Melasma is a condition that causes dark spots on the face, especially the cheeks and forehead. Other common areas where people may develop melasma include:
Melasma can be triggered by sun exposure, cosmetics or hormonal changes, such as pregnancy or birth control pills. Women are more commonly affected than men.
Melasma appears as blotchy brown or gray patches of skin anywhere on the face or other sun-exposed areas. It does not have any other symptoms.
Melasma can fade on its own, especially if the trigger causing it stops. Some people can have melasma for years—or even a lifetime. Sunlight worsens melasma, so avoiding sunlight and wearing an SPF 30 or higher sunscreen every day is vital to treating melasma.
UCLA dermatologists offer treatments for melasma that does not go away, including:
Procedures that we may use to fade melasma include:
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (310) 825-6911.
