Skin discoloration 101: what is melasma?

melasma is a specific skin care concern that falls under the broader umbrella hyperpigmentation. Although it is often referred to as the "pregnancy mask" due to its prevalence among pregnant women, many people, pregnant or not, may experience this form. change in skin color. Keep reading to learn more about melasma, including what it is, what causes it, and how to treat it.

What is melasma?

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, melasma is characterized by brown or gray patches on the skin. While discoloration is associated with pregnancy, expectant mothers are not the only ones who may be affected. People of color with deeper skin tones are more likely to develop melasma because melanocytes (skin color cells) are more active in their skin. And although it is less common, men can also develop this form of discoloration. It most often appears on areas of the face that are exposed to sunlight, such as the cheeks, forehead, nose, chin, and upper lip, but can also appear on other parts of the body, such as the forearms and neck. 

How to treat melasma 

Melasma is a chronic condition and therefore cannot be cured, but you can reduce the appearance of dark spots by incorporating a few skin care tips into your daily routine. The first and most important thing is sun protection. Because the sun can make dark spots worse, be sure to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day—yes, even on cloudy days. We recommend La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen with SPF 100 because it provides maximum protection and is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive.

You can also include skin care products that help reduce the appearance of skin discoloration and even out skin tone overall, such as SkinCeuticals Discoloration Defense. This is a dark spot correction serum that can be used daily. It contains tranexamic acid, kojic acid and niacinamide to even out and brighten the complexion. That being said, if you're not noticing that your spots are getting lighter despite daily use of SPF and dark spot corrector, it's best to consult a dermatologist to discuss the treatment plan that's best for you.