Melasma
What is Melasma?
You may have melasma and not even know it.
If you do have melasma, Chevy Chase Cosmetic Center can treat it.
This common skin condition causes brown or gray/brown patches to appear on the skin of the face (cheeks, nose, forehead, chin, and upper lip) and sometimes on the forearms and neck. Melasma most commonly affects women, and people of Latin, Asian, Mediterranean or North African descent. Sun exposure can trigger melasma because the pigment–producing cells in the skin (melanocytes) are stimulated by ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun.
FAQs
What causes melasma?
That’s still relatively unknown, but we feel it’s a pretty safe bet to say sun exposure plays a role. Pregnancy, birth control bills, cosmetics, hormone therapy, phototoxic drugs, and anti-seizure medication have also been observed to trigger melasma. In fact, melasma is so common during pregnancy that it is often called the “mask of pregnancy.” People with a family history of melasma are at an advanced risk of developing the condition themselves.
Will melasma fade on its own?
Sometimes, especially after pregnancy or when a woman stops taking birth control pills. But when this isn’t the case — or if you want to continue taking birth control pills AND get rid of those unsightly brown spots on your face, it may be time to consider melasma treatment in Chevy Chase.
How soon will I see results from my melasma treatment?
It may take several months to see substantial improvement. It is important to carefully follow your dermatologist’s directions during this time to ensure maximum benefit from the treatment; this will also help avoid skin irritation and other side effects.
Melasma treatment often requires a comprehensive and professional approach, and should only be conducted under the care of a professional Chevy Chase dermatologist.
Visit Chevy Chase Cosmetic & Dermatology Center
Our team provides thoughtful, expert care for all your skin health needs. We are proud to offer the most advanced general and cosmetic dermatology services in the greater Washington D.C. area. Your best skin awaits.
