The vast majority of the time, women are the ones dealing with melasma. In fact, it's so common in pregnancy that it's sometimes referred to as the "mask of pregnancy." Men make up just 10% of the demographic for who gets melasma. In addition, people with darker skin tones or family members with melasma are more likely to have it themselves.

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Melasma is believed to be caused by hormones, though the exact cause and triggers haven't been completely figured out yet. There appears to be a link between sun exposure and worsening melasma and, in some cases, irritation of the skin by skincare products can trigger it as well.

In cases where melasma was triggered by hormone changes such as pregnancy or birth control, once the trigger of the hormone change is gone, melasma will sometimes fade on its own. The good news is, however, that you don't need to wait around hoping your melasma will fade! Elias Dermatology offers options to help clear it up without waiting around full of uncertainty.

When you come in to the clinic for treatment, you have many options. We'll help determine which treatments will be best for your unique situation.

One option for melasma treatment is hydroquinone, which lightens the skin. Tretinoin and corticosteroids can help boost skin lightening as well. Sometimes topical treatments like kojic acid is used. If your melasma doesn't respond well to these treatments, some procedures are available to help. Light therapy, chemical peels, dermabrasion, and laser therapy are a few that are available to you.

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Treatment of melasma can take several months, as the condition tends to be a bit stubborn. Your Elias Dermatology healthcare professionals are here with you every step of the way and won't stop until we find a treatment that works for you.

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