Chloasma (brown patches on face)

In the last few days I have developed chloasma (also known as melasma) which is brown patches of skin on my face. It looks a bit like this although mine is a lot milder. http://www.ukskinlightening.co.uk/images/nur76-melasma.jpg

I think it is probably because I've been using sunbeds over the last 2 weeks in order to make it less likely I get spots for my wedding on Saturday. I've never had it before so its really bad timing. Has anybody else had this?

My normal make-up improves it a bit but you can still see it. Do you think my make-up lady will be able to cover it?

Thanks.
xxx
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I suffer from chloasma and in my case it was related to the pill. It got really bad and after we had been on holiday I used to huge brown patches on my forehead, brow and cheek and it really got me down, my doctor said it was the pill so I stopped taking it, 6 months later, fell pregnant! but, in the time I wasnt taking the pill which was a while cos I breastfed after, the marks werent half as bad, I still get a bit but not as much, you might find it will show up when you have just been in the sun as well as on sunbeds.
I will be very honest and say it wont cover over, if its quite dark the make up just makes it darker, you really need to speak to your make up lady, the other thing I would suggest is a spray tan, this will even out your skin tone to one colour, I had one for my wedding and you couldnt tell the marks were there but you will have made them worse by using the sunbed. Sorry for waffling but if it gets bad it really can get you down xx

I had this in each of my pregnancies, although it was worse when I was pregnant with my daughter, rather than my sons. I found it very difficult t cover with normal foundation, and I just had to accept it. I faded but I still have shight marks on my cheekbones and forehead. I just sort it out ith bronzer now to be honest.

I'm sure your make up ady will have some suggestion. Have you mentioned it to her already? If not hen maybe you should, so she is prepared.

Hope you get it sorted.

xx

I have this and found that Mac foundation works a treat, You have to obviously go for a very good covering one, but it definately helps. mine is due to the pill, but gets worse with sunbeds/tanning.

I look like i have a moustache! as well as a patch in the centre of my forehead and little one on my cheek

x

omg!! i have this...
a patch on my forehead and now i have it above my eyebrow and on my temple!!

do you mind me asking what pill you were taking Rachael?

my nurse has just told me its sun related.

see this is one of the reasons i love this site!!

Thanks for your replies ladies. Good to know I'm not the only one!

I'm just so annoyed its happened now. I've been on the pill since I was 16, been pregnant, had sunny holidays and used sunbeds and its never happened before. So why the week of my wedding?!

I've spoken to my make-up artist and she said to totally keep my face out of the sun until sat and she'll bring some camouflage make-up which she thinks will disguise it. She also said to get in touch with the photographer so he is aware and he said he'll touch up the pics.

Thanks for the idea about the spray tan Rachael. I can see that it would work well in the short-term to even everything out but when I spoke to my make-up lady she advised against it because apparently in the longer term it can make the marks worse.

xxx

I have it too,... just above my nose on my forehead, on my cheeks.... argh lol

I have learnt something new today x

I was prescribed Retin-A by a consultant dermatologist only last Thursday for try and treat the marks on the top of my forehead - again brought on through pregnancy and over exposure to sun. I have to use it twice a day, a clear gel that dries like a very thin face mask. OK for me as I've got time to hope it works. I was referred by my doctor onmy first appointment with him about it and had an appointment with a dermatologist within 4 weeks - worth trying for those that have time.

Good luck Paspin, I hope it works for you. How long till your wedding? xx

27th August - 127 days to go (relying on YAYW to keep me updated on this!). Keeps getting nearer tho - lol!!!

Well, you've got a few months for it to work then. You'll have to keep out the sun this summer then. I've been searching for a hat to wear to keep the sun off my face but all I could find was a cap of my fiance's, which makes me look like a train driver!

Thingis,I don't want to keep out the sun. I am going abroad for my hen week, which is 3 weeks before we get married, in the hope I can get a lovely golden glow for my wedding day. Luckily mines not that bad (just really wanted to findout what it was and if it could be treated), although thedermatologist has referred me to a cosmetic camoflage unit that will give me some tips and makeup to use on the day too - peace of mind!

I treat a lot of ladys with this if you have time a course of mda's can help lighten it but you also must use a sun cream even on cloudy days. Crystal Clear do one called Brightenig complex that slows down the melain production and contains spf. I am sure other product brands also will do one.

Hope this helps x

thanks for that advice mojobell. xx