Melasma
Melasma is a common skin problem that causes brown to grey-brown patches on the face. While it can affect anybody, melasma is particularly common in women who are pregnant or taking birth control pills. It’s also more common in people with darker skin.
Melasma causes cosmetic concerns in people who have it. It can be embarrassing for some people and cause distress.
While it’s not uncommon for melasma to fade over time, up to 70 percent of patients develop melasma again after future sun exposure. What this means is that there’s no permanent cure for melasma – but there are ways to treat and manage it!
What Causes Melasma?
Doctors are not 100% sure what causes melasma. But they do know that hormones play a big role. Because of this, women who are pregnant or taking birth control pills have a higher risk of getting melasma. People with darker skin tones are also more likely to get melasma than people with lighter skin tones. Melasma can also be genetic, which means you may get it if other people in your family have it.
Research has found that sun exposure makes melasma worse and speeds up the appearance of new patches of melasma.
Is Melasma The Same As Hyperpigmentation?
Melasma and hyperpigmentation are two different types of skin conditions that are characterized by darker patches on the skin.
Hyperpigmentation is caused by the overproduction of melanin, the skin pigment that gives our skin its color. Too much melanin can be triggered by sun exposure, as well as a side effect of certain medications.
Melasma, on the other hand, is also caused by an overproduction of melanin. However, in addition to being sun-related like hyperpigmentation, melasma is also caused by hormonal changes within the body. Some of these changes include pregnancy and birth control use.
How Do You Treat Melasma?
If you want to get rid of melasma on your face, here are some treatment options we recommend you try.
