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Melasma is a natural darkening of the skin on your face caused by excessive production of melanin — the pigment that causes your skin to tan. That's why the sun, which increases melanin production, usually makes your melasma worse.
Melasma can be mild, moderate or severe, depending on how much of your face is discolored and how much darker than normal your skin has become.
Melasma is usually caused by normal hormonal changes in women — during pregnancy or when taking birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy. Because of the way it looks when it usually occurs, melasma is sometimes called the "mask of pregnancy." Men can develop melasma, although it is rare. Melasma may be associated with the use of certain anti-epileptic drugs.
Melasma only occurs on the areas of your skin that are exposed to the sun. Exposure to the sun, even during normal daily activities, can further darken melasma. Read more about how the sun influences the color of your skin.
If you have darkened spots on your face and think it may be melasma, make an appointment with a dermatologist, a doctor who specializes in skin care. Locate a qualified dermatologist in your area with our
DermFinder®.
Who gets melasma?
Melasma is a common skin condition that occurs predominantly in women. In fact, about 6 million women are estimated to have melasma. Anyone can have it, though it seems to be more common in people with light brown skin, especially Hispanics and Asians.
If you're concerned about melasma, take our Melasma Check Test to find out if you're at risk.
Brighten Your Outlook
Many women suffer negative psychological and social feelings from having melasma, according to one recent study. "I feel flawed," said one woman. Another reported, "People focus on my skin, not on me." In fact, 82% of the women in the study felt embarrassed to some degree by their melasma.1
Fortunately, you don't have to live with melasma. There are different prescription and over-the-counter products that can be used alone or in combination to treat melasma. And there is a product that your dermatologist can prescribe to lighten your moderate-to-severe melasma quickly.
Do you know someone with melasma?
If you think you know someone who may have melasma, share the information you've learned with them by emailing this page to your friend.
1. Grimes P. Incidence and psychosocial implications of melasma. Presented at: American Academy of Dermatology; July 25-29, 2003; Chicago, Ill.
2. Levin S. Physician Drug and Diagnosis Audit; December 2002.
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