The appearance of your skin can have a great effect on your self-esteem. You are unlikely to feel confident with a skin that is plagued with freckles, acne scars, age spots or Melasma. Now there is a treatment available at Spa Black to help combat Melasma – HQRA. To find out if HQRA Cream is right for you, contact Spa Black today or stop by our San Antonio office. Our staff can help determine if HQRA is the most effective treatment option for you.
What is Melasma?
Melasma is a tan, patchy brown or blue-gray skin discoloration occurring on your face. It is common in women between the age of 20-50 years and mainly during their reproductive years. Though it is very rare, there are some cases of Melasma in males. It is primarily caused by sun exposure, hormones such as birth control medication and hormonal changes experienced during pregnancy.
Prevention of Melasma3 focuses on sun avoidance and protection. Treatment for Melasma includes sunscreen application and creams containing hydroquinone such as HQRA.
What is HQRA Cream?
Hydroquinone is an agent that is used to bleach the skin and helps to lighten dark areas of your skin. HQRA is a cream that contains a blend of three ingredients – hydroquinone, tretinoin and fluocinolone acetonide and is commonly used to treat Melasma.
How does HQRA work?
It decreases production of melanosomes (responsible for Melasma) and increases the breakdown of these enzymes in the cells of your skin that are responsible for pigmentation. It prevents the action of tyrosinase – an enzyme that makes melanin that produces melanosomes.
Is HQRA Effective?
It is common to experience lightening of your skin after four weeks of continued treatment. In some cases, it takes longer. HQRA has been proven to improve Melasma in eight weeks. However, the results vary depending on a person’s skin. It is worth noting that HQRA is no cure for Melasma but helps to improve the condition.
What Should You Avoid When Using HQRA?
Avoid sunlight. Exposure to too much sunlight creates sunburn. The dark skin patches of Melasma also worsen due to sunlight exposure. HQRA also makes your skin vulnerable to sunburn and other negative effects of the sun. Staying away from the sun is crucial for women who are on hormone replacement or birth control treatment.
You should always wear sunscreen, even during hazy days. Ensure that the sunscreen has at least SPF 30. You should use sunscreen on the parts of your skin that constantly get exposed to UV rays like your hands and face.
When your skin is treated with HQRA cream, you can expect a reaction to heat and cold. Your doctor will direct you on how to manage Melasma during such conditions.
Avoid skin products that irritate or dry your skin. Products such as cleansers and soaps whose ingredients include spices, alcohol or lime should be avoided. It is also recommended that you avoid medicated products or medicines while using HQRA unless after consulting with your doctor.