What is Melasma?

Melasma is also referred to as "pregnancy mask" and such a common pigmentation disorder that causes symmetrical, blotchy, brownish facial pigmentation. The pigmentation is due to your melanocytes (a type of skin cell) over producing melanin, which is responsible for giving skin its color.

Melasma is not just limited to women but very low percentage of male cases have been reported. The most common areas it's found is on bridge of nose, upper lip, forehead and cheeks. It may also be found on the body as well especially areas heavy exposed to sunlight.

Melasma has a lot of different causes and potential triggers

Hormones

This also includes any hormonal therapy medications such as birth control or hormone replacement therapy. Fluctuations in certain hormones can cause melasma and is why it commonly occurs in pregnant women. For some when hormones stabilize the melasma can fade but for others it won't. This could be after delivery or stopping use of birth control.

Sun Exposure

Is a huge contributing factor whatever the underlying cause. Melasma is very easily activated and worsened by not only the sun's rays, but also heat and visible light. This is why it worsens in summer months and improves during winter.

Although Melasma can't be completely cured, it can be controlled

Since a main trigger is sun