Who is More Likely to Get Melasma?

Melasma is a common skin condition that leads to discolored spots on the face. While melasma spots are generally harmless, they can make you feel self-conscious or embarrassed about your appearance. Fortunately, Lynch Vein & Aesthetics can treat this skin issue using a combination of trusted products and treatments using the Harmony XL PRO platform by Alma. Dr. Matthew Lynch is a board-certified surgeon who can show you how to treat melasma in Peoria, AZ. Read below or contact us to learn about different melasma types.

What is melasma?

Melasma is a disorder that creates gray or brown patches that are mainly visible on the face. Melasma can fade away naturally over time or affect people on a long-term basis. However, just because you have discolored spots does not necessarily mean you have melasma. An experienced doctor can diagnose melasma by looking at the skin or performing a few simple tests. If the patches are symmetrical, this is just one indication that melasma is the source of your condition.

Melasma causes

As we mentioned, most melasma types are not painful or dangerous to your health. However, they can make you appear older than you are. Even though the exact cause of melasma is not known, there are several triggers that can cause discoloration in Peoria, AZ. They include:

Sun exposure: Ultraviolet (UV) light stimulates melanocytes, or melanin-forming cells. This is why some people notice blotchy skin during the warmer summer months.
Pregnancy or birth control: Hormones are another well-documented cause of melasma. So, pregnant women and women taking hormonal contraceptives may also experience discoloration.
Cosmetics or skin care products: Skin irritation can lead to an increase in melanocyte activity. It is important to choose gentle makeup and skin care products that do not irritate your complexion.

How to treat melasma

Some people choose not to seek treatment for melasma. However, studies show that melasma can negatively impact the way people feel about themselves. If you want to know how to treat melasma and other skin concerns, Dr. Lynch may recommend one of several options. Our team can prescribe medications or topical products to suppress excess melanin in the skin.

Another option we offer is the Harmony XL PRO laser to reduce hyperpigmentation. While this procedure will not prevent new melasma spots from forming in the future, they can make your complexion smoother and more even-looking again. During a skin assessment, our staff can learn about your goals and make suggestions about your next steps.

What happens after melasma treatment

If you choose the Harmony XL PRO laser at Lynch Vein & Aesthetics, we can create a custom treatment plan and schedule follow-up sessions as needed. After the initial treatment is over, our experienced team can review ways to prevent future flare-ups. This includes avoiding sun exposure and wearing a high-SPF sunscreen when spending any amount of time outside.

Treating melasma spots

Melasma can cause emotional distress and a blotchy complexion. If you choose to treat this condition instead of turning to cosmetics and over-the-counter solutions, turn to the professionals at Lynch Vein & Aesthetics. Dr. Matthew Lynch can teach you about the different melasma types and how they affect your skin. Schedule an appointment in Peoria, AZ to get the treatment process started right away.