Unveiling the Mysteries of Melasma
Only have a sec? Read the Quick Chat Summary below, or scroll down for the full article.
Quick Chat Summary
Melasma is a common skin condition that results in relatively symmetrical pigmented patches on the skin (usually the face). Melasma is most common among women of color, although both men and women of any background can develop melasma. Although the exact cause is not fully understood, it is accepted that there are likely multiple factors that play a key role including: sun exposure, inflammation, skin function abnormalities, genetics, and hormones. For personalized guidance and help finding a trusted medical skincare professional near you, click here.
Let’s Talk Melasma
In the world of skin conditions, melasma stands out as an enigma. Afflicting millions of people globally, it's similar to a complicated puzzle. Pieces of the mystery have been gradually put together, but some parts remain unsolved. Throughout my career as a medical esthetician, educator and consultant, I've studied the intricacies of melasma, and in this article I’ll summarize what I've learned.
-Veronica
veronica@letstalkskin.com
Demystifying Melasma
Imagine melasma as a peculiar artist that paints patches of pigment on the landscape of your skin, creating a unique pattern that varies from one person to another.
Melasma’s Canvas
While melasma isn't choosy, it does have a preference. Women of color, particularly of Hispanic, Asian, and Indian descent, find themselves as common subjects. Still, it’s important to remember, melasma can affect anyone, regardless of gender or racial background.
Melasma's Signature Style
If melasma were an artist, symmetry would be its signature style. Imagine a line drawn vertically from your hairline in the center of your forehead down the middle of your face to your chin - melasma creates a canvas of pigmented skin patches that roughly mirror each other on either side of this line.
Its designs can be categorized into four distinct patterns:
Centrofacial: The signature of melasma patterns, accounting for 50-80% of cases. Imagine symmetrical color splashes on the forehead, cheeks, chin, nose, and upper lip.
Mandibular: This pattern looks like symmetrical color strokes along the jawline and chin.
Malar: An emphasis on the cheeks.
Extra-Facial Melasma: Sometimes it ventures beyond the face, sketching on the neck, sternum, or forearms.
Under Different Names
Melasma goes by other names too. When it strikes during pregnancy, it's dubbed the 'Pregnancy Mask' or 'Chloasma.' The hormonal upheaval during this time offers the perfect setting for melasma to work its magic.
Causes
Melasma's creative process is a complex interplay of different factors and skin functions, not all of which are fully understood. However, the following factors have been identified:
Genetics: Evidence strongly suggests that melasma runs in the family.
Hormones: Hormonal fluctuations, such as during pregnancy or from oral contraceptives, are like a welcome invitation for melasma to join the party.
Sun exposure: Melasma thrives in sunlight. UV light triggers an overactive response in the skin, leading to melasma pigmentation.
Skin function abnormalities: Evidence shows abnormalities in the skin’s basement membrane cells trigger melasma.
Inflammation: Different types of inflammation lead to varying types of cellular and vascular skin pigmentation.
A Personal Note
While I don’t personally suffer from melasma, as a medical skincare professional, I do have a lot of experience treating it. And as someone who’s passionate about skin, I get excited whenever I read about new findings. The fact that there are still unknown factors that trigger melasma illustrates the breadth of our skin’s complexities, as well as the importance of a comprehensive skin care approach.
With all that we know about skin health, there is always more to learn. In my next article we’ll continue our exploration of melasma by discussing melasma treatment options.
Good Skin Days Ahead,
Veronica
For personalized guidance and help finding a trusted medical skincare professional near you, click here.
