Melasma

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Adrianna Browne treats every client with compassion, care, expertise, and a desire to help them look and feel their very best. At Illustra Dermatology, we recognize each individual is unique, and we take the time to listen and focus on each patient’s individual concerns when it comes to their skin care needs. Dr. Browne cares for a variety of both medical and cosmetic skin conditions, including melasma.

Melasma is a skin condition in which patches that are darker than your normal skin tone appear on the face. The exact cause of this hyperpigmentation disorder is unknown. Occurring mostly in women, melasma patches can be caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy, sun exposure, genetics, birth control, and inflammation in the skin. The condition is often referred to as “the mask of pregnancy” because the condition is so prevalent in pregnant women. The facial areas most affected by melasma are the cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin. These spots may appear as brownish or grayish patches or as freckle-like spots. Melasma is a noncancerous skin condition that sometimes fades on its own. If you notice hyperpigmentation or dark spots and are in the Bay Area, our office has many treatment options for melasma that can help brighten your skin!