Is Melasma Treatable?

For some women, melasma disappears on its own. This typically occurs when it’s caused by pregnancy or birth control pills.

There are creams your healthcare professional can prescribe that can lighten the skin. They might also prescribe topical steroids to help lighten the affected areas. If these don’t work, chemical peels, dermabrasion, and microdermabrasion are possible options. These treatments strip away the top layers of skin and may help lighten dark patches.

These procedures don’t guarantee that melasma won’t come back, and some cases of melasma can’t be completely lightened. You might have to return for follow-up visits and stick to certain skin treatment practices to reduce the risk of the melasma returning. These include minimizing your sun exposure and wearing sunscreen daily.

Can I prevent more freckles from appearing?

For people who want to avoid freckles, prevention is key. It’s also possible to prevent freckles while speeding up their disappearance. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 on your skin. Wait 15 minutes before heading outdoors for full protection. Do this every day, even in the winter, to prevent further pigmentation.

One study reported good results for lightening freckles and skin pigmentation with products such as:

• alpha hydroxyl acids (8% AHA toner)
• Trichloracetic acid (TCA)
• Phenol
• Acid Peels

You can purchase acid and chemical peels online. The study above reports Jessner Solution as a potential treatment for freckles. Always patch-test to avoid skin irritation, if you are using a facial peel at home. Wash off the peel immediately if your skin starts to burn and do not leave on for longer than instructed.

Here are ways to make the most of your skin's appearance:

1. Protect your skin from the sun - Protect your skin - and prevent future wrinkles - by limiting the time you spend in the sun and always wearing protective clothing, such as wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts and sunglasses. Also, use sunscreen when outdoors, even during winter.The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more. Apply sunscreen generously, and reapply every two hours - or more often if you're swimming or perspiring.The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more. Apply sunscreen generously, and reapply every two hours - or more often if you're swimming or perspiring.
2. Use products with built-in sunscreen - When selecting skin care products, choose those with a built-in broad-spectrum sunscreen - meaning it blocks both UVA and UVB rays
3. Use moisturizers - Dry skin shrivels plump skin cells, which can lead to premature fine lines and wrinkles. Though moisturizers can't prevent wrinkles, they may temporarily mask tiny lines and creases.
4. Don't smoke - Even if you've smoked for years or smoked heavily, you can still improve your skin tone and texture and prevent future wrinkles by quitting smoking.
5. Eat a healthy diet - There is some evidence that certain vitamins in your diet help protect your skin. More study is needed on the role of nutrition, but it's good to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.

How can acne be prevented?

It’s difficult to prevent acne. But you can take some steps at home to help prevent acne after treatment. These steps include:

1. washing your face twice a day with an oil-free cleanser
2. using an over-the-counter acne cream to remove excess oil
3. avoiding makeup that contains oil
4. removing makeup and cleaning your skin thoroughly before bed
5. showering after exercising
6. avoiding tight-fitting clothing
7. eating a healthy diet with minimal refined sugars
8. reducing stress

7 Causes of Oily Skin

1. GeneticsOily skin tends to run in families. If one of your parents has oily skin, you’re likely to have overactive sebaceous glands, too.
2. AgeWhile you don’t necessarily grow out of oily skin, your skin will indeed produce less sebum as you age. Aging skin loses protein, such as collagen, and the sebaceous glands slow down.
3. Where you live and the time of yearWhile genetics and age drive the underlying causes of oily skin, where you live and the time of year can also make a difference.
4. Enlarged poresSometimes your pores can stretch out due to age, weight fluctuations, and previous breakouts. Larger pores also tend to produce more oil.
5. Using the wrong skin care productsOily skin can also be brought on by using the wrong skin care products for your skin type. Some people mistake combination skin for oily skin, and they might use too heavy creams, for example.
6. Overdoing your skin care routineOn the flip side, washing your face or exfoliating too often can also make your skin oily. This can seem like an oxymoron, since the purpose of washing and exfoliating is to get rid of oil.
7. Skipping your moisturizerIt’s a myth that moisturizer causes oily skin. In fact, if you’re using acne treatments such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, you definitely need a good moisturizer to keep your skin from drying out. Without moisturizer, any skin type will dry out.

Each of these treatment options come with some risks. Read on to find which option may work best for you.

1. Hydroquinone creams and serumsPerhaps the most popular solution for skin lightening on a spot-by-spot basis is topical solutions containing hydroquinone.While deemed safe for use in cosmetic products, the concentration of hydroquinone is limited because it poses greater risks at higher concentrations. In fact, in South Africa, it's not legal for any use at all. It's also classified as "expected to be toxic or harmful" in Canada.
2. Retinoid solutionsProducts like Retin-A and Renova are an alternate solution. They contain ingredients such as alpha hydroxy acid and retinoic acid, which work to increase cell turnover, speed up exfoliation, and promote new, healthy skin growth.These ingredients can be considerably drying and make the skin more sensitive to the sun’s rays. If you opt for these solutions, understand that they can take a few months to work. Make sure you wear sunscreen every day.
3. Laser treatments and peelsA more invasive option for lightening dark spots is laser treatment. It works by targeting dark spots with concentrated light energy, and removes the skin layer by layer. You’re essentially burning the darkened layers of the skin right off.There are several different types of laser treatment. This solution works faster than topical products. But, needless to say, there are risks.
4. Natural solutionsYou can find over-the-counter products that claim skin lightening and "correcting" abilities via natural ingredients. According to Dr. Bank, common compounds in these products include:
   • Vitamin C
   • Azelaic acid
   • Pomegranate extract
   • Beta carotene
   • Licorice extract