Although chloasma is just a common skin disorder, this can be a real cosmetic issue for women because the discoloration of the skin is found on the sun-exposed area of the face. This also affects the face symmetrically, particularly in the cheeks, nose, forehead and upper lip. For pregnant women, the skin brownish blotches appears in their forearms and other body areas that are exposed to the sun. Also, pregnancy increases melanin production that is why pregnant women are more exposed to skin discoloration especially at the latter stage of the pregnancy period. Further, studies show that 70% of pregnant women are affected with chloasma. In fact, three out of the four pregnant women experiences the darkening of the skin tone during pregnancy. Moreover, one third of women who took birth control pills or oral contraceptives have the same skin changes because of the amount of estrogen and progesterone intake during birth control.

Since skin discoloration is not just for pregnant women, can we in any ways avoid masked by chloasma? Check out the following tips:

1. Protection against the sun is still the leading prevention against chloasma. We still need sun exposure, best in the early morning but sun exposure from midday? Think twice! Make sure that you do not expose yourself to sun more often than necessary.

2. You can use sunscreen everyday as this also prevents skin cancer and wrinkles. Use sunscreens with broad-spectrum protection or against both UVA and UVB rays. Use protection not only during sunny days but whenever you are outdoors. Apply strong sunscreen if you are outdoors. Make use of even a handy umbrella, it is your last option when all shades are gone.

3. You may try using concealing make-ups. Another options are the skin care products that have combination of tretinoin cream or bleaching creams that contain hydroquinone. However, always consult your dermatologist before trying out these products or you may want to solicit an experts medical opinion on this.

4. Be cautious in using birth control pills after your pregnancy. Consult your doctor immediately if you noticed changes in your skin tone. You might consider switching to another birth control option.

5. Ask referral from your doctor for a dermatologist if you noticed that your skin tone is still darkening and blotchy after your pregnancy. You may want to try alternative medications from your dermatologist like combinations of tropical medications etc.

6. If you are planning to become pregnant soon or again, continue to protect your skin against the sun and make sure that you consult your doctor before trying out any medical treatment.

7. When you notice any changes in your skin tone, immediately consult your doctor for possible symptoms of skin cancer or other medical problems. In that case, appropriate treatment will be made if deemed necessary.

Since skin discoloration affects anyone, it is recommended that we take care of our skin and make sure that we do not expose ourselves in too much sunlight. For pregnant women, it is expected that after the pregnancy, skin discoloration will eventually disappear. It is true that we have various skin care products that would help us protect our skins. However, we must always consider the fact that these skin care products cannot replace personal care specifically, sun exposure avoidance.br
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As we age, unfortunately sun damage, how we take care of ourselves, and the environment all take a toll on our skin. Age spots appear, our pores get larger, and our skin starts losing its’ elasticity and volume. Looking for a treatment that focuses on age spots or skin discoloration can help improve your skin tremendously. You may have heard of a non-invasive laser that does Skin Rejuvenation or IPL FotoFacial. I have tried this, so let me tell you what it does in laymen’s terms.

Lasers are made to penetrate the skin at different depths and strengths. The laser I used that helps minimize age spots penetrates down to the cell that is out of whack and is making too much pigment. Over time it kills the specific cells and causes the pigment to rise to the surface of the skin. It’s amazing! The pigment comes to the surface like small coffee grinds, and in a period of a week to 10 days it will flake off. Since this is a non-invasive treatment, meaning I had no down time, it took 5 treatments. The treatments lasted about 45 minutes and were spaced every 3 to 4 weeks. In total, the process took me just under 5 months. The treatments left me with younger looking skin and improved texture. My pores had shrunk and the age spots were gone. I liked the results so much I have since had the same treatment done on my chest, back, and hands; all the places where I had sun damage.

I had these treatments done at a MedSpa. Since I was paying with my own money rather than health insurance, I wanted a little pampering in the process. I don’t get much pampering at my Dermatologist’s office! So I researched MedSpas in my area and talked to several until I found one where they sounded well-educated about their treatments and lasers. I settled on Vitalia MedSpa, and I know I made the right decision.

Want to learn more about specific treatments to help slow the aging process? Visit Vitalia MedSpa’s web site at http://www.VitaliaMedSpaVa.com, or call 703-356-7546.