Contact Us Today

Schedule a consultation (613) 342-0220

Ask Dr. Steyn

ASK DR. STEYN

DR. MARIETTE STEYN

Dear Dr. Steyn,

A skin therapist friend of mine told me I may have melasma on my cheeks and forehead. What’s the cause and can I get rid of it? Thanks, Rubina.

Dear Rubina,

Thank you for your question.

Melasma is a type of hyperpigmentation that typically affects women (although men can get it too) and involves elevated levels of female hormones.

Some possible causes include: pregnancy, birth control pills, hormone irregularities, and prolonged UV exposure.

If you have this condition, you’ll notice large discoloured or dark patches on the face, symmetrically located on the cheeks, forehead, and sometimes on the neck, arms and even lips.

In my experience, successfully treating or managing melasma requires several steps. I would start with Microneedling to disrupt or reduce your skin’s melanin production, coupled with home-care products to fade away existing pigmentation. We can also prescribe some IPL sessions and skin peels to minimize the pigmented lesions that are located deeper in the skin for a smoother, and more even complexion.

Make sure to use a sunscreen daily to prevent melasma from returning as cumulative UV exposure seems to intensify its appearance.

To learn more about how Microneedling, IPL, skin peels and targeted skincare products can help improve the appearance of melasma we invite you to book that virtual consult

 

Schedule Your Consultation

Feeling positively ageless begins with the right knowledge.If you have questions regarding your skin, or are interested in learning more about a procedure please make an appointment to see us

Contact Us

LOOK BETTER, WITHOUT LOOKING DIFFERENT

Our Latest Blog

  • Minimize Your Risk of Bruising After Filler

    Post-injection bruising is a fact of life. It can happen when the needle nicks one of the thousands of tiny blood vessels in our body, resulting in minor bleeding under the skin. Even if you visit the most talented and experienced injector in the world, you can still get a bruise because these microscopic capillaries […]

    Read More
  • If You Like Microneedling, You’ll Love RF Fractional Resurfacing

    Microneedling has become synonymous with skin beautification. The treatment is an effective solution for smoothing mild acne scars, improving skin texture and for overall rejuvenation. But what if we told you there’s another treatment that produces all of the above benefits plus more? It’s called Venus Viva™ MD Fractional Resurfacing and it delivers much deeper […]

    Read More
  • Skin Cycling: What is It? Why You Should Try It.

    Skincare trends come and go. Many of them are quickly dismissed as nothing more than marketing hype. One recent beauty trend that’s here to stay, however, is Skin Cycling. It has earned a solid reputation in the hearts and minds of both medical professionals and those who practice it because Skin Cycling really works. What […]

    Read More
  • 5 Ways to Save Money, Plus More Perks with Swan Membership

    Read More
  • RF Fractional Resurfacing
  • Skin cycling
  • Swan Membership