Melasma Improved by Lactic Acid Peel

Melasma is the medical name for hyperpigmentation (darkening) of the skin, usually due to sun damage. It is also called chloasma, or the 'mask of pregnancy', as women who are pregnant are at greater risk for developing dark spots or darkening of the skin.

This is thought to be related to the increased levels of estrogen and progesterone circulating in the body.

The symptoms of melasma are a uniform brown color which is seen on the forehead, cheeks, or upper lip. It is often symmetrical on both sides of the face.

Most often, [tag-tec]melasma[/tag-tec] is treated by bleaching creams and vitamin A derivatives, such as tretinoin.

A new study shows that lactic acid (an alpha hydroxy acid) may be effective for the treatment of melasma.

In this study, 30 patients with [tag-ice]melasma[/tag-ice] (both men and women) were treated with lactic acid applied to the left side of the face, and Jessner's solution (another common chemical used in chemical peels) was applied to the right side of the face.

Chemical peels were completed every three weeks until patients were satisfied with their appearance. Follow up was completed at six months after the last session.

Of the 20 patients who completed the cycle of treatment, all showed significant improvement in their melasma. Lactic acid was shown to be as effective as Jessner's solution in treatment of melasma.

If you are pregnant, taking oral contraceptives, or currently undergoing hormonal replacement therapy, your first line of defense against melasma is good sunscreen and sun protective clothing. If you develop melasma anyway, talk to your doctor about various chemical peel options and which would be the best for you.