Melasma is a common skin condition characterized by dense brownish patches that appear symmetrical on the cheeks, forehead, upper lip, and chin. It's one of the most stubborn and mysterious skin conditions, and skin experts see patients treating it with all sorts of products. In this article, we discuss five mistakes that you need to avoid to get the best results when treating dark spots in melasma.
Mistake #1: Forgetting Sunscreen
Daily sunscreen is crucial for everyone's skin health, but it's extremely crucial for those experiencing melasma. UV-induced inflammation exacerbates the reactivity of skin that is already prone to hyperpigmentation and melasma. Therefore, choosing an SPF with added melanogenesis inhibitors and antioxidants provides additional treatment and pigment suppression, along with necessary UV protection. All sunscreens must be applied 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapplied every two hours, or after swimming or sweating, for maximum protection.
Mistake #2: Frequent Exposure to Heat, Sun, and Light Emitting Sources
Anything that causes heat or friction in the skin can stimulate an increased deposit of excess melanin at the site of trauma. Visible light-emitting sources such as tablets, computers, or cell phones; and even heat itself can worsen or trigger melasma. Therefore, avoid overhead work lights, overhead desk lamps, extensive cooking over an oven or a grill, heating lamps in general, and hair dryers too, especially when heat is a known trigger for your skin type.
Mistake #3: Experimenting with Homemade Recipes
Homemade recipes are not clinically formulated, and they may aggravate and irritate the skin, stimulating inflammation in the region, which can worsen melasma and cause even more spots to appear. There are a lot of flashy advertisements trying to sell you miracle creams that don't work, and bloggers and influencers may convince you to try their DIY treatments that promise instant whitening and impressive before & after photos. These treatments do not work, and it is usually a scam just to take your money.
Mistake #4: Believing That Melasma Can Be Cured
There are two reasons why melasma is so hard to cure, and people don't know why. Therefore, it's best to manage melasma by focusing on preventing it from getting worse rather than trying to cure it.
Mistake #5: Not Consulting a Dermatologist
Suppose you are experiencing melasma for the first time or have never had a formal diagnosis of it. In that case, it's best to visit a dermatologist to confirm the diagnosis and exclude other conditions that can cause hyperpigmentation. Dermatologists can evaluate your skin condition and provide the appropriate medical treatments that are best suited to your individual case.
In conclusion, melasma is a frustrating skin condition to treat, and many people struggle to get rid of it. However, avoiding these five mistakes can significantly improve the chances of getting better results in treating dark spots in melasma.
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