Today, we are going to discuss dark spots that show up on your skin, and make a very important distinction between what could be causing them: is it hyperpigmentation or melasma?
This is a topic I have learned a lot about in the last 20 years. Not only did I gain first-hand experience with my wife, Neda, who had struggled with melasma since her thirties, but I've also met countless other patients who come into my office, looking for solutions to their uneven skin tone, dark spots, and pigmentation.
Many people mistakenly use melasma and hyperpigmentation interchangeably when referring to dark spots on their skin. But, it is really important to know the difference…
Melasma is a form of hyperpigmentation, but not all hyperpigmentation is melasma
While both of these terms refer to irregular pigmentation in the skin, it is important to know which specific condition you are dealing with so you can treat it accordingly.
If you don't know, and you try to treat them in the same way, it could have major negative repercussions on your skin.
Melasma and hyperpigmentation can overlap in many ways, meaning certain ingredients or skin care practices can be effective in managing both conditions. However, they also have different triggers and treatment options. Some treatments considered beneficial for hyperpigmentation can actually worsen melasma. Therefore, understanding how to differentiate them is crucial.
By the end of this article, my goal is for you to understand the key differences between hyperpigmentation and melasma, so you can correctly identify each. If you are suffering from either one, I want to share some advice on how to effectively manage your dark spots and uneven skin tone so you can regain clear skin and confidence.
6 comments
GH
Good afternoon
I am happy to say I use all of Karam MD Products.
So should I stop prior to and after doing laser Genesis ?
Kind regards
GH
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KaramMD Skin replied:
Hi GH—We are happy to hear that you are using the KaramMD product line, and hope that you’re loving it! As for using your products alongside laser Genesis, yes, we ususally recommend taking a break a few days before, and about a week after any treatment. You can read more about why this is standard practice in Dr. Karam’s article, "Timing is Key: Guide to Adjusting Your Skincare Routine with Facial Treatments,” but we also reccommend speaking to your skincare provider and asking them about the specifics of thier treatments and thier recommended timeline, as it may vary case by case. Hope that helps! > >
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