Melasma is a skin condition characterized by dark patches or brown blotches on the face. It typically develops in adults and is rare before puberty. Melasma arises gradually, and is most common on the forehead, cheeks, above the upper lip, and on the chin, though it can arise in other areas as well.
Symptoms are the same in men and women; however approximately 90% of cases occur in women. Women of light brown skin types from areas of the world with intense sun exposure tend to be affected more than others.
The actual cause of melasma is unknown, but it is known to be related to both hormonal levels and exposure to sunlight and heat. Even sun and heat on your hands may trigger an exacerbation of brown blotches on your face!
Genetic predisposition is a major contributing factor. Some medications and medical conditions may also exacerbate your tendency to pigment.
The condition is harmless, but many people with melasma feel self-conscious about the discolouration and are dissatisfied with their appearance.
Your skin deserves our expert assessment and careful treatment.
A guide to understanding your melasma:
Melanocytes are the cells responsible for the pigmentation of skin, and thereby contribute to skin colour. There are five stages of the melanin life cycle. Various agents, used as ingredients in many skin care products, may impact any stage of the melanin life cycle.
With a thorough initial assessment and diagnosis, Dr. Jane and her aspireMD skin health team formulate the best approach for you. A full explanation of all of your options, including specific considerations of each, will be discussed.
Once all of your questions are answered, Dr. Jane Burk-Vassallo will work with you to create your optimal treatment plan, encompassing your personal objectives and desired outcomes.
The aspireMD image healthcare team will take stellar care of you from start to finish on your journey to your healthiest skin. Let us aspire you!
An initial consultation with Dr. Jane Burk-Vassallo and her skincare team will cover a wide range of the best in-class therapies for healthy skin. The aspireMD team will determine the optimal approach to improve your skin, creating a unique program for each individual. From medically advanced skincare to prescriptions, medical peels and cautiously considered laser procedures if needed, the aspireMD Melasma Program will bring back a smile that radiates throughout your being, to express confidence in every aspect of your life.
After your initial consultation, when all your questions have been answered and you are comfortable with the treatment plan, your informed consent will be obtained. Expect to have your photograph taken to record your baseline image and celebrate your improvement. Your photographs will be kept in your file with the same strict confidentiality as the rest of your medical records
Depending on which stage of your treatment plan you are in, your process will be unique to that product, service or technology. The details of each will be found in the specific category of our aspireMD website.
aspireMD is pleased to offer savings on synergistic combinations of melasma treatment modalities.
aspireMD Melasma Program
Skin analysis by Dr. Jane Burk-Vassallo
Melasma Skin Care Kit (6 products)
*If you commit to a program – receive 15% off ancillary products and services such as:
Melasma No More Skin Care Kit:
AM:
- AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
- SkinMedica C+E Cream
- Lytera 2.0 in AM (may work up to AM/PM)
- Tizo3 Sunscreen
- 2 CRM+ Serum
OR
- Vit C + E Cream
- May to October: Fade HQ in AM (may work up to AM and PM)
- November to April: Lytera 2.0 in AM (may work up to AM and PM)
- SPF: Tizo or Total Defense +Repair
- Sunforgettable
PM:
- AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
- Retinol 0.5 Cream – working up to Retinol 1.0 Cream
Added Consideration: Oxygenetix
Your aspireMD skincare consultant will customize your Melasma Kit.
Look for the details of each product, service or technology in the specific category of this aspireMD website.
We recommend that you use sunscreen daily. Also, avoid using harsh creams such as retinols immediately after your treatment. Your aspireMD technician will guide you with personalized specific procedure aftercare recommendations.
Melasma is a chronic condition that will be significantly controlled but never cured. Dictated by your lifestyle and environment, periodic maintenance is recommended. Dr. Jane’s Melasma Maintenance Tips will help to optimize your glow:
- Remove triggers exacerbating melasma (e.g., sun, heat and excessive hormones).
- Prevent exposure to sun – wear a wide brim hat and sunglasses, wear and reapply a broad spectrum physical barrier sun shield such as titanium oxide and zinc oxide with an SPF greater than 30.
- Microdermabrasion and Silk Peel with Lumixyl
- aspireMD Melasma Medical Peels
- Topical depigmenting agents – Vitamin C, Hydroquinone, Retinoic, Azelaic acid and kojic acid in various strengths and combinations. Hydroquinone is used for six months only (May through October). aspireMD will educate you about your best options.
- Maintenance therapy is important and necessary for optimal outcomes.
Proof Behind the Promise
Before + After
What They're Saying
I am so thrilled that after only three months of treatment, my brown blotches are finally clearing. I am so grateful to the aspireMD magicians.
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