Melasma is a common patchy, brown discoloration which is due to overproduction of pigment on the skin.

It typically results from sun exposure and hormonal changes in women due to progesterone and oestrogen. In fact, about nine of 10 people with melasma are women aged 20 to 50.

Melasma is often referred to as the “mask of pregnancy” because its dark patches, which usually crop up on the nose, cheekbones and jaw, are even more prevalent while women are expecting.

Most women who come to me with melasma are dismayed at their appearance. It is not dangerous, but there’s no question that it detracts from their quality of life.

A large number of Jamaican women suffer from this issue, which has no cure but can be effectively treated.

While hormonal changes and sunshine are the two biggest triggers, those with a genetic predisposition and darker skin are more prone to the condition. People who work around heat, for example cooks, may also be prone to the condition because of heat’s ability to irritate the skin and induce overproduction of pigment.

BEST TREATMENT OPTIONS

Melasma can fade on its own, particularly when the trigger, whether it is pregnancy or oral contraceptive use, ends. But those who don’t just want to wait and hope have several treatment options. They include:

HYDROQUINONE

Available in a cream, lotion, gel, or liquid, this medication works by lightening the skin. Hydroquinone can be found in over-the-counter preparations, but higher- strength versions can only be obtained through a doctor’s prescription.

OTHER TOPICAL MEDICATIONS

Also applied to the skin, these may include the skin lighteners vitamin C, kojic acid, or bearberry extract.

IN-OFFICE PROCEDURES

IN-OFFICE PROCEDURES

When topical medications don’t do the trick, clients may seek in-office procedures such as a photofacial, chemical peel or microdermabrasion, which slough off the top layers of the skin.

Melasma can be stubborn and the topical treatments may take a few months to work, but clients are usually very happy with the results.

Michelle Vernon is a licensed aesthetician who operates the Body Studio Skincare located at 23 Central Plaza, Kingston 10, and Fairview Shopping Centre, Montego Bay. She may be reached at telephone 908-0438 or 684-9800; IG@bodystudioskincare; E-mail:bodystudioskincare@gmail.com; Website:www.bodystudioskincare.com.

Michelle Vernon is a licensed aesthetician who operates the Body Studio Skincare located at 23 Central Plaza, Kingston 10, and Fairview Shopping Centre, Montego Bay. She may be reached at telephone 908-0438 or 684-9800; IG@bodystudioskincare; E-mail:

bodystudioskincare@gmail.com

; Website:

www.bodystudioskincare.com.