Digital Clinic for Skin & Hair Care That Works!

Menu
  • Home
  • Skin Care
  • Beauty
  • Health
Home
Skin Care
Understanding Melasma: Causes, Skincare Tips, and Treatment Solutions
Skin Care

Understanding Melasma: Causes, Skincare Tips, and Treatment Solutions

5 June 2025


What Is Melasma?

Melasma is a skin condition that causes dark patches or spots to appear, usually on the face. These patches can be gray, brown, or tan in color. Melasma is very common and affects both men and women.

It often appears on the cheeks, upper lip, forehead, or nose.

Sometimes, it also shows up on the neck, chest, and arms—areas that get a lot of sun. It is especially common during pregnancy and is sometimes called the “mask of pregnancy.”

The condition is not dangerous or painful, but it can be frustrating and hard to treat.

What Causes Melasma?

Melasma is caused by too much melanin, the natural pigment that gives your skin its color.Melanin is made by special skin cells called melanocytes. When these cells make too much melanin, it causes dark patches.

Several things can trigger this overproduction of melanin:

Sun exposure

Heat

Hormonal changes (like pregnancy or birth control pills)

Skin inflammation or injury

Certain medications or cosmetics

Genetics or family history

Sunlight is the biggest trigger for melasma because UV rays activate melanocytes. Even heat, such as from a hot shower or sauna, can make it worse.

Hormones also play a major role, especially in women during pregnancy or while using estrogen.

How Is Melasma Diagnosed?

You usually don’t need a biopsy or lab test to diagnose melasma. A doctor can often recognize it by looking at your skin and asking questions.

They may ask if you’re pregnant, using hormonal birth control, or spending lots of time in the sun.

Melasma is most often diagnosed based on:

The location of the dark patches

Your hormone history (pregnancy, estrogen, etc.)

The patch color and pattern

Your history of sun or heat exposure

No signs of skin injury or inflammation in the area

Melasma patches are usually symmetrical—meaning they appear on both sides of your face. They often have a soft-edged, blotchy appearance.

Types of Melasma

Melasma appears in different patterns depending on where it shows up on the skin.

Here are the main types:

Centrofacial Melasma

Most common type.

Affects forehead, nose, cheeks, and upper lip.

Malar Melasma

Found mostly on the cheeks and nose.

Mandibular Melasma

Shows up along the jawline.

Lateral Cheek Pattern

Affects both cheeks on the sides of the face.

Neck Melasma

Appears on the sides or back of the neck.

Brachial Melasma

A rare type that shows up on the shoulders or upper arms.

Melasma Mustache

A “melasma mustache” is when the dark patch forms right above the upper lip. It can look like a faint brown or gray shadow, similar to a mustache.

This is a common form of melasma that many women notice during pregnancy or from sun exposure. Other conditions can also cause darkening above the lip, so diagnosis is important.

These include:

Perioral dermatitis – a red, bumpy rash around the mouth

Lip licking dermatitis – caused by frequent lip licking

Eczema – dry, itchy patches around the mouth

Photosensitivity reactions – caused by perfumes or cosmetics and sun exposure

Melasma and Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)

Melasma must be distinguished from other forms of hyperpigmentation like PIH. PIH occurs after an injury, inflammation, or rash leaves a dark mark behind.

PIH can also appear on the upper lip and look like melasma.

Your doctor will look at your skin’s history and pattern of spots to tell the difference.Melasma in Darker Skin Tones

Melasma is more noticeable in darker skin tones due to increased melanin. Dark skin has more pigment cells, so melasma patches may appear darker and more resistant to treatment.

It can also lead to a “halo effect” after treatment. This is when the treated spot lightens faster than the surrounding skin, creating a light ring around the dark patch.

Special care must be taken to avoid over-lightening the skin in people with darker complexions. Gentle products and the right skincare plan are very important for treatment success.

The Role of the Gut in Melasma

Recent studies suggest the gut microbiome might affect skin health, including melasma.The gut helps regulate hormones, including estrogen.

If the gut bacteria are out of balance, estrogen may not be broken down correctly. Some gut bacteria produce an enzyme called β-glucuronidase, which increases estrogen in the body.

This excess estrogen may lead to melasma. People with melasma have been found to have more of certain gut bacteria like Collinsella spp. and Actinomyces spp.

These bacteria are involved in hormone regulation and estrogen reabsorption. Researchers are still studying how gut health affects melasma, but it’s an exciting area of skincare science.

Why Is Melasma So Hard to Treat?

Melasma is difficult to treat for several reasons:

It’s triggered by everyday factors like sun, heat, and hormones. Our face is constantly exposed to light and heat. There is no permanent cure—only ways to manage and fade the patches.

If you stop treatment or stop protecting your skin, melasma can come back. Even with good skincare habits, it can take weeks or months to see improvement.

Consistency is key, and sun protection is the most important step.

Melasma on the Chest

Melasma can show up on the chest, but it’s not very common. More often, dark spots on the chest are caused by:

Phytophotodermatitis – a reaction from plant substances like limes, celery, or figs and sun exposure

Fragrance or cologne – certain scents make skin more sun-sensitive

Cosmetic or chemical reactions

Check the pattern of the spots. If they look like drips or fingerprints, a substance may have caused the reaction. Avoid scented products and apply sunscreen to the chest every day.

Melasma on the Back

Melasma is rare on the back unless you spend a lot of time shirtless in the sun. If you have dark spots and also feel itching on your back, it could be something else.

Notalgia paresthetica (NP) is a nerve-related condition that causes itching in the upper back.The constant scratching or rubbing causes dark patches that may look like melasma.

In this case, treating the itch and healing the skin barrier is more important than using skin-lightening products.Try calming creams, anti-inflammatory ingredients, and antihistamines for relief.

Emotional Effects of Melasma

Melasma doesn’t just affect your skin—it can also affect how you feel.Many people with melasma feel self-conscious or embarrassed about their appearance.

It can lower self-esteem and cause emotional stress. Studies show that melasma is linked to anxiety and depression in some people.

That’s why it’s important to treat not just the skin, but also support confidence and emotional well-being.

Melasma Treatment Tips

There is no cure for melasma, but you can control it with the right skincare routine.

Here are essential steps:

Sun Protection

Wear SPF 30 or higher every day. Reapply often if you’re outdoors.

Avoid Heat

Hot showers, saunas, and warm environments can make melasma worse.

Use Brightening Products

Look for ingredients like niacinamide, azelaic acid, tranexamic acid, and vitamin C.

Try Prescription Creams

A doctor might prescribe hydroquinone, tretinoin, or a triple combination cream.

Chemical Peels or Lasers

These may help but must be used carefully—especially on darker skin types.

Avoid Hormone Triggers

Talk to your doctor if your birth control may be contributing to melasma.

Balance Gut Health

Probiotics and a healthy diet may support skin health from the inside out.

Final Thoughts

Melasma is a common, stubborn skin condition caused by too much pigment production. It can be triggered by sun, heat, and hormones, and is more difficult to treat in people with darker skin.

Although there’s no permanent cure, it can be managed with a combination of lifestyle changes and the right skincare. If you’re dealing with melasma, don’t lose hope.

With patience, consistency, and the right approach, you can fade dark patches and restore confidence in your skin. Let us help you build a skincare routine tailored to your skin type and melasma needs.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
Share
Tweet
Email
Prev Article
Next Article

Related Articles

Liquid Facelift: Non-Surgical Skincare Solution for Youthful Appearance

Liquid Facelift: Non-Surgical Skincare Solution for Youthful Appearance

Why Dermatologists Are Recommending Hazelnut Oil for Skin Health

Why Dermatologists Are Recommending Hazelnut Oil for Skin Health

Recent Posts

  • Can You Mix Vitamin C and Azelaic Acid Safely?
    Can You Mix Vitamin C and Azelaic …
    27 June 2025 0
  • Clear Skin Routine: Salicylic, Niacinamide, and Hyaluronic Explained
    Clear Skin Routine: Salicylic, Niacinamide, and Hyaluronic …
    27 June 2025 0
  • Salicylic Acid and Acne: Skincare Truths You Should Know
    Salicylic Acid and Acne: Skincare Truths You …
    27 June 2025 0
  • Clearer, Brighter Skin: Retinol and Azelaic Acid Combo
    Clearer, Brighter Skin: Retinol and Azelaic Acid …
    26 June 2025 0
  • Retin-A + Mandelic Acid: Safe Skincare Combo?
    Retin-A + Mandelic Acid: Safe Skincare Combo?
    26 June 2025 0

Popular Posts

  • Clearer, Brighter Skin: Retinol and Azelaic Acid Combo
    Clearer, Brighter Skin: Retinol and Azelaic Acid …
    26 June 2025 0
  • Frankincense for Skin: Natural Anti-Aging and Healing Benefits
    Frankincense for Skin: Natural Anti-Aging and Healing …
    28 May 2025 0
  • The Skincare Power of Macadamia Oil Explained Simply
    The Skincare Power of Macadamia Oil Explained …
    28 May 2025 0
  • Vampire Facelifts: Natural Skin Rejuvenation for Firmer Glow
    Vampire Facelifts: Natural Skin Rejuvenation for Firmer …
    28 May 2025 0
  • Which Moisturizer Wins? Vanicream or CeraVe for Your Skin
    Which Moisturizer Wins? Vanicream or CeraVe for …
    28 May 2025 0

Digital Clinic for Skin & Hair Care That Works!

Copyright © 2025 Digital Clinic for Skin & Hair Care That Works!
Theme by MyThemeShop.com

Ad Blocker Detected

Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors. Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.

Refresh