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Melasma is a skin condition in which patches of brown or tan
discoloration appear on the forehead, cheeks, lips, nose or
forearms as a result of the body’s sudden overproduction of
pigment. Sometimes called the “mask of pregnancy,” melasma can
afflict anyone, but is most often triggered in women—especially
during the hormonal fluctuations associated with pregnancy, oral
contraceptive use or hormone replacement therapy.
Melasma affects an estimated six million people in the US alone.
Though not dangerous, the condition can cause embarrassment and
undermine self-confidence.
Conventional remedies for melasma include enzyme inhibitors,
depigmenting agents, bleaches, steroids, pulsed light, acid
facial peels and aggressive dermabrasion techniques. Seldom are
such strategies effective. Traditional laser treatments can also
produce lackluster results. No wonder so many people give up and
simply hide themselves behind heavy makeup.
A breakthrough finally came when the FDA approved Fraxel® Laser
Treatment for melasma after studies showed that the new laser
could be highly effective even in cases where traditional
therapies had failed.
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