Latin skin is very prone to get melasma. A brown pigment that generally appears on the cheeks, nose, upper lip and forhead. It is due to increased production of melanin (skin color). Dermatologists know how to treat melasma, generally using chemical substances that slowly bleach the skin. These include creams with hydroquinone, kojic acid, arbutine, licorice extract, vitamin C, glycolic acid, and some other formulas which when mixed together they bleach the skin faster. Now, it is extremely important to use a GOOD SUNSCREEN EVERYDAY. Sunscreens are extremely important when bleaching the skin. Bleaching agents just bleach. Your skin is still very prone to produce pigment, that is why sunscreens help. By reducing the stimulus that the cells get with exposure to light by using sunscreens, this makes the skin less reactive to produce more color. Now, not all bleaching agents even if they contain the same ingredient, work the same. Some have a slight difference in the chemical composition of the cream which makes them more irritating. This is where dermatologists make a difference. The dermatologist will know when and how to use each cream depending on your skin type and will orient you in doing it correctly. And last, but not least, remember that you need to ALWAYS stay away from the sun, use your creams as specified by your derm, and ALWAYS USE SUNSCREEN. There are some powders that have good SPF protection such as Shiseido, Philosophy powder and Color science compact powder. This way it is easy to reapply sunscreen and also look great.

Have a great day!

Dr. Welsh

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