More information about Melasma

Hyper-pigmented regions on the face and neck, such as those seen in cases of melasma, can occur for a variety of reasons - too much sun and fluctuating hormonal levels being top of the list. Attempting to cover up those spots with inferior skin care products only makes the problem worse. Here are some excellent skin care product choices that will support the body’s natural defense and healing mechanisms while giving you superior coverage.

Melasma is predominantly a female encountered facial skin disturbance. Most commonly melasma is seen when there are major hormonal fluctuations within in the body such as in ovarian disorders, pregnancy, and menopause or while taking oral contraceptives.

Melasma is a skin condition characterized by the changing color of skin pigmentation, usually to a darker shade of the natural skin tone, on the face or neck. Sometimes melasma causes only small brown spots to appear, much like small freckles, whereas in other cases it may affect a much larger area of the face or neck. The upper lip, chin, lower cheeks, nose and forehead are the most likely regions to see a darkening in skin tone.

When melasma appears in conjunction with pregnancy it is called the Mask of Pregnancy and usually subsides after the baby’s birth. It is thought that there may be some genetic component to the disorder as well as an environmental component such as the damage that can occur by the sun’s UVA and UVB rays.

For women who are concerned with any form of melasma there are treatments and preventative measures that can be used to diminish the appearance of the hyper pigmented region.

For the purpose of protecting the skin, be sure to wear a sunhat, sunscreen with sufficient SPF when in the sun, and to avoid the direct rays of the sun during the hottest and most heat intense times of the day - usually between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm. To treat melasma that occurs there are several options. The most popular includes bleaching agents with hydroquinone, products containing vitamin A derivatives, chemical peels, azelaic acid cream and kojic acid, and microdermabrasion.

For best results it is advisable to purchase and use a complete kit that will provide you with a variety of products aimed at both prevention and treatment. SkinCeuticals Skin System IV - Rejuvenate is one such kit. Not only do the products within this kit function to prevent skin damage before it occurs through a broad spectrum sunscreen that was specifically designed for all skin types but it also contains skin care products with powerful antioxidants such as vitamins C and E.

The ingredients found within the SkinCeuticals Skin System IV - Rejuvenate kit help to prevent signs of premature aging, boost collagen production all the while providing a unique new substance, Phyto+, which is used to reduce areas of hyper pigmentation.

If you choose to simply conceal the hyper pigmented regions until they go away on their own, Colorescience Skin Perfecting Kit will help you to create a flawless finish in four easy steps. Colorescience uses a natural mineral base for its products ensuring ease of use for all skin types. The corrector kit included in this set is specifically designed to conceal blemished and or hyper pigmented sites such as melasma regions.

Finally, the Cellex-C Sun Savvy Kit contains Suncare SPF 30 to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, Hydra-5 B Complex, a hyaluronic based product created to replenish the natural moisture of the skin, and High Potency Serum that will help to smooth away signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines and will diminish the appearance of age spots, including melasmas.