Melasma Specialist

What is melasma?

Melasma is a skin condition where brown or bluish-gray patches appear on your skin. Most often found on the face, they’re common on your:

• Cheeks

• Nose bridge

• Forehead

• Chin

• Upper lip

If you spend a lot of time in the sun, melasma may also develop on your forearms and neck.

Although anyone can develop melasma, only 10% of all cases are diagnosed in men. Women can get melasma anytime, but it’s most common when you’re pregnant and is sometimes referred to as the “mask of pregnancy.”

What causes melasma?

Melasma’s cause is unknown, although many doctors believe it’s when color-making cells, called melanocytes, produce too much pigment. This is often the result of being exposed to a trigger, which might be a change in hormones or too much sun exposure. Certain skincare products, as well as hormonal birth control options, may also trigger melasma.

Individuals with darker or olive-colored skin are more prone to developing melasma.

How is melasma treated?

When you see Dr. Bushore for melasma, he’s likely to recommend sun protection. Wearing sunscreen every day and reapplying it often is necessary to reduce the appearance of melasma. Depending on your specific case, he may also recommend wearing a wide brim hat to decrease UV exposure.

In some cases, limiting trigger exposure allows melasma to fade on its own. When this doesn’t occur, Dr. Bushore can use cosmetic procedures to reduce, or even eliminate, the appearance of melasma. He may recommend:

• Chemical peels

• Laser treatments

• DiamondGlow™ Dermalinfusion

• Skincare products

Each of these treatments takes a different approach to eliminate dead skin cells, exposing your new, fresh skin beneath. This drastically fades and sometimes eradicates the dark spots melasma causes.

If you have melasma and desire a more uniform skin tone, contact Dr. Bushore at Balcones Dermatology and Aesthetics in Austin, Texas. Call the office to schedule an appointment or book online today.