What is melasma on the face?

Melasma on the face causes flat, brown, grey-brown, or bluish-grey patches of hyperpigmentation, appearing symmetrically on cheeks, nose, forehead, and upper lip, often called the "mask of pregnancy" due to hormonal links. It's harmless, not contagious, and triggered by sun exposure, genetics, and hormonal changes (like pregnancy or birth control), worsening in summer but potentially improving in winter. While not curable, treatments focus on sun protection, lightening creams, and procedures to manage the appearance.

How can I remove melasma from my face?

A common choice is the combination of hydroquinone with a retinoid that increases skin cell turnover and a steroid that decreases skin inflammation. Oral medications, including tranexamic acid, are usually considered in more severe melasma cases.

What is the main cause of melasma?

The main cause of melasma isn't a single factor but a combination, primarily hormonal changes (like pregnancy or birth control) and sun/light exposure (UV, visible light, infrared), which trigger skin cells (melanocytes) to overproduce melanin, leading to dark patches, often with a genetic predisposition making some more susceptible. 

What is the best treatment for melasma?

Topical lightening creams – hydroquinone has been the go-to topical ingredient to improve the appearance of melasma for many years, but as we begin to understand the potentially adverse effects of long-term hydroquinone use, dermatologists are more likely to recommend non-hydroquinone skin-lightening treatments like ...

How does pregnancy affect melasma?

Why do women get melasma when they're pregnant? Pregnant women have increased levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. These hormones are thought to contribute to your melasma. The darker color usually fades after pregnancy.

What is Melasma? | Melasma Treatment Explained

Which vitamin deficiency causes melasma?

Genetics play a role in about 50% of cases of people affected by melasma. Malnutrition may be a contributing factors because melasma is often found in people with abnormal liver function and vitamin B12 deficiency.

What does pregnancy melasma look like?

What does melasma look like? Brown or blue-gray discoloration of the skin is the marker of melasma. It can be patchy or look like the speckled pattern of freckles. People with darker skin are more commonly affected, particularly people with a light brown skin tone.

What vitamins help melasma?

Other antioxidants, including combinations of vitamins C, E, and ferulic acid, showed potential as adjuncts in melasma treatment. These findings highlight the diverse efficacy of antioxidants in managing melasma, suggesting their potential as safe and effective treatments.

Can melasma go away?

Melasma often fades on its own, especially if triggered by pregnancy or birth control, improving a few months after childbirth or stopping the medication, but it can also last for years or decades, requiring treatments like prescription creams, peels, and strict sun protection to manage the dark patches which can return. There's no cure, but effective treatments can lighten the pigmentation, though it often comes back, making ongoing sun avoidance and trigger management key.
 

Does sugar cause melasma?

Sugary Foods

Excess sugar can lead to hormonal imbalances and inflammation, both of which can disrupt melanin production and worsen melasma. Foods to limit include: Candy and chocolate.

Who is most prone to melasma?

Melasma is more common in darker skin types than in lighter skin types, and it is particularly more common in light brown skin types. Women are affected nine times more than men. Melasma is rare before puberty and more common in reproductive years.

Why is melasma bad?

Melanoma, which means "black tumor," is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. It grows quickly and has the ability to spread to any organ. Melanoma comes from skin cells called melanocytes. These cells produce melanin, the dark pigment that gives skin its color.

What cream is good for melasma?

Multiple options for topical treatment are available, of which hydroquinone (HQ) is the most commonly prescribed agent. Besides HQ, other topical agents for which varying degrees of evidence for clinical efficacy exist include azelaic acid, kojic acid, retinoids, topical steroids, glycolic acid, mequinol, and arbutin.

What foods get rid of melasma?

Increase the consumption of foods rich in vitamins C and E. These antioxidant nutrients help repair sun damage to the skin that can cause melasma. These vitamins are found in foods such as citrus fruits, kiwi, nuts, almonds, brightly colored vegetables, and fish.

Is Nivea cream good for melasma?

Experience the Luminous difference by trying NEW NIVEA Luminous 630 Serum and Sun Protect. Clinically proven to reduce 10 years of dark spots including sun-induced melasma, with visible results in as fast as 4 weeks, no side effects.

What does melasma look like?

These patches are typically flat and appear darker than an individual's skin tone. They may be brown or gray in color. The melasma may develop in one specific place with defined edges, or it may be more diffuse across the skin. It will typically appear on areas that get sunlight exposure, such as the face.

Does sunscreen help melasma?

Photoprotection, especifically the regular use of a UV + VL broad-spectrum sunscreen, plays an important role as an adjuvant treatment in the prevention and treatment of melasma.

What is the best tablet for melasma?

Tranexamic acid (TXA), an anti-fibrinolytic drug has shown promising results in patients with melasma. Evidence from several clinical studies has surfaced on efficacy and tolerability of TXA in these patients. It can be used as monotherapy or adjuvant with other therapies.

What not to use with melasma?

Avoiding Sun Protection: One of the most critical mistakes is neglecting sun protection. Prolonged sun exposure can worsen melasma. It's essential to use broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and seek shade whenever possible.

Can stress cause melasma?

Stress: While this is controversial, some research findings suggest that stress can trigger melasma. Stress causes the body to make more of the hormone cortisol. An increase in cortisol may trigger melasma.

What oil is good for melasma?

Rosehip Seed Oil For Melasma

Rosehip seed oil contains lycopene, vitamin C, and essential fatty acids, which have been shown to help treat melasma. This oil has various properties that protect your skin from inflammation, sun damage, hyperpigmentation, and other issues.

What is the fastest way to cure melasma naturally?

10 Effective Solutions For Melasma Treatment at Home

1. Aloe Vera Gel.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
3. Turmeric Paste.
4. Green Tea Extract.
5. Lemon Juice and Honey Mask.
6. Papaya Pulp.
7. Vitamin C Serum.
8. Cucumber Juice.

What week does melasma start?

Melasma typically starts during the second or third trimester of pregnancy, when hormonal changes are at their peak. However, it can develop earlier in pregnancy, depending on individual sensitivity to hormonal fluctuations and factors like sun exposure.

Does melasma indicate boy or girl?

Some people believed that there was a relationship between melasma and determining the sex of the newborn due to the difference in the level of hormones. But in fact, the level of hormones is the same when pregnant, male or female. Therefore, there is no clear relationship between melasma and the gender of the newborn.