Professional Melasma Treatments in Chicago
Melasma, also known as chloasma or ‘mask of pregnancy’ is a facial skin discoloration caused by excessive melanin production. Sun exposure, heat, and hormone changes are common triggers.
While melasma can affect men, it typically becomes symptomatic in women who:
- Are in their second or third trimester of pregnancy
- Are on birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy
- Or have a history of melasma and have stopped taking hormone supplements
Fortunately, there are many safe treatment options available for both women and men.
Melasma Consultation Chicago Dermatology
Treatment Options for Melasma
Melasma treatment options include everything from topical skin brighteners to cosmetic procedures. All are safe and effective but may vary in results.
Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide
The most important way to treat melasma symptoms is to apply sunscreen daily. When choosing a sunscreen, look for high concentrations of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These help protect the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Even on cloudy days, UVA rays can tan or burn skin, and glass allows for UVA ray penetration making sunscreen necessary indoors, as well.
CCSD Specially Formulated Skin Brighteners
Our combinations of hydroquinone, retinoids, azelaic acid, and natural skin-brightening agents all work to treat the symptoms of melasma. CCSD Correct can be used twice daily, but CCSD Correct+ and CCSD Correct Brightening Pads are strictly for nighttime use only.
- Hydroquinone
Used safely since the ‘60s, hydroquinone can slow skin cell pigment production. - Retinoids
Vitamin A retinoids help exfoliate the overly pigmented cells while reducing inflammation. - Azelaic Acid
This ingredient causes cell turnover while also containing antioxidant properties that helps brighten the skin.
Antioxidants
Various antioxidants work in different ways but all are beneficial for the treatment of darkened skin. Vitamin C can be taken topically or orally to help calm free radicals that stimulate pigment production.
Non-Surgical Procedures
We offer a variety of procedures to help lighten and brighten skin affected by melasma. These include peels, microdermabrasion, and laser treatments.
Chemical Peels
Our selection of exfoliating chemical peels can be customized to a patients skin needs and goals. The CCSD Pregnancy-Safe Peel is an excellent melasma option with alpha-hydroxys, mandelic or glycolic acid, to reveal brighter, smoother skin.
DiamondGlow Microdermabrasion
Utilizing the SkinMedica Even & Correct Advanced Brightening Serum, DiamondGlow exfoliates, extracts, and infuses skin for an instantly healthier, clearer, and brighter complexion.
Fraxel 1927nm Laser Treatment
This nonablative fractional laser delivers microscopic channels into the skin, triggering a natural healing response that reveals improved skin tone. Fraxel Dual has minimal downtown, and may require multiple treatments depending on the severity of melasma being treated.
Fraxel Dual treatment for Melasma
Due to the skin cycling process, which takes 28 days, melasma treatment results may not peak for several months. If after 4 months you do not see any improvement, let us know and we will re-evaluate your treatment plan.
Melasma Specialist – Chicago
Our founder is Dr. Carolyn Jacob, a Board-Certified Dermatologist. She is Harvard-trained in cosmetic and laser surgery and is an Associate Clinical Instructor at Northwestern’s Feinberg School of Medicine. To schedule a consultation, please call or contact us online at your convenience.
