topical steroid has had the best effect on melasma.
Other agents that are being studied to improve melasma include:
- Absorbic acid .
How Do You Know Its Melasma And Not Something Else
Dermatologists can diagnose most patients by looking at their skin, Dr. Keira tells us. âWhat makes melasma a challenge for treatment is how deeply it penetrates the skin. The more deeply it penetrates, the more difficult it may be to treat. To determine how deeply the melasma penetrates the skin, your dermatologist may look at your skin under a device called a Woodâs light. âThere are instances when melasma can look like another skin condition. To rule out another skin condition, your dermatologist may need to remove a small bit of skin by performing a skin biopsy. A skin biopsy is a simple procedure that can safely and quickly be performed during an office visit.â
Melasma Skin Pigmentation Treatment Options If You Are Pregnant Or Breastfeeding
While we can treat hormonal skin pigmentation that have been caused by your pregnancy, the treatments above arent suitable if youre pregnant or breastfeeding.
Our skin therapists can help tailor a preventative approach to your melasma skin pigmentation. We recommend the following products but please note that only one of the following serums should be used i.e. Aspect Dr Complete Pigment Serum, Synergie Practitioner Vanish + or Osmosis MD Enlighten.
Fed up with your melasma skin pigmentation?Arrange your consultation online today.
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What Causes Hormonal Imbalance
It is a common perception that hormonal imbalance occurs in our body at a certain age, which is not completely true. Hormonal changes can occur at any point of time due to any reason.
For example, a friend of mine suffered a terrible disease which was caused due to a change in his hormones as he took the wrong medicines and he was thirty-seven years old. This example clearly explains that a change in hormones or an imbalance in our hormones can be caused due to a certain medication that triggers certain hormones.
The Sunshine One: Solar Lentigines
More commonly known as age, liver or sun spots, solar lentigines are caused by repeated exposure to the sun . Theyre medium-to-dark brown in color and often appear on the chest, shoulders and hands, as well as on the face. Why? Because these are the areas most exposed to the sun. That simple? Yes.
Whats The Solution? Before anything else, ensure youre slathering your skin in broad-spectrum, medical-grade sunscreen. Every. Day. Of. The. Year. The main cause of uneven, pigmented skin is excess exposure to the sun, so avoiding it and always wearing sunscreen is the easiest way to stop existing discoloration from worsening and future issues occurring. Yes, we all know that a glowing, post-Cabo tan feels ah-mazing, but is it worth it? Not really. Try adding SkinMedica Essential Defense Tinted Mineral Shield SPF 32 to your daily skincare routine and you wont regret it.
Effective treatments at the doctors office include microdermabrasion, chemical peels and fractional laser resurfacing treatments. With their targeted wavelengths, lasers penetrate the skin to heat up the targeted spots and destroy them, causing them to flake and fall off. Ask your skin expert about the various options to best suit your concerns.
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Can Skin Pigmentation Be Reversed
Skin pigmentation can be reversed based on how severe the condition has been. Most skin pigments show signs of healing with appropriate treatments which includes home remedies, topical creams and cosmetic procedures. Home remedies and topical creams would take more time and effort for the results to show up when compared to cosmetic procedures. A laser therapy, chemical peel or microdermabrasion can show better results that last longer.
Hormone Balancing Tip #: Tune In To The Subtle Energies Throughout Your Cycle
Our patriarchal work culture has been built around the masculine energy of high productivity every day of the month. Unfortunately, women are not designed to operate like this. Our menstrual cycles mean that we naturally go through phases of high energy and slower, more introspective times .
Learning to identify and respond to these subtle energetic changes can revolutionise your productivity and output throughout your cycle. This is a topic I am very passionate about and spend an entire module teaching my students about in Hormone Harmony Academy. I teach my students to chart their cycles, and respond to energetic changes throughout the month. This means they can stop fighting the inevitable ebbs and flows and make turn their menstrual cycles into a source of power, rather than suffering.
When first becoming aware of your changing energy throughout your cycle, start by taking time to truly rest at menstruation. Even if this means for just one hour asking someone to watch your kids, going to bed early, taking a bath or reading a book instead of tidying the house. I guarantee if you can take some time for some self-care at menstruation, you will be rewarded with overflowing energy, productivity and creativity at your next ovulation time.
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How Is Hyperpigmentation Diagnosed And Treated
A dermatologist can diagnose the cause of your hyperpigmentation. They will request your medical history and give you a physical exam to determine the cause. In some cases, a skin biopsy can narrow down the cause.
Topical prescription medication can treat some cases of hyperpigmentation. This medication usually contains hydroquinone, which lightens the skin.
However, prolonged use of topical hydroquinone can cause darkening of the skin, known as ochronosis. So its best to use topical hydroquinone only under the care of a dermatologist so that they can properly guide you on how to use the medication without any adverse effects.
Using topical retinoids also assists with lightening dark spots of the skin.
Both of these medications can take a few months to lighten darkened areas.
Home care also includes using sunscreen. Sunscreen is the single most important factor in improving most causes of hyperpigmentation. Look for:
- a physical blocking sunscreen, preferably with zinc oxide as the main active ingredient
- at least an SPF 30 to 50
- broad spectrum coverage
Use a sunscreen daily. Reapply it every 2 hours if youre out in the sun more frequently if youre sweating or swimming.
There are also skin disorders with which visible light may play a role in perpetuating the hyperpigmentation, such as in melasma.
In that case, look for a mineral sunscreen that also has iron oxide in it, which can block some visible light. Use daily. Wear sun-protective clothing thats SPF-infused.
Why Does Hormonal Imbalance Affect Your Skin
Your skin is the largest organ of your body. The sebaceous glands under your skin generate a natural oil called sebum, which is secreted through your skins pores. The process keeps your skin healthy.
However, when there is an imbalance of androgens , it leads to excess sebum production, which becomes the root cause of various skin issues like acne and inflammation.
Estrogen plays a major role in healthy collagen production, thick skin texture, hydration and healing of womens skin. But with age, the production of estrogen slows down. Thats why women who have entered menopause face skin ageing and sensitivity.
A cross sectional digital survey established that 2 out of 5 women reported unusual sensitive skin before and during the time of their menstruation. The researchers concluded this situation as a result of low estrogen secretion during periods. Many women notice a sudden increase in facial oil before and during their menstrual cycle as well. Premenstrual acne is quite common among teenagers.
Another study was done among two groups of women that included a premenopausal group and a postmenopausal group. Women in the premenopausal group had higher levels of estrogen in their body and very low skin sensitivity, while the other group faced a major amount of skin sensitivity due to decreased estrogen level. The studies clearly show how your skin gets affected by the dropping amount of estrogen.
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What Can Happen If Its Left Untreated
Treatment isnât necessary for safety, says Dr. Keira, but there are implications to doing nothing. âAs one of the major triggers is UV radiation exposure, continued exposure can lead to darkening of the skin and make melasma patches permanent. While it is a benign condition and treatment is not required, I have found the emotional and psychological impacts of melasma take the biggest toll for many individuals when the condition is left untreated.â
How Can I Prevent The Formation Of Hyperpigmentation
Sun protection is the most significant step you can take in helping to prevent hyperpigmentation in the first place. Its important to remember that the suns rays affect skin even on cloudy days, so give your skin the daily protection it needs. As well as reducing hyperpigmentation, and Anti-Pigment Day SPF30 Tinted in and offer effective UVA and UVB protection and prevent the formation of additional sun-induced pigment spots. Used in combination with the Dual Serum as part of a holistic skincare routine, you can help prevent and reduce pigment spots. Used in combination with the Dual Serum, now in a mono-chamber pack but with same proven efficacy, as part of a holistic skincare routine will also help prevent and reduce pigment spots.
Limiting skins exposure to the sun will also help to reduce instances of hyperpigmentation. Try to keep out of the sun during its most intense hours and wear protective clothing including sunhats and glasses whenever possible. When skin is exposed to the sun, apply and regularly reapply a sun protection product:
- with a suitable SPF level
- which has been specially formulated for your skin type and condition
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This Is Our Remedy For Combating Hormonal Pigmentation
Hormonal pigmentation. Its a condition where the skin produces too much melanin , creating darker splotches or patches in areas on the face. And its commonly known as melasma or the mask of pregnancy.
Its triggered by a big and sudden change in the bodys hormonal balance, hence it being so common in pregnant women and especially after giving birth. But did you know that hormonal pigmentation can strike at any time when theres a change in your hormones? Even taking the pill can trigger it.
The key to treating hormonal pigmentation is preventing or lessening the effects of hormones on your melanocytes , and building up your skins resistance to the sun. Which is exactly what Lamelle Research Laboratories Ovelle D3 does.
Heres what you need to know.
Hormone Replacement Therapy And Melasma
If you are on hormone replacement therapy and develop blotchy, brown skin symptoms of melasma, you will need to take extra care to:
- Use sunscreen throughout the day
- Stay out of the hot midday sun
- Consult with one of our practitioners about an appropriate melasma pigmentation treatment for your skin.
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Melasma Is Common During Pregnancy
When a mother-to-be has melasma, the condition is sometimes called chloasma, or the mask of pregnancy. Melasma occurs fairly frequently during pregnancy in fact, half of all melasma cases initially develop during pregnancy.
Most pregnant women experience some hyperpigmentation of the skin, but in 10-15% of them, that hyperpigmentation develops into melasma. This association between pregnancy when there are big hormonal changes and melasma supports the link between melasma and hormones.
What Causes Hyperpigmentation
A common cause of hyperpigmentation is an excess production of melanin. Melanin is a pigment that gives skin its color. Its produced by skin cells called melanocytes. Several different conditions or factors can alter the production of melanin in your body.
Certain medications can cause hyperpigmentation. Also, some chemotherapy drugs can cause hyperpigmentation as a side effect.
Pregnancy changes hormone levels and can affect melanin production in some women.
A rare endocrine disease called Addisons disease can produce hyperpigmentation thats most obvious in areas of sun exposure, such as the face, neck, and hands, and areas exposure to friction, such as elbows and knees.
The hyperpigmentation is a direct result of an increased level of a hormone in your body that results in increased melanin synthesis.
Excessive sun exposure can also cause an increase in melanin.
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What Is The Role Of Hormones
Hormones are known as the bodys chemical messengers because they regulate quite a lot of functions in the body. Some of these functions include:
- Rate of heartbeat
- Growth and development
- Body temperature
Hormones can affect men and women almost equally, however, certain hormones are produced only during certain events and in certain sex. For example, the human chorionic gonadotropin hormone is produced by women and is secreted only during pregnancy.
What Are The Types Of Melasma
There are three types of melasma and they have to do with the depth of the pigment. A Woods lamp that emits black light may be used to determine the depth of the pigment. The three types are:
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Is Hyperpigmentation Associated With Hormones
Know the complete truth here!
As if pigmentation was not worse enough that hyperpigmentation had to come into existence to make things more terrible for us.
People who have sensitive skin are often seen complaining about how a certain thing or situation caused them to develop hyperpigmentation. However, there are some cases where the external conditions had no role to play in a persons hyperpigmentation problem.
Dermatologists worked real hard to figure out the reason behind that and their results had one thing in common. Hyperpigmentation due to hormonal imbalance was cited as a major reason behind people who had developed hyperpigmentation without any external stimuli. Lets check the truth behind this by going through the following points.
What Happens In The Skin
Your skin is made up of three layers. The outer layer is the epidermis, the middle is the dermis, and the deepest layer is the subcutis. Its an organ the largest organ and it makes up about one-seventh of your body weight. Your skin is your barricade. It protects your bones, muscles, organs and everything else from the cold, from germs, sunshine, moisture, toxic substances, injury and more. It also helps regulate your body temperature, prevent hydration and feel sensations like the warmth of the stove, the fur on your dogs belly and the pressure of someone elses hand holding yours.
Your epidermis contains cells called melanocytes that store and produce a dark color known as melanin. In response to light, heat, or ultraviolet radiation or by hormonal stimulation, the melanocytes produce more melanin, and thats why your skin darkens.
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Hyperpigmentation Is Hormonal Learn About Remedies
Hyperpigmentation is a hormonal condition in which the skin becomes dark and appears in small or large patches across the body.
Hyperpigmentation is not harmful but can be an indicator of the existence of other medical conditions. It is mainly seen amongst the women suffering from estrogen and progesterone hormone imbalances.
Hyperpigmentation are of several types like Melasma, sunspots and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Melasma is caused due to hormonal changes in pregnancy. It can occur on any body part, but more prominent on the face and abdomen.
Sunspots occur due to excessive sun exposure, also known as liver spots or solar lentigines. These spots appear usually on the body parts exposed to the sun, such as face, neck, hands etc.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is caused due to skin injuries.
Hyperpigmentation occurs due to overproduction of melanin and estrogen and progesterone imbalances in the body. Medications and chemotherapy drugs can also cause hyperpigmentation as a side effect.
Endocrine diseases , pregnancy, extreme sun exposure are the other causes that can also increase melanin production in the body.
Symptoms Of Hyperpigmentation:
Melasma Causes And Risk Factors
Doctors do not fully understand why melasma occurs. It may be due to the malfunction of the melanocytes in the skin, causing them to produce too much color in certain spots.
As a result, people with light brown skin to darker skin tones may be more likely to develop melasma as they have more melanocytes than people with lighter skin do.
Risk factors :
- Sun exposure. Frequent exposure to UV rays can trigger melasma.
- Skin color. Melasma occurs most commonly in people with light brown skin tones, particularly if they live in areas with high levels of sun exposure.
- Female sex. Melasma affects females about 9 times more than it does males.
- Pregnancy. Melasma is more common during pregnancy, affecting 15% to 50% of pregnant people. This may be due to pregnancy hormones.
- Genetics. Up to 50% of people with melasma report that close relatives also have the condition.
Potential triggers for melasma can include:
- changes in hormones during pregnancy
- hormone treatment or taking birth control pills
- certain skin care products, if they irritate a persons skin
- some medications, including anti-seizure medications and those that make the skin more sensitive to sun exposure, such as includes retinoids, some blood pressure medications, and certain antibiotics
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