Have you ever looked in the mirror and noticed dark patches on your cheeks, forehead, chin, or upper lip that seem to have appeared out of nowhere? These dark patches might be melasma which is a common hormonal skin condition that can appear during pregnancy, long term birth control use, or hormonal change. Typically referred to as a “pregnancy mask”, melasma isn’t harmful, but it can be frustratingly hard to fade, so understanding what causes melasma, the best treatments for it, and how to manage it, will help you achieve a glowing, balanced skin tone.
What is Melasma?
Melasma is a form of hyperpigmentation and “affects approximately 5 million people in the United States.” Melasma develops when your skin’s melanin cells (melanocytes) start working overtime, and instead of spreading pigment evenly across your skin, they release extra melanin in certain spots. This is what causes patches of skin on your face that look darker than your natural tone. It’s important to know that melasma is different from other types of dark spots like acne marks, age spots, or sun spots.
What Causes Melasma?
Melasma is primarily caused by an overproduction of melanin, stimulated by a combination of UV sun exposure, hormonal fluctuations (pregnancy, birth control), and genetic predisposition. Because melasma can be caused by several different factors, effective management and treatment of it requires a multi-pronged approach. This usually includes daily sun protection, skincare products, and personalized skincare treatments. The most common causes of melasma on the face include:
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal fluctuations can have an impact on how your skin looks and feels. This is why melasma is so common during pregnancy because the increase in estrogen and progesterone stimulates melanocytes to produce more pigment. Starting birth control pills is another common trigger for melasma, as well as hormone replacement therapy.
Heat
Excessive heat is also a major trigger for melasma. Things like sun exposure, saunas, heated workouts and chronic inflammation. Excessive heat and sun exposure can trigger melasma by overstimulating your skin’s melanin cells. This is the body’s way of protecting itself from damage. However, for someone prone to melasma, even a small amount of sun exposure can cause a flare-up. This is why applying sun protection daily, whether you’re inside or outside helps manage and protect against melasma. Without wearing sunscreen daily, melasma patches can darken quickly and reverse any treatment you’re doing to combat it.
Genetic Predisposition
If relatives have melasma, you may be genetically predisposed to it because genetics determine how active your melanocytes are and how they respond to triggers like hormones and sunlight.
Skincare Products
Some cosmetics and skincare products can irritate and cause inflammation, making melasma worse. That’s why gentle skincare serums, targeted brightening products and moisturizers are important to keep your skin barrier healthy. Shop the best moisturizers for melasma and melasma serums for your face, and pregnancy safe moisturizers.
How do you Treat Melasma?
Treating melasma can take time, but with the right approach, its appearance can be significantly reduced.
- Daily sunscreen protection⎯Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, even on cloudy days. Shop our recommended SPFs.
- Targeted skincare products⎯Skincare products with ingredients like hydroquinone, azelaic acid, kojic acid, tranexamic acid and vitamin C are often used to lighten dark patches and even out skin tone.
- Chemical peels⎯Chemical peels help exfoliate pigmented skin and promote new skin growth.
- Laser skin treatments⎯Laser treatment for melasma target the excess pigment in the skin. By breaking down these pigment clusters, lasers help lighten dark patches over time.
- Microneedling⎯Microneedling for melasma helps topical products absorb better for an even skin tone.
- Glacial Gloss - a non-invasive CryoAesthetics treatment that utilizes precision cooling, exfoliation, and targeted serums to reduce inflammation, redness and chronic skin conditions.
Treatment for Melasma at NM Aesthetics in the DMV Area
From chemical peels and laser treatments to customized skincare regimens, our estheticians will create a personalized treatment plan to address melasma for a more even skin tone. Request and appointment today by filling out our online form or call us at (571) 310-3223.
FAQs
Is melasma permanent?
Melasma is a chronic skin condition that is always at risk of flaring back up. However, it can improve with proper sun protection, skincare products, and professional treatments.
Can melasma go away on its own?
While melasma may lighten on its own after pregnancy or discontinuing hormonal treatments, significant fading usually requires ongoing management with proper products and treatments.
Who is prone to melasma?
Melasma is more common in women, particularly those with darker skin tones, but it can affect anyone. Hormonal fluctuations and sun exposure are major contributors.
Can men get melasma?
Yes, though it’s less common. Hormonal imbalances, sun exposure, and genetics can trigger it in men.
Why does melasma get worse in summer?
Sun exposure stimulates melanin production, which can darken melasma patches. Even indirect sunlight through windows can worsen it.
How long does it take to see improvement with treatment?
Treatment for melasma varies from person to person, but most individuals see noticeable improvement after 8–12 weeks of consistent treatment and sun protection.
