Melasma

Melasma, a prevalent dermatological concern, manifests as irregular patches of darker pigmentation on the skin, predominantly affecting the face. This condition arises due to an overproduction of melanin—the pigment responsible for skin colour—resulting in visibly uneven skin tone. Melasma’s intricate development involves factors such as hormonal fluctuations, sun exposure, and genetic predisposition.

Different types of Melasma

There are three primary types of melasma:

Epidermal Melasma: This type affects the top layer of the skin (epidermis) and appears as brown patches with well-defined borders. It’s often triggered by sun exposure and hormonal fluctuations, such as pregnancy or birth control use.

Dermal Melasma: This type affects the deeper layer of the skin (dermis) and presents as blue-grey patches with less defined edges. Dermal melasma is typically more challenging to treat than epidermal melasma.

Mixed Melasma: As the name suggests, mixed melasma is a combination of both epidermal and dermal melasma, featuring a mix of brown and blue-grey patches.

It’s important to note that the different types of melasma may require distinct treatment approaches. Having a thorough skin consultation with our VISIA skin scanner can help determine the most suitable treatment plan based on the specific type and severity of melasma.

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Individuals afflicted with melasma often encounter the manifestation of light brown, dark brown, or blue-grey patches adorning their skin. These patches can manifest as either flat areas or freckle-like formations. Frequently observed on areas such as the face, cheeks, upper lip, forehead, and forearms, melasma characteristically undergoes fluctuations in pigmentation over time. Notably, it tends to intensify during sunnier months and ameliorate during the winter season.

Causes of Melasma

Melasma is primarily triggered by a combination of factors, including:

Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormones, particularly during pregnancy, oral contraceptive use, or hormone replacement therapy, can stimulate the overproduction of melanin, leading to melasma.

Sun Exposure: Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can stimulate melanocytes (cells responsible for producing melanin) and worsen existing melasma patches. Sun protection is crucial in preventing and managing melasma.

Genetics: A genetic predisposition can make some individuals more susceptible to developing melasma.

Ethnicity: Melasma is more prevalent in people with darker skin tones, especially in those of Asian, Hispanic, African, Indian, and Middle Eastern descent.

Cosmetics and Fragrances: Certain cosmetics, skincare products, and fragrances containing photosensitising agents can exacerbate melasma.

Stress: Emotional stress can trigger hormonal imbalances that contribute to melasma development.