Melasma is a common skin condition that involves dark brown or gray patches on the face. It, being a chronic condition, usually takes a lot of time to fade away, but only if the right treatment is provided for that. Everyone deserves to live a life in which their skin is problem-free. Though harmless, melasma can have a great impact on the sufferer as they feel self-conscious because of it. Melasma occurs due to the overproduction of the cells that make the pigment of your skin. 

Melasma affects psychologically and socially

It can negatively affect one psychologically, which can result in low self-esteem and confidence. As these patches are difficult to conceal, the person becomes self-conscious, and it can even lead to depression. It discourages the person so much that they even avoid social gatherings. 

Causes of melasma 

Melasma affects brown skinned people who have more melanin production as compared to fair-skinned people. Also, women are at a higher risk of getting it than men. Various causes and reasons behind melasma are: 

• Sunlight is the prime factor causing melasma. Exposure to the sun can result in ultraviolet radiation that causes melasma. 
• Melasma usually occurs more in pregnant women or in women of reproductive age. During pregnancy, an increase in the levels of hormones like estrogen and progesterone can trigger this skin condition. 
• Melasma can be genetic. 

Prevention 

Though there are more causes, it needs to be prevented beforehand to avoid such a concern from occurring. Prevention includes: 

• Sun protection: Limiting sun exposure and using a broad-spectrum sunscreen or covering the skin while in the sun can eliminate the risk of melasma. 
• Skincare products with harsh, scented chemicals that irritate your skin need to be avoided. They can trigger melasma. 
• Exposure to LED lights from cell phones as well as televisions should be avoided. 
• Managing daily stress and eating a balanced diet can help in avoiding melasma. 
• Waxing can aggravate the condition, too. 
• Vitamin D should be taken orally to prevent melasma. 

Treatment for melasma 

Unfortunately, there is no fixed treatment to cure melasma. But a number of ingredients and remedies may help in the reduction of the dark patches. Home remedies can be tried, which do not cause any side effects like:

• Rubbing a potato slice and keeping the juice on for at least 15 minutes, and then washing it off with cold water can be helpful. 
• Applying fresh aloe vera gel could be a good option as it is natural and it has a depigmenting compound. 
• Applying turmeric infused in raw milk can be beneficial as turmeric has antioxidant properties, and milk helps in calming the skin. 

Useful agents contributing to the effective treatment of reducing or fading away melasma include:

• Niacinamide, 
• Azelaic acid, 
• Hydrocortisone, 
• Hydroquinone, 
• Ascorbic acid, 
• Glycolic acid, 
• Soybean extract, 
• Tranexamic acid, 
• Licorice extract, 
• Zinc sulfate, 
• Glutathione, 
• Tretinoin, etc. 

But all these topical medications need to be consulted with our dermatologists before use to avoid any type of complications. As steroids work best for the reduction of melasma, they should be used following the safety measures. 

Conclusion 

Puri Skin Clinic is a certified skin clinic you can visit for all sorts of common as well as peculiar skin and hair issues. Our aim is to give you the desired results. To make way towards healthy skin, you must consult our expert dermatologists who are highly trained as well as passionate about giving you flawless and healthy skin and hair. Our two generations of expert dermatologists have served our customers with treatments tailored specifically to their needs.