| Melasma is a skin discoloration condition that is | | | | darkening of the skin. By protecting yourself through |
| characterized by irregular brown patches found usually | | | | the use of sun screen, you are preventing damage |
| on the face, especially on areas like cheeks, forehead, | | | | being done to your skin. |
| chin and nose. It can affect anyone, but more | | | | Other than cosmetic concerns, Melasma does not |
| commonly women than men because nine out of ten | | | | cause any health problems. For treatment, visit a |
| people who suffer from it are women. | | | | dermatologist for prescription creams and close |
| Causes of Melasma are due to genetics and changes | | | | monitoring of the condition. Those who use bleaching |
| in hormone levels, which explain why pregnant women, | | | | creams, chemical peels, laser treatment may be useful |
| those on birth control pills and Hormone Replacement | | | | but sometimes complications may arise and further |
| Therapy are associated with this condition. Other than | | | | aggravate the condition. |
| that, brown skin people like Asians and Latin | | | | As the saying goes; Prevention is better than cure. |
| Americans are more susceptible to Melasma because | | | | The key to prevention is to avoid the sun and apply |
| their melanocytes (melanin-producing cells) are more | | | | sunscreen when outdoors, even when there is no sun. |
| active than those with lighter skin tone. | | | | It is not within your control if you are genetically |
| Sun exposure is a dominant factor in triggering this | | | | predisposed to it but at least do what you can to |
| condition, where UV rays stimulate the melanocytes, | | | | minimize and reduce the appearance of Melasma. |
| inducing them to produce more melanin that leads to | | | | |