Skin experts say dark spots and freckles on the face are melasma, which can be prevented or made less noticeable.
Dr. Rebecca Kazin, a dermatologist in Rockville, Maryland, has some tips for dealing with these spots caused by sun exposure, pregnancy, stress, certain medications, and sometimes medical conditions. It offers.
“Melasma may disappear on its own, but it can persist for years,” Dr. Kazin said in an American Academy of Dermatology news release. “Although melasma is not harmful, people often want to treat it.”
Dermatologists can develop individualized treatment plans using a variety of treatments to address each patient’s concerns, she said.
Melanocytes, the cells that give skin color, are more active the darker your skin is, so melasma may be more noticeable on darker skin.
Kazin and the American Academy of Dermatology recommend protecting your skin from the sun.
Look for shade when you are outdoors. Wear clothing that protects you from the sun, such as a thin long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses with UV protection.
For added protection, choose clothing that has an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) number on the label.
When outdoors, even on cloudy days, use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on all uncovered skin.
Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours. Reapply more frequently if you swim or sweat.
Use colored sunscreen to protect yourself from visible light. Visible light has been shown to worsen melasma, especially in people with dark skin. Use a tinted sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, plus iron oxide.
Protect your skin from irritation by choosing gentle, fragrance-free skin care and makeup products.
Cover it with makeup. It takes time to treat melasma, so if you are concerned about your appearance, you can make your melasma less noticeable by covering up the uneven skin tone. Your dermatologist may be able to advise you.
“Keep in mind that other conditions can also cause uneven skin tone,” Kazin says. “Work with a board-certified dermatologist to get an accurate diagnosis.”
For more information:
The U.S. National Library of Medicine has more information about melasma.
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