What Exactly is Melasma?

Sunlight Triggers Melasma

Individuals who develop melasma tend to spend a lot of time in the sun. Sunlight is not necessarily going to cause melasma in all cases, but it does make the issue more common. Melanocytes, the cells that develop skin color, are affected by the harsh UV rays produced by the sun. Because spending time outside during the summer can make faded melasma spots appear darker, those who notice their melasma fading over time will see it become more prevalent in warmer weather. Melasma does fade and can go away entirely, but it almost always returns to those who spend a lot of time outdoors.

Hormonal Changes Trigger Melasma

Melasma is not just a problem you develop when you spend too much time unprotected in the sun; it is also a prevalent issue for women who are going through hormonal changes, such as pregnancy. Women who are not expecting a child but are taking birth control pills or medication designed to replace missing hormones might notice their skin change as a result. When an expectant mother develops these spots on her skin, her doctor might refer to it as chloasma. Using beauty products that irritate the skin can also cause melasma to darken and become more noticeable over time. Though none of this is to say a woman who has hormonal issues is going to notice her skin changing.