Melasma Myths And Misconceptions: DEBUNKED!

Although melasma affects approximately 6 million people in the United States alone, it is often misunderstood or overlooked. Many people have never even heard of it, and those who have may not have the facts straight. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the term "melasma", this skin condition refers to chronic pigmentation that appears as dark, discolored patches on the face (predominantly on the cheeks, nose, chin, forehead).

There are several causes of melasma including hormonal imbalances, sun exposure and genetics. While hyperpigmentation is not harmful, it may cause people to feel anxious or self-conscious about their appearance. In many cases, melasma sufferers have been mistreating their hyperpigmentation due to false information and myths they have seen or heard online. These myths and DIY treatments may seem harmless, however, they can actually cause melasma to become darker and more prominent.

Here, we're going to debunk the most common melasma myths and share treatments that actually work!

Myth #1: Melasma Can Be "Scrubbed" Off The Face

Many melasma sufferers note that hyperpigmentation makes their face look "dirty", so it's understandable they may feel the need to physically "scrub" off the dark spots. However - many exfoliating scrubs can actually make the problem much worse! Any form of aggressive scrubbing is a trigger for the production of more pigment, irritation and inflammation across your skin.

Myth #2: Melasma Should Always Be Treated With Lasers

Laser treatments can sometimes be recommended to patients who have stubborn spots that have not responded to other treatments, but it is important to discuss the risks thoroughly with a board-certified dermatologist. Since melasma can worsen with heat or UV light exposure, patients who have undergone laser procedures sometimes report their spots darkening. In fact, anything that causes excess heat can lead to pigmentation. This includes hot showers, saunas, indoor or outdoor heat and even cooking on your stovetop!

Myth #3: Melasma Is A Permanent Condition

This is a particularly problematic myth, because it prompts melasma sufferers to avoid seeking treatment completely. And even those who do search tirelessly for treatment may feel hopeless after numerous failed attempts, and falsely assume that there is no solution for fading dark spots. The good news: treatment DOES exist! Although melasma can be an extremely stubborn and hard-to-treat condition, it can be treated effectively.

Myth #4: DIY Melasma Treatments Are Always Safe & Effective

While some people have had success with DIY treatments, sometimes buzz-worthy skincare trends actually involve irritants that can be extremely harmful to your melasma skincare routine. You may have seen at-home remedies using kitchen ingredients like apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, but these ingredients are very acidic and have the potential to irritate or burn your skin, making it even more susceptible to hyperpigmentation. It’s always best to do your due diligence and research at-home melasma hacks thoroughly before trying them.

Myth #5: There Is No Effective Treatment For Melasma

Finding an effective melasma treatment can be a frustrating journey, especially when you feel like you've tried EVERYTHING. But the truth is, there are effective treatments for melasma. Depending on the severity and root cause, your melasma treatment journey can include a number of different options, including prescription topicals, in-office procedures, or simply tweaking your at-home skin-care routine. However, it's important to remember that melasma is considered a chronic condition, and each case often requires a thoughtful, dermatologist-supervised treatment approach.

Many dermatologists agree that prescription-strength dark spot correctors that combine active ingredients like hydroquinone, tretinoin and azelaic acid are the most powerful topical treatment options available.

The Spot Cream from Musely is a perfect example that is 10x more potent and 10x more affordable than prescription alternatives at treating melasma. Formulated by dermatologists, this powerful spot treatment contains the gold standard for skin lightening - hydroquinone.

Hydroquinone is a prescription-strength skin lightening treatment that works by blocking the production and speeding up the breakdown of melanin in the cells. It also helps to inhibit the cell’s ability to store up the pigment, which helps to prevent further discoloration from occurring. However, The Spot Cream doesn't just rely on hydroquinone to erase your melasma! This effective dark spot corrector is available in four formulas, each with a unique blend of active ingredients including niacinamide, vitamin C, kojic acid, azelaic acid, tranexamic acid, and tretinoin.

Melasma Skincare, Delivered To Your Door

Since these ingredients require a prescription, Musely connects you with a Board-Certified Dermatologist 100% online. The quick doctor visit consists of a 3-minute medical questionnaire so that the doctor can determine which formula is right for you. This means that your dark spot treatment plan is entirely personalized to fit your skin’s unique needs, your medical history and level of sensitivity. With Musely, you can get prescription skin care delivered to your door without the headache of scheduling an appointment, having an in-person doctor’s visit, waiting in long pharmacy lines, OR breaking the bank.

And it really works! Hundreds of thousands of patients have sung the praises of The Spot Cream and volunteered to share their jaw-dropping before and after photos and testimonies. See for yourself at www.musely.com/muselyworks

Click here to learn more about The Spot Cream and become a part of the community today!