Melasma in San Francisco, CA

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About Melasma

Melasma is a common skin problem that causes brown or gray-brown patches on the forehead, cheeks, chin, above the upper lip, and on the bridge of the nose. Some patients also experience melasma on their neck and/or forearms. 

Melasma is more common in women than in men. More and more though, we are seeing male patients with melasma and successfully treating, too.  Read more about Melasma in Males with Dr. Andrea Hui Austin here.

Thought to be triggered by hormones, melasma is commonly experienced during pregnancy and therefore referred to as “the mask of pregnancy.” Those with deeper skin tones are more at risk of developing melasma, as are people who have relatives with a history of melasma. Another cause of melasma is sun exposure, making daily SPF application an essential part of any melasma treatment and prevention. We recommend a mineral sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher be applied every morning no matter your skin type.

At Bay Area Cosmetic Dermatology our expert team of skin care professionals, including board-certified dermatologists, registered nurses, and estheticians help patients diagnose and treat melasma. We use the most advanced medical-grade skin care products, prescription topical and oral medications, and procedures to effectively treat melasma.

Who Has Melasma?

Although women and people of color are more prone to melasma, the exact cause is unknown. However, doctors believe that melasma is caused by overactive melanocytes, our pigment-producing cells. Since people with deeper skin tones have more active melanocytes, this explains why they are more likely to develop melasma.

This review is long overdue... I have been seeing Dr. Andrea Hui Austin for the past seven years and she is the BEST! I’m a perfectionist and she addresses all of my skin concerns with skill and compassion. I don’t even mind driving up from Los Angeles to see her because she is the only person I trust with my face. She has treated me for and practically erased all of my acne, fine lines and melasma. Thank you, Dr. Austin and all of the sweet staff at BACD!

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What To Expect

There is no cure for melasma, however, there are a number of treatment options available, including prescriptions such as hydroquinone, tretinoin, and corticosteroids and treatments such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser treatments, and light treatments. Our office compounds and dispenses high-quality prescription strength topical gels that effectively combat the symptoms of melasma. Patients may purchase these at check out following a visit with one of our board-certified dermatologists. A series of 4-6 chemical peels is also often a very effective treatment for melasma as is our Hydrafacial MD and SilkPeel microdermabrasion treatments.

Other Considerations

Notoriously stubborn to treat, melasma treatment requires a commitment on behalf of the patient. Best results are achieved when patients careful adhere to their prescribed skin care regimen and treatment plan. Since melasma is a recurring condition, follow up appointments and maintenance treatment is often necessary. However, with patience, consistency, and the expertise of our treatment team, patients at Bay Area Cosmetic Dermatology are able to achieve more even-toned, glowing, and vibrant skin.

About Us

Reveal Beautiful Skin

At Bay Area Cosmetic Dermatology we truly believe that everyone can have better skin, including you! Melasma can act as a mask, obscuring your innately vibrant skin and making you feel less confident. If you have melasma, please call our dermatology office to schedule a consultation. Our team of experts can help you reveal the skin you have always wanted.

*Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary from person to person. Images may contain models.