What is Melasma Skin Pigmentation and How Can I Treat It?

What is melasma skin pigmentation?

Melasma is a form of facial pigmentation stimulated by UV radiation and your natural circulating oestrogens. This form of skin pigmentation is stimulated by oestrogen from the contraceptive pill, pregnancy and hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Melasma skin pigmentation usually affects women more than men and can be found on sun-exposed areas of your face including:

• Cheeks
• Upper lip
• Forehead, and
• Bridge of the nose.

Most people who have hormonal skin pigmentation tend to have a more olive or dark complexion. Melasma can’t be permanently removed or cured, but it can be treated to minimise its effects.

Is there a hormonal reason for melasma?

Before the skin pigmentation on your face is treated, it’s important to determine if there are any reasons why your pigmentation has worsened. For example, a steep rise in oestrogen levels will stimulate excess melanin production – which results in hyperpigmentation of your skin.

Some hormonal factors which can contribute to melasma include:

Pregnancy

If you have been pregnant or had friends who are pregnant, you may have noticed dark, brown and blotchy patches of skin on your upper lips, forehead and cheeks. Melasma is present in 15% – 50% of expectant mothers. And if family members have had this skin pigmentation, it’s more likely you will also develop melasma.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding it is not recommended undergo skin treatments targeted at melasma, however you can adopt a preventative approach.

Oral contraceptives

If you’re taking oral contraceptives and notice blotchy brown patches appearing on your face, it’s recommended to consult with a dermatologist.

Hormone Replacement Therapy and Melasma

If you are on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and develop blotchy, brown skin symptoms of melasma, you will need to take extra care to:

• Use sunscreen throughout the day
• Stay out of the hot midday sun
• Wear a hat
• Consult with a dermatologist about an appropriate melasma pigmentation treatment for your skin.

Exposure to UV rays

The appearance of melasma on your face can turn darker with exposure to the sun. If you’re pregnant, on the contraceptive pill or hormone replacement therapy, you will need to apply sun protection cream in the morning and throughout the day. It’s also important to regularly wear a hat and sunglasses.

Melasma skin pigmentation treatment

When you’re looking for treatment options for your skin pigmentation, we suggest you consult with a dermatologist.

Treatments are a long-term commitment with no quick fixes, but there are multiple treatments and skin care options.

At Victorian Cosmetic Institute we do not treat melasma. We recommend having a consultation with a dermatologist.

Melasma skin pigmentation treatment when pregnant or breastfeeding

While hormonal skin pigmentation that has been caused by your pregnancy can be treated, the treatments aren’t suitable if you’re currently pregnant or breastfeeding. A consultation with a dermatologist will determine the most suitable treatment for you.

Home maintenance using skin care with the appropriate active ingredients is recommended whilst pregnant or breastfeeding. Pregnancy-safe skincare can be found on our online skincare store.