How to Treat Melasma, Brown Age Spots and Other Pigmented Skin Issues
After summer skincare with IPL, chemical peels, medical facials and SkinCeuticals products
Spending time in the sun can cause a number of issues with your skin. In addition to premature aging and skin cancer, sun exposure can trigger melasma as well as other pigmented skin issues. This is due to the fact that the pigment producing cells in the skin are stimulated by ultra-violet light.
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What is Melasma?
Melasma is an extremely common skin condition that causes brown or gray/brown spots to appear on the face and occasionally the forearms and neck. Melasma is typically triggered by sun exposure, but it can also appear during pregnancy or while using certain medications. When this is the case, dark spots will usually disappear after giving birth or stopping medication.
Many people believe that melasma and other pigmented skin issues can be treated at home. Unfortunately, attempting to do so can make the problem worse. Only a qualified professional should provide treatment.
Treatment for Pigmented Skin Issues
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Individuals with skin pigment issues caused by sun exposure or medications that they do not wish to discontinue can benefit from treatment at Chevy Chase Cosmetic Center.
Different factors must be considered when deciding on the proper treatment for skin pigment issues. Our experienced dermatology team chooses a customized treatment plan based on each individual’s skin type and condition. Typical after summer treatments include intense pulsed light (IPL) photo rejuvenation, chemical peels, medical facials and the use of SkinCeuticals products.
In order to protect yourself against skin pigment issues, it’s important to always wear a good quality sunscreen even on cloudy days. Choose a product that offers broad-spectrum protection and has an SPF of at least 15.
During Treatment
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It’s extremely important to follow the recommendations of your dermatologist during treatment. Never use products that can irritate the skin, as these can make dark spots worse. It can take several months and multiple treatments for the results of treatment to be obvious. It’s crucial to follow all of your dermatologist’s directions during that time.
Chevy Chase Cosmetic Center offers treatment options for a variety of skin conditions by licensed dermatologists including IPL, chemical peels, and medical facials.