without sunscreen or utilizing tanning beds, which administer intensive UV light rays. The more sun exposure we get, the more rapidly our body produces melanin, as a way of protecting the skin. Long after many summer tans have come and gone, certain areas of the skin will retain a darker color where melanin is overactive, resulting in brown spots. Hormones also play a part in the appearance of brown spots because they signal the body to produce extra melanin.

This condition is called Melasma and occurs often in pregnant women or women taking birth control. Genetics can also be a reason that brown spots appear. Some brown skin spots can be skin cancer. If you have a brown spot that suddenly appeared and is changing in shape and size, please contact us immediately to have it looked at by one of our medical experts.

Melasma presents with brown patches on the cheeks, bridge of the nose, forehead and upper lip. It is most common in women of color and occurs more frequently in those with a family history of the condition.

The three major factors known to bring out or worsen melasma are (1) hormonal changes associated with pregnancy or birth control pills, (2) ultraviolet light from the sun or even from strong light bulbs and (3) skin irritation of any kind.

If you have melasma, the most important part of treatment is a daily sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB with an SPF of 30 or higher. Irritating skin products should be stopped and alternatives to birth control pills should be considered. The mainstay of topical treatment is with bleaching creams that contain hydroquinone or with compound products that also include a mild corticosteroid and a retinoid. In some patients, chemical peels and topical creams may be recommended to accelerate improvement. It is important to remember that even minimal exposure to ultraviolet light can cause melasma to recur.

Sun Screen