Melasma is a common skin problem caused by brown to gray-brown patches on the face, mostly cheeks, chin, nose bridge, forehead, and above the upper lip. It is more common in women than men. Pregnancy is a common cause of melasma. It also affects women taking oral contraceptives and hormones. Other causes are genetic influences, ultraviolet(UV) radiation(sun exposure), cosmetics, phototoxic drugs(drugs that can cause skin damage when exposed to light/sun), and antiseizure medications. Persons of any race can be affected but is more common in darker skin types than lighter skin types. The most important factor is exposure to sunlight. UV radiation in sunlight stimulates the production of melanin in the skin, causing macules (dark patches) in areas that receive excessive sun exposure, including cheeks, upper lip, chin, and the forehead. Melasma is difficult to treat and often recurs. 

 

Treatment options include topical creams (usually containing hydroquinone, tretinoin, and fluocinolone acetonide), skin peels (usually using glycolic or salicylic acid-based compounds), and lasers. In experienced hands, chemical peels and lasers are usually safe and may produce results faster than topical medications. Sun avoidance is very effective and should be recommended to every patient with melasma. At Flawless Laser and MedSpa we use Sciton's MOXI laser for melanoma treatment.