Kabar Sehat Issue 005 - Having a clean skin, white (bright), glow without a stain on the face is every woman's desires, especially women in Asia. Women seeking every effort to reach it. Women feel disturbed and insecure if there is black spots / tan in the face.

In the medical world, spots on the face Called melasma. Melasma comes from the Greek word for black spot.Melasma is a skin pigmentation excessive, irregular and colored light brown to black in the face. Typically, the face looks Darker That is the Cheeks, nose, forehead and upper lip. Melasma usually attacks mature age (25-44 years) with most cases in women, particularly those living in the Tropics or melasma, especially in terms of race upon dark-skinned person / color, Such as Asians, Indians, Middle East and North Africa .

Melasma the clinical picture of symmetrical Blackish brown spots on the face with an irregular shape. Many factors cause melasma That, Including pregnancy, birth control pills, cosmetic ingredients, perform certain drugs, Heredity, genetics, and race. But the main cause is sunlight. Exposure to sunlight containing ultraviolet light stimulates the production of pigment cells or melanocytes in the skin. This will of cause the process of melanogenesis (formation of melanin That causes hyperpigmentation). Besides Causing spots, sun rays Also Accelerate the process of premature aging of the skin (skin photoaging) in the form of dry skin, dull and wrinkled.

Treatment for melasma take a long time and can not be instant. The duration of treatment depends on the severity of problems that arise. Typically, the treatment began to be seen at 3rd week to the 4th and then takes up to 10 weeks to cure. Melasma Treatment can be performed with topical administration of drugs to inhibit the function That the formation of melanin pigment and elevator. Some drugs Used to treat melasma, are: hydroquinone, arbutin, Azeleik Acid, Hibiscus Extract

Prevention
Melasma prevention is to Avoid adverse effects of sunlight by wearing sun screen, a sun protective gear such as umbrellas, hats, hoods, and others. In the Tropics, use sunscreen with at least SPF 20.

Tips
• Caring for skin regularly, for example by cleaning the face every day.
• Avoid cosmetic products That are not clearly it implies much less contain hazardous materials.
• Rest Enough, at least six hours sleep a day.
• Avoid smoking, drinking coffee or alcohol.
• Consume more fruits.
• Eat foods that contain balanced nutrition.
• Avoid stress or depression. Make a habit of positive thinking.
• Drink Enough Water, at least 8 cups (2 liters) per day.

(Source: Kabar Sehat Issue 005, September-October 2009).