Glossary

Melasma

A chronic skin condition with brown-grey patches, usually located symmetrically on the cheeks, forehead and upper lip. Sun and hormones play a role; it has a strong tendency to recur, and treatment requires a long-term process.

Articles that mention this term

Start With a ConcernDark Spots and Melasma: Causes, When to See a Physician and What Treatments Are AvailableWhat sun spots, melasma and post-inflammatory spots are, when to see a physician, why sun protection is essential and what treatments are available.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert BoardTreatment GuidesChemical Peels: What They Are, Who They Suit and What Recovery InvolvesThe differences between superficial, medium and deep chemical peels, recovery times, risk of pigment spots, who needs caution and aftercare advice.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert BoardTreatment GuidesSkin Booster Injections: What Are They, and Who Are They For?What is a skin booster and how does it differ from filler? Hydrating injections, biostimulators, exosomes, polynucleotides: evidence, risks, expectations.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert BoardStart With a ConcernAcne Scars: Types, Treatment Options and Realistic ExpectationsTypes of acne scars, the difference between marks and scars, treating active acne first, and realistic expectations from laser, peels and microneedling.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert BoardTreatment GuidesFractional Laser: How Suitable Is It for Acne Scars, Wrinkles and Skin Texture?How ablative and non-ablative fractional lasers work, what to expect for acne scars and wrinkles, recovery and pigmentation risk. A patient guide.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert BoardSafety CentreMedical Aesthetics in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Which Treatments Should Be Postponed, and What Should You Discuss with Your Physician?Why injections, lasers and peels are postponed in pregnancy and breastfeeding, which skin care steps are usually acceptable, which ingredients to discuss.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert BoardStart With a ConcernThread Veins on the Face and Legs (Spider Veins): Why Do They Appear, and How Are They Treated?Why thread veins form on the face and legs, the link with rosacea, what laser, IPL and sclerotherapy can do, which signs need a vein examination.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert BoardGuidesSkin Care and Medical Aesthetics in Your 20s: What Is Necessary, and What Is Not?Skin care in your 20s: sun protection, acne, a simple routine, why most procedures are unnecessary, and warning signs in social media trends.Reviewed by the Medical Aesthetics Expert Board

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