Melasma is characterised by brown, grey, or freckle-like spots on the skin. This skin condition is a pigmentation disorder, occurring most often in the facial area. Melasma can be more common in individuals with darker skin tones and occurs more often in women. 

While it is normally harmless, it's important to understand melasma's causes, how to recognise the condition and how to manage melasma to keep your skin as healthy and clear as possible.

What Is Melasma?

According to Hayley Goldback, MD, a certified dermatologist, "Melasma is a pigmentary skin condition characterised by darkened patches that typically look brown or grayish". The patches can appear in various colours but are normally darker than your usual skin tone.

Approximately 90% of individuals affected by this skin condition are women. It is also more common in people with darker skin tones.

Melasma involves the overproduction of melanin and is considered a chronic condition. Commonly affected areas include the forehead, cheeks and bridge of the nose. It can appear on other areas of the face and sometimes on the neck, shoulders and forearms. Finding a quality clarifying cream is essential when managing melasma.

Causes of Melasma

There are several reasons an individual may develop melasma. Sometimes, a combination of factors will play a role. The following are several melasma causes.

Genetic Factors: If your parents, siblings or other family members have this condition, there is a greater likelihood that you will also develop it.

Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy and birth control use can trigger hormonal melasma. Increased levels of progesterone and oestrogen can increase melanin production. Up to 50% of pregnant women will experience melasma due to hormonal changes.

Sun Exposure: There is a correlation between sun exposure and melasma. Repeated sun exposure can cause this condition. This is a major cause of melasma since the sun triggers the production of melanin. Consistent sunscreen use can help reduce the incidence and severity of melasma.

Certain Medications: Medications such as birth control pills, anti-seizure medications and some antibiotics may cause or trigger Melasma. Prescriptions that cause sensitivity to sunlight can also cause this condition. These include medications such as some blood pressure meds and certain antibiotics.

Symptoms and Types of Melasma

It's important to correctly identify melasma and understand the symptoms. There are different kinds of melasma, and while symptoms are often similar for each type, specific symptoms will help healthcare professionals diagnose which type you may have.

Epidermal: This type affects only the top layer of the skin, the epidermis. The skin forms excess melanin, usually resulting in brown-coloured patches. The colouring will depend on your skin tone. Patches will usually appear darker than a person's natural skin colour.

Dermal: Dermal melasma occurs in the dermis, a deeper layer of the skin. This happens when cells that store melanin accumulate, causing excess pigmentation. This condition is often more difficult to treat since the pigmentation is in a deeper skin layer. The patches are usually greyish-blue or greyish-brown.

Mixed: Mixed melasma is a combination of epidermal and dermal melasma. It is the most common type. These patches on the skin can appear as a combination of brown, blue and grey.

If you're struggling with any type of melasma, the impact on the quality of life can vary greatly depending on various factors. Melasma is not itchy or harmful to a person's health, but it can be emotionally distressing. How a person responds to melasma will depend on the severity of the condition, access to quality treatment and an individual's susceptibility to anxiety and depression.

Diagnosis and Medical Consultation

Melasma is considered a clinical diagnosis and is primarily based on appearance. You may want to see a healthcare provider if the condition continues to worsen or if it is affecting your daily life and emotional well-being. The following are a few of the diagnostic procedures that your healthcare provider may use.

Wood's Lamp: This is a special light that healthcare professionals use to see how deep the melasma is in the skin. This is also known as an ultraviolet light test. The test is conducted in a completely dark room. The test is painless and doesn't emit any heat.

Dermatoscope: A dermatoscope is a handheld device with a magnifying lens and light that lets medical professionals closely examine the skin. A close-up view of the discoloured patches can help a healthcare provider make an accurate diagnosis.

Biopsy: This is taking a small piece of the skin for further testing. It's normally done to make sure there aren't any other serious skin conditions. A biopsy can confirm the condition and help rule out any other skin problems.

Treatment Options for Melasma

While melasma may go away on its own, particularly if caused by pregnancy or medications, it can sometimes last for years. Melasma can't be cured, but it is possible to reduce discolouration and improve your skin. There are several melasma treatment options you'll want to consider when addressing this condition.

Topical Treatments: Topical treatments such as melasma cream and chemical peels are often effective for epidermal melasma. Hydroquinone is a medication sometimes used for lightening skin. However, it may cause skin irritation. You'll want to do adequate research to find the best topical skin products for various skin conditions, including skincare for melasma. Neutriderm Skin Clarifying Cream combines exceptional natural ingredients and advanced technology to reduce signs of dark spots and increased pigmentation.

Professional Procedures: Microneedling or laser treatments are sometimes used for dermal melasma. Several types of lasers can be used. Light-based therapies such as Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and using fractional lasers can reduce the appearance of melasma. Chemical peels can remove the outer skin cells. This may improve melasma, particularly epidermal melasma.

Lifestyle: When treating melasma, sometimes lifestyle changes can be effective in reducing or preventing this condition. You'll want to stay out of the sun or wear a strong sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30. Eating foods rich in antioxidants can help reduce the incidence of melasma. These foods would include those high in Vitamin C and E, such as colourful vegetables, citrus fruits, and salmon. It is also recommended to stay hydrated and reduce stress.

When treating melasma, it's important to remain patient and complete all treatment protocols. The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) states, "When you follow your treatment plan, it usually takes between 3 to 12 months to see results".

Prevention and Management

Due to some of the causes, it's not always possible to prevent melasma. In some cases, you may be able to prevent the condition or at least limit its severity. The first step is to stay out of the sun as much as possible and wear an effective sunscreen when exposed. Studies show that correct and consistent use of sunscreen can reduce melasma severity.

When preventing melasma, you may also want to ask your healthcare provider what types of medication can cause or worsen your condition. You may be able to find effective birth control pills, blood pressure medication, antibiotics, etc., that won't trigger melasma.

If you already have the condition, long-term management strategies include always using sunscreen to reduce severity. You'll also want to choose gentle, fragrance-free cosmetics and skincare products. Some prescription and over-the-counter products can help clear and reduce the appearance of melasma.

A plan for preventing melasma will also include focusing on natural, organic foods to help manage and even reduce your melasma. You'll want to start by eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. You'll also want to reduce processed and inflammatory foods in your diet, including fast food, junk food, flavour enhancers and artificial sweeteners.

Conclusion

Melasma is a common skin condition characterised by discoloured spots and patches on the skin. There are various causes including genetics, hormonal, and sun exposure. Diagnosis is based primarily on appearance. The effectiveness of melasma treatments depends on the type an individual has and the quality of treatments.

Neutriderm Clarifying Cream is an excellent option for treating melasma. The cream provides a pH-balanced formula that moisturises, soothes and helps reduces hyperpigmentation. Neutriderm offers a range of brightening, illuminating and hydrating products to keep your skin healthy and keep you happy.

FAQs

The following are some of the most FAQs regarding melasma.

What is melasma?

Melasma is a common condition caused by an overproduction of the pigment melanin.  It causes brown and greyish-blue patches on the skin. There are different types, such as epidermal, dermal and mixed.

Can melasma be treated?

Yes, several treatment options are available. Topical creams and lotions are often used. More extensive treatments sometimes include professional procedures such as laser treatments and chemical peels.

What is the best at-home cream for melasma?

Neutriderm Clarifying Cream contains a pH-balanced formula that provides effective treatment for melasma, sunspots and freckles. A high-quality melasma cream may help reduce melasma in women and men.