A common condition of hyper-pigmentation of the skin, predominantly occurring
in women. These dark spots may sit superficially within the skin, or deep
beneath it — and the difference changes how we treat them.
Two typesDermal and epidermal, each treated differently
Mostly womenPredominantly occurring in women
Hormone-linkedConnected to estrogen and progesterone sensitivity
ManageableLightened with peels and laser, then kept away
About Melasma
Not all melasma sits at the same depth
Melasma is a common condition of hyper-pigmentation of the skin, predominantly
occurring in women. These dark spots may occur superficially within the skin,
or deep beneath the skin.
That depth matters more than anything else on this page. Dermal and epidermal
melasma have different types of treatments, so it is important to seek the
advice of Crave Med Spa skincare clinicians to determine the best and most safe
route of treatment that will produce the best results.
Epidermal
Nearer the surface
Pigment sitting in the upper layers of the skin. Generally the more
responsive of the two to resurfacing treatments.
Dermal
Deeper down
Pigment held in the deeper layer. It calls for a different approach, and
is the reason a surface treatment alone may disappoint.
We recommend a chemical peel or laser treatment to help lighten the dark
patches. Schedule a consultation to explore your treatment options.
Working out which type you have is the first thing we do.
What Triggers It
Four things that set it off
What causes melasma is not completely evident. These are the factors most often
connected with it — and the two you can act on are sun and, to a degree,
stress.
01
Hormones
Pills for birth control, pregnancy, and hormone therapy can all cause
melasma. The condition is connected with sensitivity to estrogen and
progesterone.
02
Sun exposure
Sun exposure can trigger melasma, because ultraviolet rays affect the
melanocytes that control pigment. This is the trigger most within your
control.
03
Stress & thyroid
It is believed that stress-induced overproduction of certain hormones can
trigger outbreaks. Thyroid disease is also thought to play a part.
04
Skin tone
Darker-skinned people are at greater risk than fair-skinned people. It is
not something you can change — but it does shape which treatments are
safe for you.
Melasma Potential Treatments
Five ways we lighten it
We recommend a chemical peel or laser treatment to lighten the dark patches.
Which one, and how deep we go, depends on whether your melasma is epidermal or
dermal.
Still unsure? Bring the question to your consultation — there is no
obligation to book a treatment.
How can melasma be treated?
There are creams that can be administered by our professionals in order to
lighten the skin. We might also prescribe topical steroids to assist in
lightening the affected areas. If these do not work,
chemical peels, dermabrasion and
microdermabrasion are alternative options. These treatments remove the top
layers of skin, and might help lighten dark patches.
Can melasma be cured?
These procedures are not a 100% guarantee that melasma will not return at
some point in the future, though some cases will lighten completely. It is
better thought of as a condition that is managed rather than cured.
You may have to return to our facility for follow-up visits, and stick to
certain skin treatment practices in order to decrease the risk of the
melasma coming back. These include limiting sun exposure and wearing
sunscreen daily.
What is the main cause of melasma?
What causes melasma is not completely evident. Darker-skinned people are at
greater risk than fair-skinned people, and the condition is connected with
sensitivity to estrogen and progesterone.
The factors most often linked to it — hormones, sun, stress and skin
tone — are set out in
what triggers it above.
Does stress cause melasma?
It is believed that stress-induced overproduction of certain hormones can
trigger outbreaks of this disorder. Other rare causes of melasma include
drug and cosmetic allergic reactions.
Visit
17903 W. Lake Houston Pkwy, Suite 201 Humble, TX 77346
Hours
Mon–Fri: 9 AM – 5 PM By appointment only
Email
info@cravemedspa.com
Why book with Crave
Board-certified dermatologist injector, expert aestheticians, FDA-approved
and cutting-edge technology, and a personalized plan formulated in your
first visit.
Kristin Wegmann
Lip filler client