Why is my melasma getting darker?

Melasma typically darkens and lightens over time, often getting worse in the summer and better in the winter. Another, less common name for melasma, is chloasma. Although this disorder is completely harmless, it understandably makes some people feel self-conscious.

What causes melasma to darken?

Sunlight: When sunlight hits our skin, it triggers the body to produce more melanin. This seems to explain why melasma develops on skin that gets the most sunlight like skin on the face, neck, and arms.

Why is my hyperpigmentation getting darker?

What causes hyperpigmentation? Skin gets its color from a substance called melanin, which is made by skin cells. When those skin cells are damaged or unhealthy, they can produce too much melanin. The melanin can clump, causing that area to appear darker.

Why my melasma is increasing?

Hormones (including hormonal medications).

Fluctuations in certain hormones can cause melasma, which is why it commonly occurs during pregnancy. Melasma may also occur when you either start or stop hormonal contraception, including birth control pills, or when you take hormone replacement therapy, says Dr. Gilchrest.

Why does my melasma keep getting worse?

Ultraviolet light prompts melanocytes to churn out more melanin, which is why your melasma may get worse in the summer and better in the winter. This is also why even a small amount of time in the sun can make melasma return with a vengeance after it has faded.

Tips for Dark Spots, Hyperpigmentation, and Melasma

What deficiency causes melasma?

While melasma most often develops after prolonged sun exposure or during pregnancy due to fluctuating hormone levels, it may also be a sign of malnutrition or liver disease. Studies have linked melasma to people with poor liver function, vitamin B12 deficiency and iron deficiency anemia.

Does melasma get darker before it fades?

“People think it's going to fade—which it will do—but it won't do that without scrubbing away the cells and working on it. And sometimes it'll get darker before it gets lighter,” As with the night, it seems.

What helps lighten melasma?

What is the fastest way to cure melasma?

Chemical peels are also a great way of lightening melasma. Thanks to the glycolic acid that's available in a chemical peel, the first layer of skin that contains melasma will be peeled off. Another option is laser treatments. However, if you decide to opt for one, go for a restorative or fractional dual laser.

Why did my hyperpigmentation get worse?

What triggers hyperpigmentation? Triggers include sun exposure, hormonal changes, and trauma to the skin, for example, due to acne or an injury. Picking at scabs and spots may make it worse. Some face creams can irritate the skin, leading to further hyperpigmentation.

Why is my hyperpigmentation getting bigger?

Hyperpigmentation is caused by an increase in melanin. Melanin is the natural pigment that gives our skin, hair and eyes their color. A number of factors can trigger an increase in melanin production, but the main ones are sun exposure, hormonal influences, age and skin injuries or inflammation.

What hormone imbalance causes melasma?

Melasma is often associated with the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. It is common in: Pregnant women. Women taking birth control pills (oral contraceptives)

Can retinol remove melasma?

Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A, so retinol is very effective in treating melasma and dark spots, promoting outstanding effects when used on the skin.

What foods should be avoided with melasma?

So, when you want to eat something to treat melasma and freckles, eliminate suspected allergenic foods such as eggs, milk and dairy products, soy and soy products, wheat gluten , marine fish and shellfish, peanuts. For many people, melasma and freckles are hormonal triggers.

What are 3 different types of melasma?

Historically, melasma has been classified as having three histologic variants: epidermal, dermal, and mixed [1].

Why is my melasma not going away?

Most people with melasma do not need treatment. Melasma may fade away slowly if you stop taking birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy. If melasma appeared while you were pregnant, it may go away a few months after you have the baby. If melasma doesn't fade or it bothers you, it can be treated.

Do and don'ts of melasma?

What vitamins can I take for melasma?

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) for Melasma

Oral vitamin C supplements may help melasma by protecting the skin from the sun, neutralizing free radicals that cause skin inflammation and blocking the production of melanin pigment. I recommend taking 500mg of Ascorbic acid two times a day.

What color cancels melasma?

Peach or pink color concealers are highly effective in hiding hyperpigmented spots for light to medium skin tone. And, deeper orange or red color concealers can cover the dark spots for people with a darker complexion.

What is the difference between hyperpigmentation and melasma?

Hyperpigmentation refers to any discoloration of the skin — be it an acne scar, sun damage, freckles, age spots, or a condition like melasma. Melasma is a type of hyperpigmentation, but it typically stems from different causes, which means we have to treat it a little differently.

Does hydroquinone make spots darker first?

Hydroquinone is an organic compound that is highly effective in skin lightening. They have a whitening effect and treat hyperpigmentation on the skin. However, if used incorrectly, hydroquinone compounds can still make skin darkening and hyperpigmentation more severe and lasting.

How do you stop hyperpigmentation from spreading?