Melasma and oral contraceptives
Between 10–25 percent of women taking oral contraceptives1 experience melasma.
Women who take birth control pills undergo similar kinds of hormonal changes as those that occur during pregnancy. Unlike age spots, melasma can disappear of its own accord after birth or if estrogen intake is reduced.
- The International Dermal Institute, Melasma Unmasked by Dr Claudia Aguirre quoting Kang, H. Y., & Ortonne, J. P. (2010). What should be considered in treatment of melasma. Annals of Dermatology, 22(4), 373-378.
Sun protection is not just for sunbathers. The sun’s rays effect skin even on cloudy days, so give your skin the daily protection it needs. As well as reducing hyperpigmentation, Eucerin Even Pigment Perfector Day SPF 30 offers effective UVA and UVB (SPF 30) protection and prevents the formation of additional sun-induced pigment spots.
If you’re going to be spending time in the sun choose a high or very high factor sun protection product which has been specially formulated for your skin type and condition and reapply it regularly. You can find out more about the Eucerin range of superior sun protection products here.
Dermatological treatments such as chemical peels and laser therapy can help to reduce melasma. Epidermal melasma is the easiest type to reduce but, due to the depth of the melanin pigments in dermal and mixed melasma, these types can be harder to treat.
- Chemical peels involve applying a chemical solution (such as an AHA) to exfoliate skin (remove dead skin cells), stimulate the growth of new skin cells and reveal new skin. Read more about chemical peels in What are chemical peels and how do they work?
- Laser therapy has a similar effect but tends to be more precise as the dermatologist has more control over the intensity of the treatment. Laser treatments involve ‘zapping’ the affected areas with high-energy light. The mildest treatments work on the skin’s epidermis (surface layer), while more intense treatments can penetrate the deepest layers of the skin. Find out more in Laser therapy: how should I care for my skin after treatment?
Dermo-cosmetic skincare products can be used daily to help to extend the results of dermatological treatments. All four products in the Eucerin Even Pigment Perfector range – a day cream, a night cream, a dual action serum and a spot corrector – contain Thiamidol, an effective and patented ingredient that acts at the root cause of hyperpigmentation by reducing melanin production. It has been clinically and dermatologically proven to reduce dark spots and prevent their re-appearance.
