Understanding Melasma: Is it just about hormones?

Melasma is a condition that can be pretty frustrating to deal with, but it’s not impossible to treat.

The first step to treating this common but often underdiagnosed condition is to understand what it is and how it happens.

That's why today I decided to give you some important facts about melasma, which can help you understand this condition better. 

What is melasma and what causes it?

To start with, melasma is a skin condition that causes irregular brown patches usually appearing on the face.

Melasma most likely occurs when pigment producing cells in the skin produce too much brown pigment.

It’s thought to also be partly related to changes in hormones.

Is melasma the same as hyperpigmentation?

Though there are some similarities, hyperpigmentation is mainly caused by sun damage, while melasma is a specific condition that causes areas of the skin to become blotchy and pigmented.

Change in hormones, stress, thyroid disease and reaction to certain medication and cosmetics are all known triggers.

Treating melasma

Step 1: Use sun protection

This is one of the most important lifestyle changes you can make for fewer melasma flares.

Because exposure to the sun creates more brown pigment in your skin, and even normal amounts of sun exposure can trigger melasma in your skin.

So, one of the key point in management of melasma is to use sun protection all the time, and to avoid other triggers.

Going out during sun’s peak hours (10 am to 5pm) in the summertime and 11am to 2pm in the wintertime is a no-go when it comes to melasma.

Using mineral sunscreen that protects you from both UVA and UVB rays is crucial and also far less irritating.

Product suggestion:

Our recently launched mineral sunscreen Antarctic Sun Defence will protect the skin from both UVA and UVB rays and improve already existing damage. 

Find out more about Antarctic Sun Defence

Step 2: Choose gentle skincare

When you’re dealing with melasma it’s important to choose skincare products that are gentle to the skin.

Chemicals in your skincare can make your skin more vulnerable to the sun, more prone to irritation or make melasma worse.

Product suggestion:

The Rose Youth Elixir is formulated to be a gentle all-natural solution that delivers results without irritating your skin.

Bakuchiol and Rosa Damascena oil help reduce the appearance of melasma and hyperpigmentation after continuous use.

Treat your skin with the Rose Youth Elixir