Dark marks on your skin can make you feel self-conscious and take a physical and emotional toll. Melasma is common, but that doesn’t make it easier when you’re dreaming of a clear, even complexion.
Our med spa here in Vero Beach is proud to have helped countless patients, and we can offer you several effective melasma treatments too. You no longer have to use concealer and foundation to hide the worst of your spots—our practice has the tools to help.
Step 1: Understand Melasma
Melasma is a hyperpigmentation skin condition that develops mainly near the cheeks, forehead, nose, and upper lip. It often appears as dark brown patches or freckle-like marks on the skin. Women are much more likely than men to develop melasma. While it is treatable by a medical professional, the condition is chronic and can last for years or be lifelong.
Step 2: Watch for Melasma Triggers
Often called the “mask of pregnancy,” melasma is typically caused by drastic hormone changes. Pregnant women and those who take hormonal birth control pills are the most likely to experience discoloration due to the presence of estrogen and progesterone.
While less common, sun exposure can also cause melasma. It can affect any part of your skin that is exposed to sunlight, which is why most people with melasma notice that their markings grow darker during the summer months. Be sure to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to protect your skin.
Step 3: Consider Your Melasma Treatment Options
Treating melasma is a delicate process. After all, you don’t want to further inflame or irritate the skin during treatment. For this reason, it’s important to choose a provider who understands how to treat your pigmentation issues carefully.
Depending on the severity of your melasma, our practice offers 3 main treatment solutions.
- Complexion Correction MD Peel: This specialized peel is applied in the office and removed at home 6 to 12 hours later. It is safe for all skin types and requires 7 to 10 days of downtime. Only 1 touch-up treatment is necessary after.
- VI Peel: The VI peel is applied at our office and can be safely removed at home 4 hours later. It requires a shorter recovery time of only 3 to 4 days. The VI peel is often performed in a series of 3 to 4 treatments.
- Halo Laser: Our Halo laser is used in-house with a numbing cream that keeps you comfortable during the procedure. Social downtime after treatment is 1 to 3 days, and it is used in a series of 1 to 3 sessions.
Can I Reverse Melasma Naturally?
We have a few words of caution if you’re considering a do-it-yourself approach. Many videos and blog posts offer tips for reversing melasma with natural products such as apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, or supplements. However, these options often involve lightly bleaching the skin, which can cause damage to the body if used incorrectly.
It is much safer to have a trusted, experienced professional treat your melasma in a clinical setting. There is no permanent “cure” for chronic melasma, so your best treatment option is to see a certified dermatologist or med spa provider regularly.
If you would like to learn more about melasma treatment options, request a consultation at our med spa in Vero Beach. You can also call our office at (772) 231-1133 to schedule an appointment.
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