A board-certified dermatologist is your best option for melasma treatment, so your face appears even-toned and healthy. Sun exposure, hormone changes, and genetics are three of the most common triggers of hyperpigmentation and melasma flare-ups.
There are two main causes of melasma: radiation, whether ultraviolet, visible light, or infrared (heat) light; and hormones. Ultraviolet and infrared radiation from the sun are key in making melasma worse.
Etiologic factors include genetic influences, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, pregnancy, hormonal therapies, cosmetics, phototoxic drugs, and antiseizure medications. Genetic predisposition may be a major factor in the development of melasma. Melasma is more common in females than in males.
"The sun is the major exacerbating factor, whatever the underlying cause." Melasma can be caused or worsened by not only the sun's rays, but also heat and visible light. This means that even sunscreens that protect against skin cancer aren't enough to ward off melasma, says Dr. Kourosh.
Avoiding direct sun exposure during peak hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), diligently using high-SPF sunscreens, and avoiding hormonal medications when possible may help protect against melasma flares and reduce their recurrence after treatment. Strict sun protection is the mainstay of any melasma treatment regimen.
Avoid the sun between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., which is the peak time for UV rays. Use only gentle soap or cleanser on your face. Do not rub your face hard. If your doctor prescribes or recommends face creams, use them exactly as directed.
Spicy Foods: Spicy foods can dilate blood vessels, leading to increased heat and redness in the skin. This can trigger or worsen melasma in individuals prone to the condition. Citrus Fruits: Citrus fruits are high in acidity, which can make the skin more sensitive to UV radiation.
What Deficiency Causes Melasma? Studies have proved that there is a link between vitamin B12 deficiency and melasma, which means a deficiency of vitamin B12 can cause melasma on the face. Iron deficiency anemia can also lead to melasma.
Stress causes the body to make more of the hormone cortisol. An increase in cortisol may trigger melasma. Tanning beds: A tanning bed or sunlamp tends to produce stronger ultraviolet (UV) rays than sunlight. When you expose your skin to UV light, it triggers the body to produce more pigment.
Tri-Luma (fluocinolone/hydroquinone/tretinoin) - Uses, Side Effects, and More. Overview: Tri-Luma is used to treat a condition called melasma, which is where colored areas appear on the face. Tri-Luma contains three medicines.
Conclusions: Full-face iontophoresis of vitamin C appears to be an effective short-term treatment for melasma and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. A protocol of strict sun avoidance in combination with a mandelic/malic acid skin care regimen appears to be useful in maintaining the improvement. J Drugs Dermatol.
It may be due to the malfunction of the melanocytes, which are cells in the skin that produce melanin. They may produce too much, causing patches of darker skin. People with medium to darker skin tones may be more likely to develop melasma because they have more melanocytes than people with lighter skin do.
Aloe vera is a fantastic melasma treatment at home, known for its soothing and healing properties. Applying fresh aloe vera gel to affected areas can help reduce pigmentation and improve overall skin health. Leave the gel on for 20-30 minutes before rinsing.
Stay out of hot places. Saunas, Jacuzzis, hot showers – anywhere that is designed to be and stay hot can worsen your melasma.
Prioritizing your skincare routine and using products containing niacinamide, vitamin C and alpha hydroxy acids are essential for helping hyperpigmentation fade over time, celebrity makeup artist, Marco Antonio says. Applying a daily SPF is recommended for preventing and diminishing the appearance of melasma.
Vitamin D has been demonstrated to be critical in the skin, including differentiation and proliferation of melanocytes. Our results suggest that patients with melasma, who have significantly lower levels of serum vitamin D than their healthy counterparts, may benefit from vitamin D supplementation.
Being in the sun or around a lot of light can make melasma worse because these lights make skin cells that create color (called melanocytes) more active, especially in people with brown or black skin. Even a little light, like from driving or walking in a parking lot, can trigger melasma.
Drinking alcohol and caffeine can dehydrate your skin, making melasma worse. Try to limit your alcohol and caffeine intake to help keep your skin healthy and improve the appearance of melasma.
Parsley Tea
Parsley has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help reduce the severity of melasma.
Retinol can reduce melasma by inhibiting the activity of melanocytes (the cells responsible for producing melanin). By modulating the skin's response to UV exposure and reducing tyrosinase enzyme activity, retinol helps reduce melasma pigmentation.
While retinol can enhance skin quality, its effectiveness in treating melasma can vary. It may help in some cases by promoting skin turnover and reducing pigmentation, but it's not a guaranteed solution for everyone.
Risk Factors for Developing 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.