Melasma is a skin condition that can occur as a result of self-tanning. It usually appears on the forehead, cheeks, and chin. Melasma is more common in women who have fair skin and lighter hair due to their sensitivity to ultraviolet rays from the sun or tanning beds.
This blog post discusses self-tanning and melasma – how melasma occurs, what you should know about it before self-tanning, treatments available for melasma once it has occurred, and prevention methods that will help prevent melasma from occurring!
Can Self-Tanner Make Melasma Appear Darker?
Women who are suffering from melasma are conscious about their appearance, as the darker spots appear to stick out against the rest of their skin. Some people are concerned that self-tanning lotion may actually enhance the darker spots, even though it may help to blend the darker patches in with the rest of the skin.
Fortunately, self-tanner will not exacerbate the melasma patches. DHA is a chemical found in self-tanners that does not influence pigmentation. DHA stains the dead outer layer of the skin, called epidermis, which is why it’s so effective. The stain is short-lasting and will not leave a permanent darker tone on the lighter regions owing to melasma.
Can Self-Tanner Help Cover Melasma?
Self-tanners should not make melasma look worse when used correctly and with care. DHA is a kind of chemical often used in self-tanning products. It only interacts with the outer layer of dead skin, so self-tanners must be applied frequently. The DHA should not make the melasma worse than it makes the rest of your skin.
- According to the American Academy of Dermatology, self-tanners can help patients look better if the skin is properly prepped with sunscreen and moisturizer before application.
- The sun stimulates melanin production in order to protect the fragile skin from damage due to ultraviolet radiation. People with darker complexions have more natural protection than those with lighter complexions. Melasma is a hormone-related skin disorder that causes brown or tan patches on facial skin.
- The discoloration may be uneven and blotchy, and it appears in places where sun exposure typically occurs: the center of the face (the forehead, nose and upper lip), the cheek area and beneath the eyes. It’s more common in women than in men.
- Melasma responds very well to treatment by a dermatologist, who can prescribe topical treatments such as hydroquinone and kojic acid, or chemical peels that remove excess pigment from the skin. There are also lasers that can help lighten dark patches.
Self-tanners, on the other hand, will darken as a result of your skin’s pigmentation. While the patches may become somewhat darker, they will most likely be less apparent when compared with the rest of your darkened skin. The rest of your body. This includes self-tanner used on your face and the remainder of your body.
What Are the Best Self-Tanners for Melasma? (Self-Tanning and Melasma)
1. Tan Physics True Color Sunless Tanner
This self-tanner will provide you with a natural, attractive tan that will last for months. It will hydrate and replenish the skin’s natural components. With its correcting tints and full-proof color, the self-tanner allows you to develop a tan.
The correcting tints assist to even out the tone of your skin and blend in the darker regions with the light. When applying self-tanner to skin that has melasma, this is such a time-saver. This tanner is not only a self-tanner, but it’s also an anti-aging moisturizer. Protecting your skin and making it appear good.
2. Beauty by Earth Self-Tanner
Beauty by Earth is a fantastic choice for those who want to go without the traditional self-tanner smell. This amazing self-tanner that ensures you don’t get orange streaks and even blotchy patches. It’s 100% all-natural and paraben-free, so you know it contains only the finest components to help improve and preserve your skin.
You’ll have an incredibly gorgeous glow, taking your skin from drab to exquisite, and because of its natural components, you won’t get a strange orange tint. The natural components will assist your skin in being nourished, which is precisely what you want when melasma is present.
3. Skinerals Self-Tanner
The Skinerals line is one of the most skin-friendly on the market. It’s made up of mostly natural and organic substances, not poisonous chemicals that might really harm you.
With the Skinerals Self-Tanner, you’ll have a radiant, evenly tone that is streak-free and not blotchy. It’s ideal for covering any darker spots and works well on all skin tones. Your skin will be wonderfully bronzed after each usage, but it will also be smooth and clean.
The Skinerals line is one of the most skin-friendly on the market. It’s made up of mostly natural and organic substances, not poisonous chemicals that might really harm you.
With the Skinerals Self-Tanner, you’ll have a radiant, evenly tone that is streak-free and not blotchy.
4. Bahama Tan Sunless Lotion
The Bahama Tan Lotion is free of hazardous chemicals and will not leave streaks or blotches on the skin. It is made mostly of natural and organic chemicals that are good for your skin.
The best reason to try Self-Tanners Made Easy is that it may be used over 1 to 4 days to give the tone and tan you desire. This indicates that you may obtain a tan that matches all of your skin tones, thanks to melasma. The Now Foods 14-day cream can be used all year and provides complete coverage at all times.
5. St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse
For a light, simple self-tanner, this is an excellent choice. It’s really lightweight, making it ideal for face applications. It takes just 60 seconds to dry, so you can go on with your daily beauty routine without having to wait for hours for your self-tanner to finish.
The St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse provides a streak-free, natural-looking glow that works with all skin tones. It will assist you in looking more uniform with the rest of your skin by lightening any uneven areas. It’s made up of all-natural ingredients that are kind on the skin and give it a summery glow.
Applying Self-Tanner on Melasma Prone Skin
Some ways to prevent dark patches from becoming too dark when applying self-tanner include using a lighter color, avoiding areas of the skin prone to melasma, and waiting 48 hours before exposing yourself to sunlight. If you are using self-tanners, petroleum jelly or moisturizer can be used to protect the darker spots and stop DHA from reacting with the epidermis too much.
If you’re trying to conceal dark spots, a Q-tip might be helpful in applying the barrier cream over the smaller ones.
To prevent areas from darkening more, apply self-tanner over your whole body and then dot away the tanner around the darker spots.
A Closer Look at Melasma
Melasma is a skin condition that causes brown or gray-brown patches on the face. The patches most often affect areas of skin that tend to be more exposed to the sun, such as the forehead and cheeks. Melasma can also appear on other parts of your body, such as your forearms and neckline.
Although it may not be possible to completely prevent melasma, you can take steps to minimize your risk of developing it. Wear sunscreen and protective clothing when you’re in the sun. If you have this skin condition, try to avoid direct or prolonged exposure to sunlight.
Options for treatment include cosmetic camouflage and other skin-lightening agents such as hydroquinone (HQ). Your doctor may also prescribe medications that can help control hormone-related discoloration such as birth control pills and anti-seizure drugs.
Melasma doesn’t cause any serious complications, but it can be disfiguring when left untreated or when treatment fails.
What Causes Melasma?
There are several factors that contribute to the development of this skin condition. Among them are sun exposure, pregnancy and hormonal changes such as those associated with birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy.
Sun exposure appears to be a significant factor in triggering melasma because it increases levels of melanin in affected areas. Sun exposure also makes patches more noticeable because it triggers the skin to produce more pigment. Using sunscreen and protective clothing can help prevent melasma from worsening.
Hormonal changes such as those associated with pregnancy, birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy may contribute to melasma development. These types of hormonal fluctuations affect the levels of melanin in the skin; they also make melasma patches more noticeable because they trigger the skin to produce more pigment.
Medications, such as anti-seizure drugs and antibiotics can also contribute to melasma development.
How is Melasma Diagnosed?
You may be able to diagnose melasma yourself based on your symptoms and the appearance of your skin patches. If you’re unsure or want a second opinion, you should see a dermatologist. A dermatologist will review your medical history and examine your skin. You may be referred to a doctor who specializes in conditions that affect the skin (a dermatologist) or an eye doctor (ophthalmologist).
To diagnose melasma, doctors use light-based and ultraviolet photography to capture and analyze the color of your skin. Using a special filter, the doctor can detect even subtle color changes in affected areas.
How is Melasma Treated?
There is no cure for melasma, so treatment goals are to conceal the patches and reduce their appearance.
The cosmetics industry offers a wide range of products intended for this purpose. Creams that contain hydroquinone (HQ) are among the most effective options.
Other options range from camouflage creams to chemical peels, laser treatments and microdermabrasion. Your doctor will recommend a treatment based on your needs, the appearance of your skin patches and other factors such as their location.
Some people find that certain lifestyle changes incorporate the idea of self-tanning to mask the appearance of the patches.
Melasma Treatments
Depending on your skin tone, lifestyle and preferences, there are a number of options for treating melasma. Doctors most often prescribe creams containing hydroquinone or retinoids to lighten dark patches. Your doctor may also recommend chemical peels or laser treatments to reduce the appearance of the patches. Discoloration caused by birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy may be treated with hormone therapies to normalize hormonal fluctuations.
Melasma Treatments for Dark Skin
If you have dark skin, your doctor will treat melasma by first ruling out hyperpigmentation due to hypo-pigmenting diseases such as Addison’s disease, hyperpigmentary diseases such as melasma or lichen planopilaris, and systemic disorders.
At home, you will be asked to apply hydroquinone containing creams for up to three months. You may also need lasers with special filters that are effective on dark skin. If the pigmentation is due to hormones, your doctor will prescribe hormone replacement therapy.
Melasma Treatments for Light Skin
If you have light skin, hydroquinone containing creams should be used for three to 12 months under the supervision of a dermatologist. Chemical peels and lasers may also be used. If your melasma is due to birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy, you may be prescribed a different type of hormone therapy, such as an anti-androgen.
Conclusion
To conclude, melasma is a skin condition that affects as many as five million people in the United States. Despite its prevalence, it remains misunderstood by some and often goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years.
Melasma can be difficult to diagnose because many of its symptoms mimic those associated with other conditions such as hyperpigmentation caused by sun exposure, pregnancy or birth control pills.
If you are concerned about the appearance of dark patches on your skin, consult a dermatologist to determine if melasma is present and learn more about available treatments.
A good way to deal with your look is to use a self-tanner, but make sure to do some patch tests first. This is because self-tanners are known to cause dark spots on your skin if you are using the wrong product.
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