Facial Brown Discoloration

Facial brown discoloration, also known as melasma, is a patch of skin that turns brown because of hyperpigmentation. Hormones, sun exposure, and active melanocytes are common causes of discoloration. The brown spots often appear on the cheeks, forehead, nose, and upper lip. They may also show up anywhere that is consistently exposed to the sun. Treatments include bleaching agents and chemical peels.

Melasma is linked to hormonal changes, and is common among women who are pregnant or using birth control. People with darker skin may also be more likely to develop brown spots. This may be due to the fact that their melanocytes, which are the cells that produce skin pigment, are more active.

Sun exposure is a major factor is facial brown discoloration. The UV rays from the sun stimulate the melanocytes. These cells then begin to produce more pigment, resulting in a darker color. These spots may be localized or occur in patches in different areas of the face. Not surprisingly, people strongly dislike the appearance of the spots even though they are not harmful and have no symptoms.

Wearing sunscreen every day is effective in preventing the development of melasma. Even on cloudy days, the harmful rays of the sun go through the clouds and damage the skin. The rays can also penetrate windows. The spots can appear quickly, after just one day of intense sun exposure. Sunscreen which contains zinc oxide offers the most protection from both UVA and UVB rays. People who are more likely to get brown spots should wear protective clothing, such as a hat or sunglasses.

Chemical peel and laser treatment are extremely effective in the treatment of melasma. Be sure to consult with Dr. Zizmor to insure the most effective customized treatment for your skin type.

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