Hormonal birth control can cause many side effects, with one being a skin condition called melasma, per Healthline.
Melasma is the darkening or discoloration of the skin, and it can be hard to treat. However, there are both at-home and in-office treatments available for clients facing this.
At-Home
Clients should always be using SPF, but since the sun can worsen melasma, it is important for clients to protect themselves. Not only is SPF vital, but wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses and light or loose clothing that will protect the skin are essentials.
Clients can also turn to topicals to help such as azelaic acid, which is an anti-inflammatory agent, steroid creams like hydrocortisone and skin-lightening products, like hydroquinone and cysteamine.
In-Office
Treatments that can help melasma include:
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Microdermabrasion can rejuvenate the skin and can improve the appearance of melasma.
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Chemical peels utilize acids to exfoliate the skin, from its outermost layer to the middle layer. It can be customized to each client depending on the severity of their melasma.
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Laser skin resurfacing can remove the outermost layer of skin. Lasers also stimulate collagen and the growth of skin beneath the epidermal layer.
