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What Is Melasma?
When it comes to skin issues, melasma is something that can challenge and frustrate many adult women. It is a skin condition that usually makes its appearance on the face in which brown or greyish patches of pigmentation develop due to the overproduction of melanocytes.

Melasma can occur in almost every complexion but generally targets those individuals who tan quickly and has a darker skin tone. Also, pregnant women are more prone to get melasma. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), only 10% of males are affected.

What Causes Melasma?
This is an excellent question with no simple answer. In other words, melasma can develop from a variety of skin factors, and sun exposure's ultraviolet light can play a major role in triggering the condition. Our pigment-producing cells or melanocytes go into overdrive and start producing too much melanin or pigment.

There is also the hormonal aspect, where birth control pills and hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) can cause melasma.

Up to 50% of pregnant women also notice melasma forming. It is often called "the mask of pregnancy." A boost in the hormone levels of estrogen and progesterone can stimulate the condition.

Other contributing factors can include genetics, so if a relative has a family history of it, then, melasma may occur more often.

Even certain skincare products that cause inflammation can give rise to melasma and/or worsen its condition.

How Is Melasma Treated?
The good news about melasma treatment in Toronto is that you have a great option that delivers significant results.

Light-based technology uses intense pulse light (IPL) to zero in on the discolored patches. Melasma treatment features the use of a broad spectrum of light to generate heat to target and remove the selected melanocytes.

It's a method that is safe and works fast to improve the condition. Melasma treatment results in triggering the production of new pigment cells with a more balanced amount of melanin. The effects of light-based technology are impressive.

If you're in the Ontario area, melasma treatment is available at Active Crystal Medical Spa. Call us today, and make an appointment with our skincare experts to solve the melasma problem you are facing.