What Causes Melasma?

Patients may have many predisposing factors for the development of melasma but the universal trigger is the sun.  Although difficult, it is very possible to get absolutely no sun on the face.  This means wearing broad brimmed hats and sunscreen at all times when outside during the day. If melasma does develop, seek the help of a board certified dermatologist for a diagnosis, further workup if deemed necessary and a treatment regimen.

Melasma is normally a hormonal issue. Some skin discolorations are caused by over exposure to sun or heat (you can get hyperpigmentation from standing over a hot stove - this is sometimes a problem for those who work in restaurant kitchens) No matter what the root cauase of your melasma, being in the sun without sunscreen will make it worse. Melasma starts deep in the skin so a "fast" resolution is never as fast as someone hopes for. Stopping the production of excess melanin is a... more