Melasma is one of the most prevalent skin care conditions that certified aesthetician and laser specialist Erin Blackwell treats her patients for.
“Melasma is prevalent in today’s world. This is something that many individuals have on their skin,” she says. Though Blackwell observes, “I’m seeing [melasma] more and more and more,” melasma is frequently misdiagnosed as sun damage. That’s starting to get a lot of attention.”
So What Is It?
Melasma is a multifaceted skin disorder that impacts the dermal and epidermal layers of the skin, among other layers. Blackwell explains further: “It’s also known as the pregnancy mask at times. These days, it’s evident in both men and women and all skin tones.” Melasma is “essentially inflammation of the skin,” according to Blackwell, and is distinguished by patchy pigment that usually develops on the cheeks, forehead, neck, and chest.
What Causes It?
Melasma can be brought on by a variety of things, including as hormonal shifts, drugs, traumatic experiences, or even prolonged sun exposure. For this reason, the disorder is closely associated with sun damage. “People that are snow skiing all the time, or people who are on boats and have the reflection of the water coming up all the time, these are people that have melasma,” Blackwell explains. “I would say every other patient has something that appears like it, and sometimes it’s hard to know if the person has melasma or if it’s just sun damage,” she says, underscoring the condition’s frequency.
How Is It Treated?
Because melasma is a chronic condition, it needs to be maintained continuously. It never vanishes. It will require lifetime upkeep, according to Blackwell. “The skin is the largest organ of the body and we have to treat it as such,” she says, drawing a comparison between skin care and physical fitness. “It’s a continuous maintenance,” she continues, “you don’t go to the gym and lose ten pounds the first time.”
Effectively treating melasma and other skin disorders requires knowledge of the underlying reasons as well as dedication to a regular skincare routine. The significance of customized treatments and ongoing care in the management of skin health conditions such as melasma is highlighted by Blackwell’s proficiency. For more advice on how to treat your unique skin problems, consult a qualified specialist.
