Melasma is a skin condition characterized by the appearance of dark spots on the face, especially on the nose, cheeks, forehead, chin and lips. However, as melasma can be triggered by exposure to ultraviolet light, dark spots can appear on other parts of the body, such as arms or neck.
Melasma is more common in women, especially during pregnancy due to hormonal changes, being called chloasma. In addition, dark spots can arise due to the use of contraceptives, genetic predisposition and, mainly, frequent or prolonged exposure to ultraviolet or visible light, in the case of computers and cell phones, for example.
The diagnosis of melasma is made by the dermatologist based on the observation of the spots and the treatment can be done with the use of creams that lighten the skin, however, the spots may not disappear completely or reappear if the protector is not used. solar daily.
How to identify melasma
Melasma is characterized by the appearance of small dark spots on the skin, usually on the forehead, nose and apples on the face, for example, and does not cause pain, burning or itching. The spots usually have an irregular shape and the appearance of the spots varies according to exposure to risk factors, such as the sun or frequent computer use, for example.
Why does melasma arise?
The cause of the appearance of melasma is still not very clear, however the spots usually appear more frequently in people who are exposed to the sun for a long time or who constantly use computers and smartphones, for example.
In the case of women, melasma can arise as a consequence of pregnancy or use of birth control pills, for example. In the case of men, it may be related to the decrease in the amount of testosterone in the blood, which normally decreases with age. Know the causes of melasma.
Remedies for melasma
Treatment for melasma should be done according to the dermatologist's guidance, and may be indicated:
- Creams that lighten the skin: the creams that contain Hydroquinone or Tretinoin in their composition, such as Vitacid or Tri-luma, help to lighten the melasma spots when applied daily on the spot; Chemical peeling: it is a type of aesthetic procedure that consists of the application of glycolic acid in the dermatological office to remove the outermost layer of the skin, lightening the stain; Dermabrasion: this procedure is done through the use of an abrasive disc on the skin that mechanically removes layers of the skin, lightening the stain.
In addition, it is important to use the sunscreen daily and renew before leaving for lunch or whenever you are exposed to sunlight for more than 2 hours. See what are the best melasma treatment options.
Homemade melasma treatment
There are some natural options, which are not a substitute for treatment, but which can help relieve melasma. Some options are:
- Apply Bepantol derma solution to the stain, because due to vitamin B5 and other active ingredients of the composition, bepantol can help to regenerate inflamed skin and prevent the formation of stains; Use a moisturizing cucumber mask with yogurt, which promotes skin regeneration and aids in whitening. Learn the recipe for making a cucumber mask with yogurt at home; Drinking mastic tea, has properties that inhibit skin tyrosinase, helping to lighten skin spots; Have a diet rich in tomatoes, spinach, beets, oranges and Brazil nuts, in addition to other fruits, vegetables and greens, as they are rich in components that assist in skin regeneration, such as lutein, lycopenes, carboxypyrrolidonic acid, vitamin C, vitamine E and selenium; Avoid exposure to heat sources, in addition to the sun, such as a kitchen oven, parked cars, excessive use of smartphones, as it contributes to skin pigmentation.
It is also very important to drink about 2 liters of water a day, to keep the skin hydrated, in addition to applying moisturizing creams and sunscreen daily on the face. Also check out some tips for removing various types of dark spots:
