Melasma

Tired of wearing a mask? Melasma is a very common condition of brown discolouration on sun-exposed areas of the face, most often the cheeks, upper lip and forehead.

Melasma typically worsens with sun exposure, birth control pills and the hormones of pregnancy. It usually becomes more noticeable in the summer and improves during the winter months. Although it can affect both genders and any race, it is more common in women and in people with darker skin types.

About melasma

Melasma is a common type of skin discolouration marked by brown patches on the face. It most commonly occurs in women between 20 and 50 years of age, women with naturally darker skin tones, and women who are pregnant. Men rarely experience this type of hyperpigmentation. Because it’s primarily experienced by women in their reproductive years, it gained the nickname “mask of pregnancy.”

Melasma is thought to affect more than six million women in North America alone. Most women with this skin discolouration have a history of regular sun exposure, are pregnant and/or have darker skin tones, such as Latin, Asian and Middle Eastern ethnicities. Melasma can also be exacerbated by heat, spicy foods, UV, alcohol, exercise and harsh skin products.

The chronic condition is caused by an overproduction of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin, hair and eye colour. It’s thought that 25 to 30% of people with melasma may have a genetic predisposition to the condition, with other family members also affected.

While it can often disappear or fade over time, in certain cases melasma becomes so severe it cannot be concealed by makeup, making people quite self-conscious of their appearance.

What causes melasma?

The exact cause of melasma is unknown, but uncontrolled exposure to sunlight is considered the leading factor, especially in people with a genetic predisposition to hyperpigmentation.

Melasma commonly develops during the summer months, when the strong ultraviolet rays from the sun trigger melanin production in the skin cells, and it typically fades and becomes less visible in the winter. In the true case of the “mask of pregnancy,” melasma is thought to be caused by increased levels of progesterone. In many cases, the hyperpigmentation gradually disappears after giving birth.

Melasma treatments

Melasma can be one of the most frustratingly difficult skin conditions to treat. However, with a combination of in-clinic treatments and a strict home care program, its appearance can be significantly reduced and, in some cases, cleared for a short period of time.

Getting care for melasma

If you would like to have even-toned skin again, Dr. Rao can determine whether you are experiencing melasma and discuss possible treatments with you.

Cosmetic treatment for melasma doesn’t need a referral.