What is Melasma?

There is a fairly common condition that forms on the skin characterized by the appearance of various dark spots or patches on the face, mainly on the forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin. Initially, they may appear as small spots, but over time, they grow larger. Unlike moles, they are flat and not raised. This condition, known as melasma, tends to occur regularly in women, especially during pregnancy. To learn more about what melasma is, its types, causes, and how to combat it, we invite you to read the following post that we have prepared at Elixir.

What is Melasma? Learn everything with Elixir by La Maga Melasma is a form of hyperpigmentation that occurs on the face and is often referred to as "the mask of pregnancy." It is a condition that appears in individuals who are exposed to sunlight for extended periods or who constantly use mobile phones or computers. Melasma spots are light brown, have regular borders, and are rounded. They do not cause any pain or irritation; the noticeable symptom is the difference in color on the face.

What is Facial Melasma?

Facial melasma is a skin condition characterized by dark spots that can appear on different parts of the face exposed to the sun. The most common areas affected are the forehead, nose, cheeks, upper lips, and chin. Initially, small spots may form and gradually grow over time. Melasma is more commonly experienced by women during pregnancy and may even disappear without any treatment after giving birth. In other cases, it may take years to fade, depending on the type of treatment used and sun protection measures.

What is White Melasma?

White melasma is a variation of this condition, typically occurring when it first develops on the face. It starts as small spots and gradually changes color, turning into the brown hue commonly seen in different areas of the face. The average age at which melasma begins to appear is between 20 and 30 years.

Possible Causes of Melasma There is no proven cause of melasma, but several factors have been associated with an increased risk of developing it. For women, it often occurs during pregnancy or due to the use of hormonal contraceptives. In men, it has been linked to reduced testosterone levels as they age. Other potential causes include:

• Sun exposure.
• Genetic predisposition.
• Menopause.
• Cosmetics that irritate the skin.
• Having a darker skin type.

Learn about the types of melasma with Elixir by La Maga While melasma is a skin condition that typically appears on the face, it can also occur in other areas of the body exposed to the sun, such as the neck or forearms. There are three types of melasma, as follows:

• Epidermal melasma: It affects the top layer of the skin and results in brown hyperpigmentation with well-defined borders, primarily in the central facial area.
• Dermal melasma: This type affects the deeper dermal layer and is characterized by blue-gray patches with diffuse borders, often located in the cheekbone area.
• Mixed melasma: It combines features of epidermal and dermal melasma and typically presents as grayish-brown pigmentation on the face.

How to Remove Melasma from the Face?

The treatment for removing melasma from the face varies depending on the type, depth of the pigmentation, and the area of the face affected. A dermatologist should determine the appropriate treatment. The most common and effective options include:

• Skin-lightening creams: These are among the most effective over-the-counter treatments for melasma, but they produce results over the long term. Popular and effective options contain hydroquinone, retinoids, salicylic acid, and azelaic acid.
• Laser treatment: Laser therapy is a great option for treating melasma as it delivers a controlled heat wave to the skin, which can contribute to gradual skin lightening. Low-power laser sessions are recommended.
• Sunscreen: Sunscreen is crucial for melasma treatment, as other options are less effective without proper skin protection. Daily use of sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15 is essential, even on cloudy days or when indoors.
• Cosmetic procedures: Various esthetic treatments can help combat melasma. These procedures should be performed by a qualified professional and aim to remove the top layer of skin for faster results. Techniques include microneedling, intense pulsed light therapy, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion. Multiple sessions may be necessary to achieve the desired results.

Do You Have Melasma?

Some Useful Tips If you've reached this point in the article, it's likely because you have melasma and are seeking some useful tips to control it and improve your skin's appearance. While we always recommend consulting a dermatologist for the most appropriate diagnosis, consider these recommendations from Elixir:

• Use makeup foundation: Look for products designed to conceal dark spots; they are great allies when you need to leave the house and want to give your skin a uniform color.
• Protect your face from the sun: It's essential to cover your skin with sunscreen to control melasma and reduce the risk of skin cancer.
• Acquire skin-lightening creams: Preferably, these should be prescribed by a dermatologist to achieve an even skin tone.
• Skin camouflage technique: This service is typically recommended by a specialist and is available in the form of a cream that can be matched to your skin type to cover dark spots.
• Take care of your skin: Avoid scrubbing, irritating, or pinching your skin and try to use cosmetic products as sparingly as possible.
• Additionally, we recommend avoiding saunas, sunbaths, places with extreme heat, and waxing.

Specialized Anti-Melasma Beauty Routine We've covered various treatments and useful tips for controlling melasma and improving your skin's appearance. However, it's worthwhile to provide a specialized anti-melasma beauty routine:

In the morning: Start with a double facial cleanse, apply vitamin C serum, niacinamide cream, sunscreen, and makeup (optional, without overdoing it).

In the evening: Perform a double facial cleanse and apply licorice extract or azelaic acid.

At night: About an hour before bedtime, perform a double facial cleanse, wait for about 30 minutes, and apply a 2% hydroquinone cream.

Alternative Products for Facial Blemishes At Elixir, we offer a specialized line of products for facial blemishes designed to protect and care for the face, especially to prevent and treat the appearance of blemishes such as melasma. These products are guaranteed and highly effective, containing the ideal components to combat this skin condition. You can incorporate them into your daily routine to experience their positive effects on your skin. Here's more information about each of these products:

• Facial Serum with Vitamin C: Our Facial Serum with Vitamin C contains essential components for your skin's health, including hyaluronic acid and ferulic acid, which help delay aging and reduce the tired appearance of your face. It also prevents DNA damage in cells exposed to free radicals and solar radiation. It's the secret to youthful, radiant, and elastic skin. Depending on your daily beauty routine, it can be used during the day or at night.

• Rejuvenating Cream: Our Inmortal Rejuvenating Cream helps improve the appearance of wrinkles and expression lines, fights loss of elasticity, provides a sensation of smoothness, and enhances collagen synthesis in your skin while evening out its natural tone. Niacinamide, retinol, hyaluronic acid, and elastin combine to promote skin clarity and luminosity. Suitable for all skin types, especially oily or acne-prone skin. It should be used daily.

• Eye Contour Cream: Bye Bye Eye Contour Cream, available at Elixir by La Maga, primarily contains hyaluronic acid, which helps your skin maintain the necessary elasticity, moisture, and hydration to eliminate signs of aging and tiredness in your eyes. Apply a small amount around the eye area in your daily morning and evening routine.

• Anti-Blemish Sunscreen: The Sunscreen we offer at Elixir by La Maga is a natural, chemical-free product containing organically grown plant extracts like horsetail, known for its anti-cancer properties. Apply as much as needed in the morning and reapply twice during the day. Sunscreen is the final step in your morning routine.

• Depigmenting Tonic: Our depigmenting tonic has depigmenting, lightening, and illuminating properties that rejuvenate your skin, gradually evening out its tone and natural brightness in your evening routine, giving it a fresh look daily. The ingredients include niacinamide, papaya fruit extract, arbutin, willow bark extract, ascorbic acid, azelaic acid, alcohol, salicylic acid, citric acid, camphor, water, and fragrance.

Do You Want to Know More About Melasma?

Let's Talk At Elixir, we have experts in facial care advice. If you want to learn more about melasma and the products that could help with your treatment, please feel free to contact us through the contact form we have available.

You can also reach us via email at servicioalcliente@elixirbylamaga.com or through WhatsApp at +57 314 617 71 12. Once we receive your inquiry, we will get in touch to address all your questions.