3 Causes of Melasma

It can seem like women get all of the fun: monthly menstrual cycles, childbirth, and skin conditions like melasma. Melasma is a skin condition that is primarily prevalent in females and occurs when the color-making skin cells (melanocytes) produce too much color and leave patients with grey-brown or brown patches. Even though most patients get melasma on their face, some patients get it on their body as well. So, what is this unique skin condition and how is it caused?

Pregnancy

Melasma isn’t just called the pregnancy mask for no reason; it’s called that because it’s fairly common in pregnant women. Studies have shown that the influx of hormones during pregnancy is what leads to a melasma breakout. Luckily, it typically goes away after birth.

Hormones

Other patients get melasma due to hormones from things like birth control pills or other forms of hormone-based birth control. If you have recently started a new birth control pill and are experiencing signs of melasma, ask your doctor if you can switch pills.

Sun Exposure

Too much sun exposure can cause a variety of skin issues including melasma. When your skin is exposed to too much UV light, it can stimulate the melanocytes in your skin. Patients who have sun-induced melasma, often get flare-ups during the summer when they are spending a lot of time outside.

Skin Care Products

Your skin is one of the most sensitive organs on your body. Some patients experience melasma when they switch to a new skin care product that contains ingredients that may irritate it.

Schedule a Consultation

Having perfect skin is one of the things that everyone wants, but that very few people have. If you suffer from melasma, let our Skin & Laser Surgery Center office help you find relief from your symptoms. Schedule a consultation at one of our locations today!