Melasma, which is commonly found in women in their reproductive years between the ages of 20 and 50, often occurs during pregnancy in women with olive or darker skin who are of Hispanic, Asian, or Middle Eastern descent, but who it can happen to anyone. It is a discoloration or hyperpigmentation of the skin that looks brownish, blue-gray or tanned and the occurrences appear to be related to excessive sun exposure along with internal hormonal changes during pregnancy and birth control pills.
Melasma is a benign skin condition, although it may be unattractive to the affected person, but it is not related to any medical disorder, so it is relatively harmless in nature. It is a skin condition that often only occurs when a woman is pregnant or infrequently for a period of a few years and then disappears completely. Because everyone’s skin is different, melasma is not a serious skin condition that should be of great concern. However, it can be treated if necessary.
Factors that influence melasma:
The exact cause of melasma is unknown, but it appears to be influenced by hormone replacement therapy, birth control pills, and other medications such as anticonvulsants along with race and heredity if there is a family history of melasma. Exposure to sunlight, especially without any protection or sunscreen, is considered the main cause of melasma and the occurrences develop most often during the summer months, when the sun is at its hottest and most intense.
Other factors that can influence melasma are endocrine dysfunction or a nutritional deficiency or liver dysfunction. But most cases occur during pregnancy or the use of oral contraceptives, especially if there is a deficiency of folic acid during pregnancy. Melasma can occur during menopause or if there are ovarian disorders that often result in hormonal imbalance. Some deodorant soaps and scented toiletries and cosmetics are known to cause a melasma outbreak.
What does melasma look like?
Melasma appears mainly on the face in dark patches of brown discoloration or hyperpigmentation on the skin, including the cheeks, forehead, nose, chin, upper lip, and jaw. It can also rarely occur in the arms. It appears more frequently when there has been exposure to the sun. These patches of dark brown spots on the skin are irregular in shape with an uneven, though often symmetrical, distribution on the sides of the nose, forehead or cheeks and other areas, as indicated.
How is melasma treated?
Using a sunscreen with a broad spectrum UVA and UVB sun protection of at least SPF 30 is essential to keep melasma at bay and prevent breakouts. Sunscreens should be used daily and exposure to the sun for a long period of time should be avoided. You should avoid using cleansers, makeup, or other skin care products that irritate your skin. Hydroquinone-containing whitening cream and facial bleaching creams are often used to treat melasma to lighten hyperpigmentation in the skin and even out skin tones. However, it should not be used during pregnancy. Laser treatments, chemical peels, or microdermabrasion are all types of treatments that can be tried to treat melasma. Retin-A creams can be used at night to treat areas of hyperpigmented skin.
Other prevention and treatment methods:
Other types of melasma treatments include antioxidant supplements that are known to improve the results of any other melasma treatment. Natural lightening creams that contain antioxidants are also effective. Mild soaps and cleansers that are specifically designed for melasma should be used because they will not irritate the skin. Calamine and other moisturizing lotions that contain soothing nutrients and extracts are great for keeping skin hydrated. Excessive sun exposure seems to be the biggest stimulus, so it is important that you wear a sunscreen along with protective clothing if your skin is more predisposed to melasma. Wide hats are always a help as melasma occurs most often in the facial areas of the head, so keeping that area protected is essential. Protective facial mineral makeup is also available that can be used to help keep skin tone even.