Melasma: Hormonal Dark Spots

Melasma is the appearance of dark splotchy spots on your face or body, typically on the forehead, cheeks, and chin, caused by increased hormone response. Commonly seen during pregnancy, and once called the pregnancy mask, Melasma results in excess pigment that can be very frustrating to lighten.

A condition found most frequently on women of darker complexions, Melasma is characterized by a mask-like pattern on the face, but can be the cause of skin darkening anywhere on the body. Melasma is an inflammatory response to increased estrogen and progesterone causing the skin to stimulate the melanocytes causing them to ‘dump’ excess pigment. Linked to female sex hormones, we associate melasma with pregnancy and birth control, but there is a clear genetic link and can affect women and men of all skin colors.

When genetics are a factor, we must focus on the management of melasma, rather than a cure. There are professional treatment options, but prevention is key in successfully managing the condition as it is possible to worsen the problem faster than you can clear it.

Ways to prevent melasma:
• Protect your skin against the sun. UV exposure is a catalyst for skin darkening.
• Topical application of St. John’s Wort has shown to help keep Melasma at bay. For oral use, be sure to consult your doctor, because it has been known to block the absorption of iron.
• Use caution with bleaching creams, and avoid them altogether while pregnant. Bleaching creams are notorious for causing haloing when used to treat dark spots. They can create an overall lightening of the skin but often result in a lighter edge around pigmented spots that appear to highlight, or halo, the dark patch.
• Use Mineral SPF. Mineral sunscreens containing titanium dioxide or Zinc oxide have been shown to protect against skin darkening better than their chemical counterparts.
• Use a tyrosinase inhibitor. Tyrosinase is the enzyme that stimulates melanin production, daily use of ingredients shown to block this enzyme are extremely useful in preventing further darkening.
• Exercise patience. It is important to be patient in the treatment of Melasma, overly aggressive treatments can trigger increased inflammatory responses and potentially make matters worse.

There are help and support for your melasma and hyperpigmentation issues. Professional treatments and careful selection of homecare products are necessary to manage this condition. As a sufferer myself, I have spent years studying the different treatment methods for skin darkening. I would love to help you on your journey to a more even complexion, email me today to start your treatment plan.