Skin care
12 Major Hair and Skin Issues -- Solved!
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Melasma
What it is: "Melasma is known as 'the mask of pregnancy' and can occur in pregnancy, with birth control pills or with no additional hormones beyond those of being a woman," Waldrof says. It typically looks like mottled brown discoloration on your cheeks, forehead or upper lip. It's triggered by UV exposure.How to treat it: Topical retinoids and hydroquinone can help lighten the areas, Waldorf says. You can also try microdermabrasion or light peels, or if that doesn't work, a dermatologist may recommend the fraxel laser. The most important thing for melasma sufferers is to be "vigilant with sun protection," Waldorf says, because it usually recurs with sun exposure.
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