Address 9735 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 216, Beverly Hills, CA 90212 (424) 652-6563 YouTube Instagram Twitter
Treatment of skin pigmentation disorders like melasma (also known as pregnancy mask or chloasma). It is a skin pigment disorder that is seen as patchy brown areas of skin on sun-exposed areas like the forehead, cheeks, upper lip, nose, and chin. To get an in-person consultation, please visit our dermatology office in Beverly Hills.
Melasma is occasionally referred to as “chloasma” or “the mask of pregnancy”, although it is oftentimes seen in people who are not pregnant. It is a skin pigment disorder that is seen as patchy brown areas of skin on sun-exposed areas like the forehead, cheeks, upper lip, nose, and chin. Although melasma is seen in people of all skin tones, it is more common in those with darker skin than in those with fair skin.
Melasma is due to an overproduction of pigment (“melanin”) by the cells in the affected areas. Even with minimal exposure to the sun, ultraviolet light makes these areas darker. Female hormone fluctuations contribute to melasma, as pregnancy, birth control pills, and certain types of hormone therapy exacerbate the condition. In addition to ultraviolet light and hormone fluctuations, melasma is also exacerbated by excessive exposure to heat as well as inflammation.
Unfortunately, melasma is a chronic condition and there is no “cure” for it. However, there are several treatment options.
First-line treatment includes a topical cream regimen that Dr. Kiripolsky will customize based upon your skin type/condition that you will apply at home. The regimen will include bleaching agents (like hydroquinone), retinoids, and other topicals that minimize oil (“sebum”) production by your skin.
Strict photoprotection with sunblocks containing physical blockers, like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, is also an essential part of treating melasma.
Dr. Kiripolsky also has certain chemical peels and lasers to treat melasma. Some patients benefit from taking a short course of oral Accutane (isotretinoin), as this minimizes sebum production and sebum causes inflammation in the skin, which exacerbates melasma.
If you are in the Beverly Hills or Los Angeles area and would like to discuss treatment options for your melasma, call Dr. Monika Kiripolsky at 424-652-6563 (MKMD) to schedule your appointment with Dr. Kiripolsky. Monika Kiripolsky is a board-certified Beverly Hills dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon who treats dermatology skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, melasma, and other types of skin discoloration. Visit our Beverly hills dermatology office to explore all the cosmetic procedures Dr. Kiripolsky can offer.
Sign up to get updates from Dr. Kiripolsky in your inbox.
9735 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 216
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
424-652-6563
Serving clients from Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Brentwood, Malibu, Bel Air, Orange County and beyond.
Some images used on this website are stock photos and are not actual patients unless noted.
© 2019-23 Dr. Monika Kiripolsky, All Rights Reserved.