Healthy You - Every Day

Clearing Melasma

This skin discoloration some women develop during pregnancy can be treated

Image

Glowing skin during pregnancy is a perk most women look forward to. But for some, pregnancy leads to a skin discoloration condition called melasma. That’s what Miriam Morales experienced during her second pregnancy.

The “mask of pregnancy,” as it is called, can develop during pregnancy. Higher levels of hormones in combination with exposure to ultra violet (UV) light from the sun stimulates overproduction of melanin, a pigment that’s produced in the skin. Melasma appears as grayish brown patches on the forehead, cheeks and upper lip.

After the birth of her second daughter, dark patches developed on her cheeks and she began the search for a solution. After trying various DIY products and treatments that did not work, she knew it was time to get professional help from an expert.

Personalized care helps correct melasma

Emily Doster, medical esthetician with LVPG Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, says treating melasma is a process that takes time and starts with a consultation. “I need to know about lifestyle and daily skin care routines. Then I create a personalized treatment plan.”

Doster emphasizes that it is important to take things slowly when treating melasma, as going too fast can damage the skin and make pigmentation worse. “These conditions don’t happen overnight, so they aren’t going away overnight,” Doster says.

In a comfortable treatment area at LVPG Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Doster treated Morales’ darkened patches using a combination of facials, microdermabrasion treatments and chemical peels. In addition, Morales used at-home topical products that Doster recommended. Morales also took an extra step by having her car windows coated with a UV shield to protect her skin while she is driving.

Miriam’s radiant results

Now after following Doster’s treatment plan, Morales’ healthy and radiant skin shows just what time and the right care can do. “I had good skin and I wanted it back. Emily was able to help my skin and give me back my confidence,” Morales says.

To schedule an appointment or learn more about melasma treatment or other skin care therapies, call medical esthetician Emily Doster at 610-402-4384. You can also learn more about our skin care services.

Explore More Articles