Dealing with Hyperpigmentation - Find the right Treatment for Melasma

As we age, our skin becomes thinner and more brittle. But, it can also take on a dull appearance and show hyperpigmentation problems.



When this skin condition presents itself on your face it is known as melasma. Darker skinned women are the most prone to suffer this type of skin problem, however, it is more noticeable in lighter skinned individuals.



This blotchy skin can make your skin look older and even affect your own self esteem. Melasma and other hyperpigmentation problems are often caused by hormonal issues that may appear during or after pregnancy and can also be caused by over exposure to the sunlight. No matter what the cause may be, most women are eager to find a solution.



Most often melasma treatments rely on skin whitening products and procedures. These procedures strive to reduce the amount of melanin in the cells and keep its production under control. Common whitening techniques include laser treatments, chemical peels and bleaching products.



Chemical peels are an excellent way to achieve a more even skin tone as they remove damaged layers of the skin through the use of different acids. The depth of the peel will depend on the extent of damage. Anyone undergoing this type of procedure will have to also undergo anesthesia, wound care, and a certain amount of rest, especially if they've just had a medium or deep peel.



Laser therapy is a common alternative, but results can vary greatly. As a matter of fact, it can also produce an increase in the appearance of hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation. This is why it is mostly used more on people with darker skin than people with fair skin.



Bleaching products are also used to help you get a more even skin tone. Two type of ingredients used are hydroquinone and azaleic acid, both used for their whitening properties.



Hydroquinone can present some problems such as irritation and permanent discoloration. This means that you will require sun block lotions with high SPF for the rest of your life.



If you still want the bleaching properties of hydroquinone, but without the side-effect, then you can use azelaic acid. Another alternative is a combination of kojic acid and glycolic acid that has also been proven to be a safer than hydroquinone.



After using any of these products or having any of these procedures done, it is important to take the following precaution. Since bleaching procedures correct skin tone by eliminating melanin, our skin's natural sun block, it is important to use a strong sunscreen product. If you're not sure which SPF to use, ask your doctor to recommend one for your particular case.