Could Melasma Be Stress-Related?

Question

What started off as a small brown spot on my forehead a couple of years ago has now become a large very dark brown square with 2 smudges either side of my nose and a dark brown smudge above my top lip. I was wondering if this is linked to my high stress levels as it started to develop when I embarked on a university nursing course.

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Hello, please see below for treatment options. Melasma is a condition which requires multiple steps and treatments to effectively improve the condition consistently over time.  In our office, here are steps which are effective:
-Pico lasers- The best type of laser for improving the condition.  Please note it takes multiple steps to improve melasma safely
-Nd:YAG Nano lasers with toning- Here a laser is used for deeply resistant melasma to break up particles without generating excessive heat
-Melanage peels- A variety of peels can work and melanage is one of the best for melasma
-Skin topicals- A variety of products including use of lighteners (we prefer natural lighteners such as arubtase found in our product Luminoso) as well as sunscreens can help improve the condition
-Lifestyle choices-Avoiding the sun, hormonal changes (we have a hormone expert in Dr. Chughtai in our office) can all impact melasma.
While melasma is common, patients must understand a multi pronged approach is often the best strategy and controlling this condition.
Best, 
Anil Shah MD

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Melasma does have a stress component, as stress can affect cortisol and hormonal patterns in the body.  Sun exposure and hormones play an important role as well.  I use a Melaquin Skin Brightening protocol for the treatment of melasma, in addition to chemical peels and lasers in my Los Angeles office.

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hi London.  It is known that changes in hormonal levels can affect the appearance of Melasma.  There is also some research to indicate that Melasma and be linked to stress with the "release of MSH by the hypothalmus".  

	Besides hormonal changes, other triggers that can make Melasma worse are extreme heat and humidity and sun exposure.

Timothy G. Rodgers, MD, FAAD · Answer

Melasma is caused by excessive pigmentation in the skin, leading to brown patches on the face, usually in women.  Common triggers include pregnancy, hormonal contraception, and sun exposure.  There is no evidence that stress can worsen or cause melasma.  There are several effective treatment options for this often chronic skin discoloration.  Best of luck.

Edward Lack, MD (retired) · Answer

Stress does not increase the severity of melasma. Melasma is due to genetics, hormones, and sun exposure and is not worsened with anxiety, although anxiety does diminish quality of life.

Could Melasma Be Stress-Related?

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Answer: Melasma and Stress

Answer: Melasma and Stress

Answer: Stress does not increase the severity of melasma

Answer: Stress does not increase the severity of melasma

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Could Melasma Be Stress-Related?

Answers (5)

Answer: Melasma and Stress

Answer: Melasma and Stress

Answer: Stress does not increase the severity of melasma

Answer: Stress does not increase the severity of melasma

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.