Melasma Uncovered: What Cause those Dark Spots?

Updated on: 02nd February, 2024

Have you ever looked in the mirror and noticed dark, patchy spots on your face that seem to have appeared out of nowhere? Are you looking for melasma treatment in Pune?

If so, you may be one of the many people struggling with melasma, a frustrating skin condition that can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender.

Melasma is a complex and often-misunderstood condition that causes dark, patchy spots to appear on the face. While not harmful to your health, melasma can be a source of frustration and embarrassment for many people. But what exactly causes those stubborn dark patches, and why are they so difficult to treat?

Melasma is a skin condition that causes patchy, brown or greyish-brown discolouration on the skin, typically on the face. It is a form of hyperpigmentation, which means that the affected areas of the skin produce more melanin than usual, resulting in darker patches of skin. Melasma can affect people of all skin types, but it is more common in women and individuals with darker skin tones.

The condition is more common in women than men and can be a source of frustration and self-consciousness. Melasma is usually harmless and doesn’t cause any physical symptoms, but it can significantly impact a person’s self-esteem and quality of life. The exact causes of melasma are not known. 

However, our expert dermatologist can help you to determine the cause and melasma treatment in Pune.

Melasma is related to the overproduction of melanin in certain areas of the skin. Melanin is the pigment that gives colour to our skin, hair, and eyes colour. It is produced by specialised cells called melanocytes, located in the skin’s outer layer.

In people with melasma, there is an increase in the number and activity of melanocytes in certain areas of the skin, resulting in characteristic brown or greyish-brown patches. The overproduction of melanin is thought to be triggered by a combination of factors, including hormonal changes, genetic predisposition, and exposure to UV radiation.

Let’s understand the trigger factors and causes of melasma.

Hormonal imbalance can be one of the significant causes of melasma in females. Hormones such as estrogen and progesterone have shown to stimulate melanin production. During pregnancy, the body undergoes significant hormonal changes, which can trigger the overproduction of melanin in certain areas of the skin, leading to the development of melasma.

In fact, melasma during pregnancy is sometimes referred to as a “pregnancy mask” because it typically affects the face in a pattern that resembles a mask.

Sun exposure is another significant trigger for the development of melasma. UV radiation from the sun can stimulate melanin production in the skin, leading to the characteristic brown or greyish-brown patches associated with melasma.

People with a family history of melasma are more likely to develop the condition. Genes can influence various aspects of skin physiology, including the number and activity of melanocytes, the production and distribution of melanin, and the skin’s response to UV radiation.

Variations in these genes could affect how melanin is produced and distributed in the skin, making some people more susceptible to melasma than others.

Thyroid dysfunction, particularly hypothyroidism, can also contribute to the development of melasma. Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone, which can lead to a range of symptoms, including fatigue, weight gain, and dark spots on the face.

Thyroid hormones play a role in regulating the production and distribution of melanin in the skin. A deficiency of these hormones can disrupt this process and contribute to the development of melasma. In addition, thyroid dysfunction can also lead to hormonal imbalances, another known risk factor for melasma.

While the exact mechanisms are not yet fully understood, stress has been suggested as one of the potential causes of melasma in men. Chronic stress has been linked to a range of hormonal imbalances, including increased cortisol levels, which can disrupt the normal functioning of melanocytes. Cortisol can stimulate melanin production, leading to hyperpigmentation and the formation of dark patches characteristic of melasma. 

In addition, stress can also weaken the immune system, making the skin more susceptible to damage from UV radiation and other environmental factors that can contribute to the development of melasma.

Birth control pills or other hormonal contraceptives increase the risk of developing melasma in some women. This is because these medications contain hormones, like estrogens, that can affect the production and distribution of melanin in the skin, leading to hyperpigmentation and the development of dark patches characteristic of melasma.

There are several medications that cause melasma, like anti-seizure medications, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and photosensitising medications in some people.

While makeup does not cause melasma, certain ingredients in makeup and skincare products may worsen the condition or make it more difficult to treat.

In addition, some skincare products that contain irritating ingredients or are too harsh for the skin can also exacerbate melasma symptoms. Skin irritation and inflammation are both known triggers for excessive melanin production.

Always consult your dermatologist before starting new skin product, especially if you have melasma or pigment prone skin

There are several melasma treatments in Pune are available now, although the effectiveness of each treatment can vary depending on the individual case and the underlying cause of the condition. Some common treatments for melasma include:

 Topical creams and gels that contain ingredients such as hydroquinone, azelaic acid, or kojic acid can be applied directly to the affected areas of the skin to help reduce hyperpigmentation and even out skin tone.

Chemical peels involve applying a chemical solution to the skin to remove the outer layers of damaged skin cells and promote the growth of new, healthy skin. This can help to reduce the appearance of melasma and improve skin texture.

Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive melasma treatment in Pune that uses a device to gently exfoliate the outer layers of the skin, reducing the appearance of melasma and other skin discolourations.

Laser melasma treatment in Pune involves using focused beams of light to target and break down the excess melanin in the skin. This can help reduce melasma’s appearance and promote the growth of new, healthy skin cells.