Hormones and Skin
Hyper pigmentation and Melasma are both skin conditions that are closely related with similar identifying discolored patches of darkened skin. When you have darker patches of skin, you have hyper pigmentation which is the result of an over production of melanin within the skin cells in that area. Suntans, your body’s way of protection when exposed to the sun’s rays, are a result of increased melanin production. Melanin is the chemical within your body that creates browning of the skin. . Melasma is a little different in appearance in as much that larger areas of skin are affected including the forehead, cheeks, chin and nose.
There are many forms Melasma and Hyper pigmentation take. Freckles, liver or age spots, scarring due to abrasion, burns, acne, and other things can result in hyper pigmentation. Melasma is also known as Chloasma faciei or the mask of pregnancy. This of course can be present in pregnant women, because of the hormonal changes. Birth control pills and other hormonal birth control methods make the body mimic pregnancy and can also cause this form of hyper pigmentation.
Both these skin conditions can been repaired to some extent. There of course is preventing before even getting them. With hyper pigmentation avoiding the sunlight is the best defense. While that isn’t possible for the majority of people, applying a full spectrum sunscreen is a definite must. If melasma has developed because of pregnancy or because of birth control, it can disappear after these factors are removed. Such as delivering or stopping the hormone therapies. Other complex factors such as a family history of Melasma occurrence, exposure to intense sunlight, and certain drug medication treatment can be the trigger for these skin patches to expand.
Looking to repair the skin can be as easy as going to the cosmetics counter or seeing a plastic surgeon. Of course, hyper pigmentation and Melasma are a benign disorder, so looking to treatment is purely cosmetic. No matter the form of removal, the skin will not get better overnight; it will have to grow off after balancing the melanin production.
You have probably heard of products designed to get rid of freckles and other forms of hyper pigmentation. Hydroquinone (HQ) is quite possibly most commonly used. It is a hydroxyphenolic chemical that inhibits tyrosinase, which leads to a decreased production of melanin. Azelaic acid takes care of only the hyperactive melanocytes. It is said to be as effective as 4% HQ and certainly it is more superior to 2% HQ in the treatment of melasma. Tretinoin lightens melasma spots slowly, with improvement taking 6 months or longer. There are also other ways to treat Melasma: chemical peels, laser rejuvenation and microdermabrasion. Regardless of your choice in treating hyper pigmentation or Melasma, strict avoidance of sunlight is necessary. Using a sunscreen with “physical blockers” over “chemical blockers” will certainly be helpful. Titanium dioxide and Zinc oxide give a broader protection from UV-B and UV-A, which can stimulate melanogenesis. Before beginning any treatment, you must have a discussion with your dermatologist.