There's no doubt that every woman starts out with a whole lot of questions, especially at the beginning of the "melasma removal" process. The problem is, without the right answers, most women throw up their hands and just give up. Luckily for you, here are the top 4 Melasma Answers every woman needs to know so you can find the success you're looking for.
Question #1: What is Melasma?
Melasma is localized hyperpigmentation that it makes a specific part of the skin seem darker than the surrounding skin. Visually, this looks like "dark spots" and can be a significant source of embarrassment. Melasma can happen on any part of the body, but it's most common on the face, arms, and chest.Â
Question #2: How Does Melasma Occur?
While there are many theories about what causes melasma, there are two reasons that seem to be the most accepted:
- Excess sun exposure
- Hormonal changes
It is very common for melasma to show up on the skin of pregnant women who are in their second or third trimester. For the majority of women, the melasma disappears a few months after giving birth, and their skin returns to normal.
For some women, however, the melasma does not disappear. It is not known exactly why, but current theories point to excess sun exposure during pregnancy. That excess sun exposure, coupled with the dramatic hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, is believed to be the main factors in causing melasma.
Question #3: Can Melasma Be Prevented?
Yes!Â
And no...
The problem is that since there isn't any clear understanding as to why melasma occurs in the first place, doctors find it difficult to know how to properly prevent it. However, most experts agree that limiting sun exposure is a good idea for pregnant women. This recommendation is supported by reports of tribal cultures in the Amazon rainforest. In those tribes, pregnant women are kept in the most protected areas of the camp who, despite living in a tropical paradise, avoid sun exposure whenever possible. Melasma is almost non-existent in those cultures.
Question #4: Can Long-Term Melasma Be Treated?
Yes!
(No, really! It can!)
And for many women, it can even be removed. The two most important things to do are:
- Limit your exposure to the sun with high power sunscreen, hats, clothing, etc.
- Use a skin whitening product directly on the melasma (not the surrounding skin)
By following these two steps, many women can dramatically reduce and often remove the appearance of "dark spots" on their skin.
Conclusion
As doctors learn more about the causes of melasma, our understanding of the best treatments may change and adapt over time. But, from my direct, day-to-day melasma experience, smart women - regardless of your current situation - will take heed and apply these tips to their daily lives.
By the way, if you're a woman and you really want to remove that melasma, this cream offered by Swiss Botany called "Ultimate Whitening Cream" will help you do just that and more!Â