What are the Causes and Treatments of Melasma

1. Causes of Melasma and Its Effective Treatments

2. Melasma is a type of hyperpigmentation that is common in women, especially during and after pregnancy. It normally appears as large dark patches on the face although other parts of the body can be affected. Read here what causes melasma and explains some steps you can take to help reduce the appearance of dark patches on your skin.

3. What is melasma? Melasma, also known as chloasma, is a form of hyperpigmentation that appears on the face, especially on the cheeks, bridge of the nose, forehead and upper lip and sometimes on other sun-exposed parts of the body, such as the forearms. Men can experience melasma, but it is much more common in women.

4. Causes What causes Chloasma? Melasma is caused by an increase in melanin production. This increase is thought to be triggered by changes in hormone levels, especially those caused by pregnancy and oral contraceptives, as well as by the sun. What is Melanin? • Melanin is the pigment that defines the color of a person’s skin. • Melasma is not in any way harmful but can cause distress when it is very noticeable.

5. Melasma and Pregnancy Between 10–15 percent of pregnant women experience Melasma1 and the condition is sometimes referred to as “the mask of pregnancy”. During pregnancy endogenous hormones (meaning the hormones that are produced naturally within the body) stimulate the melanocytes (the melanin producing cells located in the basal layer of the epidermis) causing them to produce more melanin.

6. Melasma and oral contraceptives Between 10–25 percent of women taking oral contraceptives2 experience Melasma. Women who take birth control pills undergo similar kinds of hormonal changes as those that occur during pregnancy. Unlike age spots, melasma can disappear of its own accord after birth or if estrogen intake is reduced.

7. What can I do to prevent dark path formations? A sensible attitude to sun protection is the most significant step you can take to helping to prevent or reduce the severity of melasma. Limit the time you spend in the sun, keep out of the sun during its most intense hours and wear protective clothing and sunhats whenever possible. This is particularly important if you have a genetic disposition to melasma (i.e. it runs in your family) or if you are pregnant, on the pill or taking another form of hormone supplement.

8. How can I remove or reduce melasma? Dermatological treatments such as chemical peels and laser therapy can help to reduce melasma. It’s a chemical solution (such as an AHA) to exfoliate skin (remove dead skin cells), stimulate the growth of new skin cells and reveal new skin. Laser therapy has a similar effect but tends to be more precise as the dermatologist has more control over the intensity of the treatment.

9. How can I remove or reduce melasma? Dermatologists may also prescribe and/or use hydroquinone which is still regarded as the most effective topical agent for reducing hyperpigmentation. It can, however, only be used for limited periods of time because, like other forms of chemical peel and laser treatment, it can irritate skin and actually cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, especially in people with phototype 3 – 6 (Please refer to Fitzpatrick phototyping scale). Follow and Keep Reading! Check out different skin concerns and their solutions